High school students become college students for a day

More than 50 high school students from around the state will visit campus this Friday and be able experience a day in the life of UW–Madison students.

Student Shadow Day is designed to provide information and first-hand experiences of campus life for high school students of color; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students, as well as any other students interested in learning more about the university. It is a collaborative effort among Associated Students of Madison, the UW–Madison Dean of Students office and the Madison community.

“The Shadow Day program is an opportunity to emphasize to all high school students in the State of Wisconsin — in particular, historically underrepresented or marginalized students — the importance of going on to obtain a baccalaureate degree,” says Dean of Students Luoluo Hong.

The group of visitors will be paired with current UW–Madison students and will attend classes, meet with key faculty and staff, receive scholarship and financial information and get help filling out their college applications.

Jennifer Epps, ASM Diversity Committee chair and coordinator of the program, says she’s excited about the level of participation and added that the program could be expanded to accommodate 75-100 students in the future. This year’s participants will come from high schools in Milwaukee, Madison and Fond Du Lac.

“Shadow Day is a new outreach program that seeks to demonstrate the importance of and foster equal opportunity for higher education by presenting resources, sharing information, and connecting high school students with college students,” she says.

Hong says her office, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, the College of Letters and Sciences, the School of Business, the Campus Writing Center and the Office of Financial Aid have all been involved in program planning.

“This pilot program represents the best of student leadership, and is a reflection of how student creativity, initiative and resourcefulness can result in exciting and innovative educational programs,” Hong says.

“The pursuit of higher education continues to be an important key to upward mobility and a successful future for young adults all over the country,” she adds.

In addition, the Madison Common Council endorsed the program at its April 15 meeting.

“The city of Madison supports and commends UW–Madison’s efforts to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for people who are underrepresented in higher education,” says Common Council President Mike Verveer. “True diversity across all lines of identity is of compelling interests to UW–Madison and to the city of Madison. Therefore, the City Council will continue to work in partnership with the university to provide information and encouragement to all students.”

Additionally, there are still spots open for high school or UW–Madison students who still would like to participate in this year’s Shadow Day. Those interested should contact Epps at (608) 265-4276.

For more information, visit http://www.asm.wisc.edu.