overcoming adversity and achieving dreams through higher education
Odyssey Beyond Bars (OBB) is now operating in four prisons across the state, and as we and other prison-based programs expand, we often encounter the same question from our students as they contemplate their academic journeys: “What’s next?” For some lucky students, the next steps are clear. The prison where they live might offer an …
“I’m just so honored to support the Odyssey Project,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin last month when she visited Odyssey’s home in South Madison, adding that she felt “proud to bring home $500,000 in new federal funds to help adults facing economic barriers to college.” Senator Baldwin praised Odyssey’s “whole family approach” to breaking the cycle …
Odyssey Now completing its 19th year, Odyssey offers a free, transformational two-semester UW course for 30 students each year to explore literature, philosophy, history, art, music, and writing. “My mother and sister both graduated from the Odyssey Project, and I am next in line. I hope one day my daughter will join the Odyssey Project …
Will you sponsor one or more of our 30 Odyssey Project graduates this year as they receive UW–Madison credits during another difficult year? While reading Plato, studying Frida Kahlo, and acting out scenes from Lorraine Hansberry, students have contracted COVID themselves; others have lost loved ones and fought against depression, homelessness, and unemployment. Show them …
“The Odyssey Program has an impressive track record of transforming lives through higher education,” says UW College of Letters and Science Dean Eric Wilcots. Continuing Studies Dean and Vice Provost for Lifelong Learning Jeffrey Russell concurs, noting “Odyssey is emblematic of education at its best.” Because Odyssey offers nontraditional students the opportunity to earn 6 …
Near the outbreak of the pandemic, Odyssey moved its offices into the new, larger UW South Madison Partnership space and created the Odyssey Family Learning Center. This semester, Odyssey alumni are earning more UW credits in a supportive community. “Odyssey students are among the most talkative and engaged students I’ve ever taught,” notes Nidia Bañuelos, …
“The Odyssey Project has helped me rediscover parts of myself and has been a beautiful gem in tumultuous times,” writes Jonathon, one of 30 students nearing the end of the two-semester journey for the Class of 2022. Like spring flowers pushing through the snow, radiant smiles emerged from under N95 masks as Odyssey families in …
“I’ve never in my life felt so free as I have felt taking this class.” —Mark, Odyssey Beyond Bars student in English 100 at Oakhill, fall 2021 On a bright, cold day in December, more than 50 guests gathered at Oakhill Correctional in person and by Zoom to celebrate another successful semester of Odyssey Beyond …
“Look around. You may not know each other yet, and this situation will test your comfortability, but you’ll all discover a community within yourselves.” — from “A letter to next year’s class,” by Danny, Odyssey Beyond Bars student in English 100 at Oakhill, fall 2021 By leaps and bounds. That’s the best way to characterize …
UW System has received a transformative $5.6 million grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to establish degree and certificate programs in state prisons, with the goal of preparing more students for professional success when they leave prison. The grant project will build on the success that Odyssey Beyond Bars and other UW programs …