- Diversity Circles dialogue builds cross-cultural awareness in Fond du Lac
Participants in Fond du Lac County’s Diversity Circles program report an increased understanding of their own and of others'' attitudes about race—and they say they are now better able to communicate with people of different backgrounds and beliefs. The success of the initial groups formed in 2003 has kept the project going with continued circles and action forums. By 2006, 150 adults and 20 public school students had participated in the program. Administered by the UW-Fond du Lac Office of Continuing Education and Extension, the program represents a far-reaching, community-wide effort to promote cross-cultural sensitivity.
- Odyssey Project humanities courses inspire underprivileged adults to embrace lifelong learning
Exposure to the humanities can help low-income adults develop skills that help them end a cycle of poverty and encourage future learning. In 2003, UW-Madison introduced the Odyssey Project, an educational program that would offer underprivileged residents the opportunity to receive free college credit for taking humanities courses. By Spring 2006, three classes of Odyssey students had graduated from the program–79 of the 88 students enrolled, or nearly 90% of them. Many Odyssey graduates continue to pursue education at UW-Madison and at other institutions. UW-Madison''s Division of Continuing Studies is one of many university and community partners who have collaborated to make the program possible.
- School of the Arts boosts arts programming and tourism in Rhinelander
Rhinelander''s School of the Arts has brought art to the people—and people to the arts—for more than 40 years. An annual grassroots learning program administered by UW-Madison Extension, School of the Arts receives the consistent and overwhelming support of Rhinelander residents and businesspeople, who recognize the economic, educational, and cultural benefits the week-long event brings their community. In July 2007, more than 300 participants came from every corner of Wisconsin—as well as from nine Midwestern states—to study visual arts, music, photography, drama, writing, movement, and computer arts from regional experts.
