Inclusive Excellence
Creating Community at UW–Madison

Twenty-five years of PEOPLE excellence

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As the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement (DDEEA) celebrates its 15th anniversary, recognizing a decade and a half of powering the work of community, access, and belonging, we’re also marking a significant milestone of a program central to the Division’s success. The Precollege Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence (PEOPLE), a pillar of inclusive excellence, is celebrating 25 years of empowering Wisconsin high school students to achieve their college dreams.  

This milestone represents more than just a number; it symbolizes PEOPLE’S unwavering commitment to making higher education accessible and equitable. PEOPLE has played a vital role in opening doors for underrepresented youth, creating brighter futures for thousands of students–over 1,200 every year. As we honor these achievements, we also look forward to continuing our support of the next generation in their educational journeys. 

Twenty-Five Years of PEOPLE Excellence 

PEOPLE’s interim director, Kia Hunter, describes the program as “UW–Madison’s premier college access and success scholarship pathway program designed for low-income and potential first-generation college students. PEOPLE prepares middle and high-school students to become strong college candidates, guiding them through the application process for admission to Universities of Wisconsin campuses, with a particular focus on UW–Madison. Once admitted, PEOPLE’s College Success Center ensures that scholars progress toward graduation while enriching their college experience in intellectual, social, personal, and professional dimensions.   

Founded in 1999 by a group of distinguished university leaders, including Akbar Ali, Paul Barrows, Cleveland James, Walter Lane, Ruby Paredes, and David Ward, PEOPLE was a direct result of Plan 2008, which aimed to increase the representation and academic success of underrepresented populations on campus.   

A Legacy of Opportunity and Success 

Beginning with just 66 students from Milwaukee Public Schools in its inaugural year, PEOPLE now serves over 1,200 Wisconsin students from both the Madison Metropolitan School District and the Milwaukee Public Schools District—an incredible twentyfold growth. This expansion underscores the profound impact of the program. On average, PEOPLE serves 750 precollege and 425 collegiate scholars each year. The program has evolved significantly, expanding from one singular residential summer program to four summer university series (three residential and one commuter) and offering year-round services through its College Success Center and at its Academic Centers for Enrichment in Madison and Milwaukee.  

Celebrating Scholars and Alumni Success 

PEOPLE’s commitment to its scholars has yielded remarkable outcomes. Many of their current students pursue post-secondary education, are winners of prestigious grants and awards, and have been selected for specialized programs and study abroad opportunities:  

  • Kendra Anderson, Letters and Science Summer of Excellence in Research 2024  
  • Leonardo Covarrubias, Alliant Energy Errol B. Davis Jr. Achievement Award 2024  
  • Michelle Drane, Linguistics Department travel grant 2025  
  • Ashlie Hewett, studied abroad at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea 2024  
  • Boa Hoang, studied abroad at the National University of Singapore 2024  
  • Miriam Rodriguez Jimenez, Letters and Science Summer of Excellence in Research 2024  

 

Notable PEOPLE alumni include:  

  • Rodney Lynk, CEO of Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy    
  • Shanee McCoy, Director of Inclusion for University Schools of Milwaukee    
  • Aaron Olson, NASA Researcher, Co-Founder of NovoMoto  
  • Allen Roman, Postdoctoral Researcher at Argonne National Laboratory  

Recognizing the Staff Behind the Success 

The success of PEOPLE scholars is a testament to the dedicated staff who guide them. The team is composed of highly qualified individuals committed to maximizing every scholar’s academic and leadership potential. Some of their exceptional staff include:  

Looking Ahead: PEOPLE’s Vision for the Future 

Beyond the impact that PEOPLE has had on educational opportunities for the state of Wisconsin, Hunter has plans to continue to raise the bar, stating, “My vision for the future of the PEOPLE Program is to become a national example of how to operate a to-and-through college access program successfully.” This vision is not just a goal but a promise of continued inclusive excellence and innovation in the years to come.