Email
odysseyproject@dcs.wisc.edu 

emily.auerbach@wisc.edu -- Emily Auerbach, Odyssey Project Co-Director / Founder

Phone 

(608) 262-3885 -- UW Odyssey Project Main Phone 

(608) 262-3733 -- Emily Auerbach, Odyssey Project Co-Director / Founder

Address
2238 S. Park St.
Madison, WI 53713

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The UW-Odyssey Project offers University of Wisconsin-Madison humanities classes for adult students facing economic barriers to college. The majority of students that participate in the Odyssey Course are from racial and ethnic minority groups (~90%) and are often overcoming the obstacles of single parenthood, homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, incarceration, depression, and domestic abuse. Odyssey students report transformative outcomes, and some have even moved from homelessness to bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Students also say that they read more to their children, feel that they are better parents and advocates for their children in school, have more hope about their own futures, and are more likely to vote and become involved in their communities.

Students admitted to Odyssey enter UW-Madison as special students. Special students take classes at the university but are not enrolled in a degree program. Like other special students, Odyssey students receive UW-Madison photo IDs and have many of the same benefits as students in degree programs (for example bus passes and access to campus athletic and other facilities). Upon completing the Odyssey course, some students choose to apply to UW-Madison in degree programs.

Each year, thirty new students enroll in a two-semester UW-Madison program taught by award-winning faculty in English literature, philosophy, American history, and art history. The students receive free tuition, textbooks, childcare, and a weekly dinner. One-on-one tutoring is also available on Monday and Tuesday nights for both current Odyssey students and alumni, along with their children and grandchildren. During the Wednesday evening classes, you will find Odyssey students engaging in lively discussions inspired by prominent historical figures, as well as reading their own work aloud in front of their fellow classmates. Through exposure to great works of literature, philosophy, history, and art, Odyssey students gain six credits from UW-Madison, skills in critical thinking, a sense of empowerment, and a stronger voice.

To be eligible to participate, students must:

• be at least 18 years old
• possess a high school diploma or GED/HSED
• demonstrate financial need (income at or near the federal poverty level)
• possess the ability to read books in English
• make a commitment to attend classes regularly and complete weekly assignments

Applicants may submit an application online or pick one up at the South Madison Public Library at 2232 S. Park St or by calling 608-262-3733.

Classes start in early September at the UW South Madison Partnership Space, located at 2238 South Park St. in Madison. Classes meet on Wednesday evenings from 5:30-7:30 pm through May, with holiday breaks. Dinner is served at 5:00 pm.