overcoming adversity and achieving dreams through higher education
Odyssey students who had Carrie Bohman as their Social Studies teacher at Madison West High School do a double take when they enter Odyssey’s classroom a few years later and see her twin, Odyssey’s academic advisor, Christine Cina. How did these first-gen twin sisters from a small town in central Wisconsin both end up with …
Although it has been over two years since Em lost her father, she continues to struggle to handle her parents’ estate. Holding back tears, she notes, “Before January 2023, I don’t think I could have told you one thing about what ‘probate’ meant, and now it’s something that I think about almost daily. If you …
We mark August as “National Make a Will Month” by profiling one of our donors who has earmarked funds for Odyssey. “I know that by leaving 75% of my estate to Odyssey through my will, I support a program that helps those in poverty to achieve freedom through education.” Janine Edwards calls Odyssey “one of …
More about Albert, Krista, and Hedi Albert Watson, graduate of Odyssey’s Class of 2008, now serves as the interim juvenile court superintendent for Dane County, building on over a decade of work in the juvenile court system helping at-risk youth turn their lives around. The Joshua Clauer “None in the Gap” award he won was …
“This was the most amazing and eye-opening experience I have ever had,” said Adrianne, and classmate Mickey noted, “I am grateful that Odyssey built a bridge that helped me return to education. We will all rise.” The Class of 2025 did all rise on May 7 — literally rising to the podium at the UW …
Odyssey Junior celebrates beautiful moments “I can’t wait for Wednesdays when I get to attend Mommy’s school,” says one of our Odyssey Junior kids. While the adults attend class, their children — ranging from newborns to teens — fill our Odyssey space with the sound of laughter and learning. They receive new books, meet authors, …
What better time to celebrate Odyssey’s resilient women students than March, known as International Women’s History Month and a time to honor trailblazers? Our own alumnae exemplify the spirit of resilience and determination that this month commemorates. You’ve read about Sahira, who persevered past barriers to pursue dreams of becoming a teacher. Below, meet Mai …
OBB’s first course for incarcerated women welcomed 12 students at Taycheedah Correctional Institution as new Badgers. The students, who ranged in age from 25 to 55, quickly identified something they all had in common: a passion for lifelong learning. Many shared they had spent years on waitlists for educational programming before being accepted to OBB. …
An Interview with Odyssey supporter Dr. Keith Meyer Why have you chosen to donate so much money to the Odyssey Project? I have watched this wonderful program grow and flourish over the 22 years since Emily (my wife) got it organized and functioning. I have seen firsthand how this program blossomed and really has …
“Why vote?” asked Odyssey alum Blanca Laine, calling on fellow indigenous people to exercise a freedom denied their ancestors. In an effort to encourage increased voter participation and the understanding of voting, the Odyssey Project invited students, alumni, and the Madison community to come register to vote, get information about where and how to vote, …