Boys & Girls Club of Dane County and Madison College Partner to Support Student Success

A new program, TOPS+, made possible by a $1.5 million commitment from businesswoman and philanthropist Mary Burke, will boost support for eligible Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) students after high school graduation as they pursue associate degrees at Madison College.

For the past 14 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County’s Advancement Via Individual Determination/Teens of Promise (AVID/TOPS) program has supported thousands of Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) students through high school graduation, post-secondary education enrollment and credentials and successful careers. The TOPS+ program takes this a step further and provides dedicated support for eligible AVID/TOPS students who enroll in Madison College after high school graduation.
 

“Partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County on the TOPS+ program represents another way that we’re ensuring students have the resources and support to succeed at Madison College whether that success is defined as completion of an associate degree, career readiness or transfer to four-year university,” said Tim Casper, executive vice president – student affairs, Madison College.

Benefits of participating in the TOPS+ program include $250 each semester for staying on track, free Madison Metro Bus Pass, free e-textbooks/book rentals and support for other required class supplies. In addition, students will benefit from a scholarship to cover tuition and mandatory fees after financial aid for income eligible students and a dedicated advisor. For a complete list of the eligibility requirements, program benefits and the application process, please visit https://www.bgcdc.org/topsplus. Applications for the Madison College Scholars of Promise and TOPS+ are due by April 1.

“Boys and Girls Clubs of Dane County is grateful to Mary Burke for her generous commitment to youth academic success and the creation of the TOPS+ program at Madison College. This program will allow students to focus on their education while having their tuition and fees paid,” said Michael Johnson, BGCDC president & CEO. “This will be an amazing opportunity for students to graduate and be ready for career success.”

“The TOPS+ program is another example of how Madison College partners with like-minded organizations in our region to have real lasting impact for our students and the community at large,” said Dr. Jack Daniels, president, Madison College. “We’re excited to strengthen our relationship with the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County, and together, continue solving the challenges our students face while also creating better access and support to help them succeed at school and beyond.”

For more information on the TOPS+ contact Anna Relerford, TOPS+ Lead Advisor for Madison College, arelerford@madisoncollege.edu.