Search | Menu Supporting the communities that support Madison College
For more than 100 years, Madison College has worked alongside its neighbors to strengthen the communities it serves. In 2025, students, faculty and staff found innovative ways to serve the communities they call home.
Building hope, one structure at a time
Every year, Madison College and the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) donate a student-built structure to a local nonprofit.
This year, students from Madison College’s carpentry program presented a brand-new storage shed to Porchlight, a local organization dedicated to helping individuals facing homelessness. The shed will provide space for Porchlight’s operations. This partnership not only benefits the community but also has the power to transform the lives of incarcerated individuals.
Building skills for life after release
Through the DOC collaboration, incarcerated individuals gain hands-on carpentry training that aims to open doors to stable employment after release. Each week, students travel from the correctional facility to Madison College, where they learn under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Instructor John Stephany calls these learners some of his most dedicated students. “They study and are focused and really into the program,” Stephany says. “They know that this is a path that is open to them, and they know what they want. They are truly some of the best students I have ever had the privilege to teach.”
In a job market hungry for skilled workers, these graduates are well-positioned for success. One recent program participant now works at a building component factory assembling essential parts for homes. His enthusiasm is clear: “The trades need a lot of dedicated men and women to take these classes and build the infrastructure needed in our community. I highly recommend this program; it has top-notch instruction that will lead to a good job and career.”
Kevin Grahn, manager of Madison College’s Center for Reentry Education, underscores the program’s transformative power. “This collaboration with the DOC is a fantastic opportunity for these students to further their education and invest in their future,” Grahn says.
Creating homes and hope with Habitat for Humanity
Madison College’s commitment to community also extends to affordable housing. In 2025, the college announced the sale of two surplus land parcels near its Watertown campus to Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha and Jefferson Counties. The property will soon feature six twin homes housing 12 families, marking the first Habitat project in the City of Watertown.
“We are pleased that Habitat for Humanity was able to purchase the land and support access to affordable housing,” says Sylvia Ramirez, Madison College’s executive vice president of finance and administration. “Madison College is committed to fostering strong communities where our neighbors can thrive and prosper.”
Madison College will host a gala celebration for the project in June 2026, and students and employees will lend their skills to help with the build. The college is working with student parents to apply as potential Habitat home recipients.
Honoring Veterans Through Care
In October, Madison College’s Dental Clinic opened its doors to local veterans for the “Give Veterans a Smile” event. In partnership with the Greater Dane Dental Society, the college provided free dental exams, X-rays and cleanings to more than 25 veterans. Volunteer dentists and dental hygiene students worked side by side to deliver care and gratitude to those who served.
“It was a truly meaningful day to serve and honor our veterans,” says Dr. Adina Ness, director of Madison College’s Dental Hygiene Program. “This collaboration not only supports our local veterans but also provides invaluable, hands-on experience for our students.”
A Legacy of Service
From building homes and sheds to offering dental care and second chances, Madison College’s efforts in 2025 reflect a century-old promise: to strengthen communities through education, compassion and action.
