Resources
UW–Madison provides a variety of resources for first-generation and limited-income undergraduate and graduate students. While some program benefits are exclusive to a program’s cohort, staff remain dedicated to supporting the success of first-generation students and can serve as a mentor/resource. Learn more at the websites linked below.
Resources for students
Center for Academic Excellence (CAE)
Available to all Letters & Sciences students
Offers an enriching, inclusive community for low-income, rural, and/or first-gen students in Letters & Sciences (L&S)
Office of Student Financial Aid Success Services
Available to all UW–Madison students
Facilitates student success skills with coaching, mentoring, Basic Needs support, and workshops
First-Generation students abroad
Available to all UW–Madison students
Provides advice and resources to first-generation students who are also the first in their families to study abroad
Office of Student Assistance and Support (OSAS)
Available to all students
OSAS is the main point of contact to connect students with the appropriate campus support when they are facing personal challenges
Basic needs support
Managed by the Office of Student Financial Aid
Whether you’re looking for food assistance, health services, or more, explore resources to support meeting your basic needs
Badger Promise
Managed by the Office of Student Financial Aid
Provides financial assistance (including grants and scholarships) to first-generation, Wisconsin-resident, transfer students
BANNER (Badger Aid for Non-Residents)
Managed by the Office of Student Financial Aid
Provides financial assistance (including grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans) to out-of-state, limited-income students
McNair Scholars Program
Application required
Beginning in undergraduate years, bridges the transition to graduate education while working to increase the number of underrepresented students earning a PhD
Center for Educational Opportunity (CeO)
Application required
Empowers eligible students through holistic advising, campus resources, and by fostering a supportive campus climate
Parent and Family Program (PFP)
Available to families and supporters of UW–Madison students
Shares resources to support student success throughout college
#FirstGenBadger
Know a resource for first-generation and limited-income Badgers?
Resources for families
Hear about campus resources, ways students find community, and key information on navigating UW–Madison from speakers within the Parent and Family Program, Center for Academic Excellence (CAE), Precollege Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence (PEOPLE) program, and Center for Educational Opportunity (CeO).