overcoming adversity and achieving dreams through higher education
“Odyssey is a journey I need to complete so I can overcome fears and make a new life for myself,” Michelle wrote on her final assignment for 2020. Classes for the second half of our two‑semester Odyssey Project course will begin January 27, with students eager to continue their life‑changing adventure. Having shared writing about …
As a new member of the prestigious UW System Board of Regents, Odyssey alum Corey Saffold advocated to make Odyssey part of the agenda. Corey was joined on November 5 by Odyssey Codirectors Emily Auerbach and Kevin Mullen, Odyssey Beyond Bars Director Peter Moreno and alumna Keena Atkinson in presenting to the Board of Regents. …
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, December 24 2020
Despite unimaginable hardship, students in all four parts of our program — Odyssey, Odyssey Junior, Onward Odyssey and Odyssey Beyond Bars — have triumphed this semester as they learned with us online. Adults in the Class of 2021 brought to life Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, penned letters in the style of Frederick Douglass and imagined Ebenezer …
“My ultimate goal — but that’s in a year or two or three years — is to have one prison turn into an educational institution,” Thompson said. “And instead of having a swinging door coming in and going out and coming back, I want this to be an educational opportunity,” he said. “So, when you leave prison, you’re …
Please refer to pages 7-8 for Odyssey Beyond Bars “One of the most significant outcomes following the decennial U.S. Census is the process of redistricting, which redraws state legislative and congressional district boundaries for electoral purposes. A fair, accurate, and detailed count of who lives where is also essential in determining the distribution of billions …
‘Empty Stocking is literally delivering Christmas to some families’ GAYLE WORLAND For the State Journal The Empty Stocking Club, a Wisconsin State Journal charity for children since 1918, is funded by the generous donations of readers and community members to assure that no child goes without at least one brand-new, high-quality toy at Christmas, regardless …
“In this season of goodwill, donations of time and money are needed now more than ever. The economic fallout from the pandemic has touched all of us, but very disproportionately. Witness recent market highs that will benefit a fortunate slice of society while many struggle mightily. To mention one example that I know well, earlier …
After a childhood of homelessness, abuse and teen pregnancy, Shanita Lawrence found herself incarcerated at age 18 and separated from her young son. “I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for the obstacles I’ve overcome, good and bad,” Shanita observed. She was honored on November 21 with a Transformation Award from MOSES, …
We celebrate Thanksgiving this year at a time of hardship and heartbreak. Our UW Odyssey Project team wants to take a deep breath and share what makes us feel grateful and hopeful. We remain thankful for: 1. The resillience of our students As we gather online each week with our Odyssey, Onward Odyssey, Odyssey Junior, and Odyssey …