Thank you for exploring Madison College’s Regional Impact Report. As president, I’m honored to serve our college’s 12-county district — a region where innovation, resilience, and bold action thrive.

This report showcases not only the work of our Fort Atkinson, Portage, Reedsburg and Watertown campuses but also the integral ways they’re woven into the fabric of these communities. These campuses are true access points for learning and opportunity and proven talent pipelines for local employers.

This report is filled with voices that demonstrate our impact and show our true community partnerships. In it you will hear directly from students charting their paths, high school advisors guiding futures, and employers investing in our talent.

Madison College is uniquely situated to educate in our communities, for our communities, and we take this responsibility seriously. 

Thank you,

Dr. Jennifer Berne

President, Madison College

Dr. Berne smiling and standing
Map of Madison College Campuses: Reedsburg, Portage, Fort Atkinson and Watertown

Our Campuses

Fostering student success and providing access to education and opportunity are at the core of what Madison College does.

We serve 12 counties from our seven campuses—each with its own energy, offerings, and spaces, but all united in this mission.

Our students enjoy:

  • High-touch support on every campus
  • Flexible scheduling: online, hybrid, and in-person
  • Classes at the campus that works best for them

Community Impact

From Reedsburg to Watertown, Fort Atkinson to Portage, Madison College is more than a place to learn, it's a place to belong. Our campuses are transformative spaces where people connect and learn. Whether it's hosting cross-cultural, bilingual events, inviting high school students to explore career training, or creating opportunities for non-traditional learners, our campuses are truly community centers.

 

Three Early College nursing students at Lake Mills High School
Building Skills, Tuition-Free
Early College programs empower high school students to explore real-world careers while earning college credit and hands-on experience before graduation.
Nursing student smiling while practicing with stethoscope
We Are Part of the Community
Seamless access to higher education is not just empowering individuals; it invigorates Wisconsin communities and businesses.
Community members at Spanish-speaking potluck dinner
Breaking Down Language Barriers One Discussion at a Time
Madison College empowers individuals to overcome language barriers and achieve their dreams through accessible ESL programs while also fostering community-wide connection through innovative initiatives.
Daughter and mother studying together at a table
It's Never Too Late for an Education
At Madison College, returning adults like Nora and Samantha find purpose, connection, and career growth through community-driven education.

Pathways to Success

Every student's story is unique, and Madison College is designed to support them all. The path may begin in our early college programs, after high school graduation, or as a returning adult seeking new skills and careers. No matter where the journey starts, our mission is the same: to help every student succeed.

 

Jeff speaking at Portage campus
Beyond Classrooms: Community partners value campus spaces
Madison College campuses are more than educational spaces. They’re dynamic venues supporting a wide range of community and corporate events. From law enforcement trainings to Rotary meetings, the Watertown campus alone hosted 38 events in just six months. Organizations praise the college’s modern facilities, advanced technology, and welcoming environment.
High school students working in a science lab
Advice and Counsel: A High School Counselor’s Role
For many high school students, their school counselor is an invaluable source of postgraduation information and support. We spoke with a school counselor about the options Madison College offers high school students.
Jake Griebe receives nursing scholarship in Reedsburg
Scholarships Unlock Opportunities
A health crisis inspired Madison College student and Marine veteran Jake Griebe to pursue nursing, supported by a scholarship that helped him overcome service-related challenges and continue his education.
People exploring the Portage Enterprise Center interior
Investing in Spaces that Inspire
Our campuses are strategically designed with one goal in mind: helping students and communities learn and thrive. From upgraded lab spaces to state-of-the-art equipment, we’re continually investing in our facilities to provide exceptional experiences for students and employees.

Developing a Powerful Workforce

Madison College is committed to building strong communities with robust workforces. We collaborate with employers to ensure that our programs evolve to meet industry needs. By preparing graduates to be career-ready, we fuel economic growth across the region we proudly call home.

 

Firefighter student putting on gear
To The Rescue: Training First Responders
When emergencies strike, people don't ask for training credentials, but if they did, one name would be on repeat: Madison College.
Team posing with metal sculpture at Metal Mania
Inspiring the Next Generation of Workers
Inspiring the Next Generation | Madison College is transforming how young people view manufacturing through two dynamic initiatives: Mini Manufacturing World and Metal Mania.
Students cutting a ribon at Mini Manufacturing World
Partnerships, Programs and Potential
Madison College is helping shape the future workforce of South Central Wisconsin through strong partnerships with over 580 regional employers. Collaborations with companies like Flambeau, Inc. and Kruger Family Industries support initiatives such as Mini Manufacturing World, which introduces high school students to career paths in manufacturing.