“For the rest of my life, I’ll remember how Chancellor Blank treated me with dignity, kindness, and respect,” said Odyssey alum Char Braxton, who attended the chancellor’s memorial service and spoke to the chancellor many …
UW Odyssey Project celebrates 20 years of transformation through education
When Corey Saffold applied for the UW Odyssey Project in 2005, he had no idea it would change his life. Prior to attending Odyssey — an award-winning University of Wisconsin–Madison educational access program — he’d …
Creating a Class Cape with the Chazen
UW–Madison’s Chazen Museum of Art has been a longtime partner of the Odyssey Project, from hosting our 10th and soon, our 20th–anniversary celebration to welcoming Odyssey students to campus for 20 years to view and …
Odyssey alumni reflect on the power of writing
Five Odyssey alumni share their purpose in their role as writers and the power of using their words to change the world.
Instructors old and new ponder what makes Odyssey ‘magical’
Jean Feraca, Kevin Mullen, and Erin Celello share insights about the program’s impact and some favorite teaching moments.
UW Odyssey to help veterans transition into college with ‘Beyond Wars’ program
The Odyssey Project will start a new initiative specifically for veterans, named Odyssey Beyond Wars. It joins the project’s umbrella of offerings, which includes the original Odyssey Project, which serves people with financial or other …
Odyssey Beyond Bars: Communities benefit from prison education program
This article is part of a series celebrating 20 years of the Odyssey Project. Follow along as we remember where we’ve been and look forward to where we’re going. After serving 38 years in …
One year out: OBB alum pursues graduate degree, community mentorship
In December 2021, alum Robert Taliaferro had a lot to look forward to. He was celebrating the end of a successful semester with Odyssey Beyond Bars, writing a feature for the Prison Journalism Project — and completing the last of his 38 years in prison.
Correcting the Narrative: Celebrating community success stories
At Odyssey Beyond Bars, we know that connecting people with high-quality education in prison equips them with tools for lifelong success — and we were thrilled to celebrate some of those successes at the Second Annual Correcting the Narrative Awards.
UW CHEP director’s letter – November 2022
Our alums remind us that returning home isn’t easy, and successes are sometimes interrupted by setbacks. Ongoing support is key to making sure the good days outnumber the bad. Our new Odyssey Beyond Bars Success Coach, Mike Exum, helps students navigate the inevitable struggles of reentry and provides a voice of encouragement in tough times.