We help PEOPLE Students progress toward high school graduation and prepare them for an enriching college experience.
When students enroll in 8th grade, they are assigned a Precollege Advisor (PCA). The PCA works in partnership with the student, guiding them to successful high school graduation and completion of the precollege program. 94% of precollege students who complete our program enroll in higher education. We aim to help students be attractive to UW-System Institutions, helping them to receive college admissions offers. The precollege program works with students to build competency in four areas:
- Build and Master Academic Knowledge
- Build Cognitive Skills and Strategies
- Build Self-Management Skills
- Build Knowledge about College through Experiential Learning
All precollege students have access to PEOPLE’s Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE) sites during the academic year. ACE sites provide tutoring and enrichment that supports PEOPLE’s four competencies and fosters a sense of positive peer pressure which creates a college-going culture. Students have quarterly advising sessions with their assigned Precollege Advisor to set annual goals and review outcomes.
PEOPLE Precollege Journey
Eighth Grade
Upon enrollment in PEOPLE Precollege, students will attend PEOPLE Summer University I, a workshop series designed to prepare students and parents to enter high school. We'll get you ready for the next step.
Freshmen & Sophomores
After our students enter high school, PEOPLE adjusts its programming to meet their immediate needs. Throughout the school year, homework mentoring is available at our ACE sites. We'll visit UW campuses together and learn more about college.
Juniors
When Juniors join us during the summer, they participate in our College and Career Kickstart Program. This program includes an internship with a campus or community partner. We prepare you for your intended career path.
Seniors
We hate to say goodbye, but we love seeing our Seniors succeed. For soon-to-be college freshman, we offer support to help students finish senior year strong and transition to college. At UW, we have a staff of College Advisors, ready to help.
Guiding Principles
Academic Knowledge
Assist students in after-school sites and during summer residential program to learn the key pieces of academic content necessary to prepare for college life at a top research university.
Self-Management Skills
Create a sense of self-management by encouraging students to advocate for themselves and their peers while providing a supportive and forgiving environment for their personal development.
Cognitive Strategies
Empower students to be critical thinkers and develop meta-cognitive strategies to be resilient through difficult situations and provide resources that help students with their social emotional competence.
Experiential Learning
Promote the exploration of career paths and potential majors by providing real-world experiences for students as they decide what they want to do with their college education before they arrive at a university.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Am I eligible for PEOPLE Precollege?
The Precollege Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence (PEOPLE) is a precollege pipeline scholarship program. To apply, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Must be an 8th grader who intends to enroll in a partnership school in 9th grade. See a list of partnership schools here.
- MMSD students must have a 2.75 minimum GPA.
- MPS students must be proficient in most subjects, based on MPS standards-based grading.
- Priority given to economically disadvantaged according to federal USDA guidelines.
What should I consider before I apply to PEOPLE?
- Participating in PEOPLE requires a large time commitment. You should be prepared for a year-round college preparation program that requires up to 8 hours a week during the school year and 2 to 5 weeks during the summer.
- Be ready to find your balance! Program staff fully encourage students to be well-rounded citizens, PEOPLE’s priority will always be making sure participants are solid in their academics. Being a PEOPLE participant will limit your ability to participate in sports, after school clubs, working a job, and participating in community activities.
- Meeting all eligibility requirements for admission to PEOPLE does NOT guarantee admission in PEOPLE.
- Your participation in the PEOPLE program does NOT guarantee Admission to the UW-Madison or any UW-System School or college.
When does the PEOPLE Application open and when will applications be reviewed?
The PEOPLE Application opens at the end of January each year. Our admissions process will likely be completed in May each year.
How can I apply for PEOPLE?
Apply online after the PEOPLE Application opens. Paper applications are not accepted.
How can I upload my essay?
You can copy/paste your essay from your original document to the text box provided on the application or upload your essays online in PDF or .docx formats.
How do I know that I am eligible for Free or Reduced Lunch?
Applicants from the Milwaukee Public School district all receive Free or Reduced Lunch. However, your eligibility is determined by your income, regardless of eligibility for Free or Reduced Lunch. Please see this guide for more details.
What if I have a foster parent? Whose information should I use–my foster parents’ or the birth parents’?
Use the information of the parents or guardians legally responsible for your care.
What if I do not fit the race categories listed?
Choose “Other (Please specify)” and type in the race(s) you identify as.
What if I do not consent for my school district to share grades with PEOPLE?
If you did not give consent for your school district to share your grades, attendance records and free/reduced lunch status, you will have to email those documents directly to the program. Submissions must be in PDF or .docx formats.
The application period is closed and PEOPLE finds that my application is not complete. Can I send the missing materials now?
No, we will not accept late materials.
What if I sent materials on-time, but for some reason you don’t have it. If I provide proof of sending, such as an email or fax confirmation, will my students application be considered?
Yes, we will consider those materials.
What if my mailing address and my permanent address are different?
Please use the address where you would like to receive information about your application status. If you anticipate your address changing during the application process, please notify our office as soon as possible.
How is my application reviewed?
An admissions committee reviews all completed, on-time applications that meet our minimum requirements. The committee uses a holistic admissions process. The most common reason students are not admitted is lack of space, not sub-par application materials.
Are there other steps to this process?
Yes, some students will be selected for an interview. If selected for an interview, the student will need to provide a teacher recommendation form. Teachers must fill out the form; no recommendation letters will be accepted.
I didn’t receive an e-mail for an interview. Should I assume that I didn’t get into the program?
When we emailed some applicants, the email was returned to us because of an invalid email address. Some applicants did not list an email. Those applicants will be contacted in April. Final admissions decisions will not be made until May. All applicants will be informed of their status on or after that date. Some candidates may be placed on a waitlist.
If I have questions about my application, who do I contact?
Send us an email with the following information and we will reply within 2 business days to advise on if we received your application and if it’s complete. Please make sure the email contains the students first name, last name, school district (MMSD or MPS), and preferred email address for the response. You can contact PEOPLE Admissions at peopleadmissions@cdo.wisc.edu.
How can I download the necessary forms?
Are there other precollege programs I can apply to?
Yes! UW System hosts many precollege programs. The Boys and Girls Club can also help you find other precollege opportunities.
Ready to apply to PEOPLE Precollege as a Madison student?
Looking for information about PEOPLE College?
Ready to apply to PEOPLE Precollege as a Milwaukee student?