The Middle College Program

Program Design

The Middle College Program is designed to advance the educational level of young adults by combining high school academics necessary for high school graduation while concurrently taking college courses that align with the student’s career pathway of interest. It is a bridge-to-college program at no cost to the student or to the local school district. The Program is a collaborative effort between the Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin and Madison College.

The design of the program is meant to support a technical college educational engagement for high school students. The structure also includes an internship component to build and apply work skills and experience. Successful completions for program participants will be a transition into the workforce development system to engage in Career Pathway training initiatives, employment, post secondary education, military, or registered apprenticeship.

The Middle College Program:

Provides the transition young adults need in order to become successful in college and in the working world. The program encourages every student to graduate from high school and continue to pursue life-long learning opportunities.

Makes education relevant to students’ future and answers the question: “Why do I need to learn this?” with stimulating learning experiences inside and outside the classroom.

Student Advantages

Middle College Program students have the opportunity to:

Accelerate their learning through a new academic pathway in a contemporary, modern college setting. The program enables students to earn both high school and college credits.

Access relevant information and experience from Madison College Academies and courses designed exclusively for the Middle College Program. Students can engage in health care or industrial trades classes that are relevant to their interests and career goals.

Gear up for their next steps in either secondary education or the workforce with the necessary critical thinking and problem-solving skills, communication, and knowledge needed to succeed.

Student Eligibility

The Middle College Program is geared toward second semester juniors who are disengaged in the traditional high school setting. Students interested in the program should be close to a second semester junior status who anticipate graduating in the next year and a half and must be committed to the program until graduation.

• Low-income

• U.S. Citizen

• Selective Service Compliant

• Meet one of the following: (1) Basic skills deficient, (2) Disability, (3) Homeless or foster child, (4) Offender, (5) Pregnant
   or parenting, (6) Needs additional assistance to graduate or secure a job

• Interested in health care or industrial trades areas

• Meet the minimum COMPASS scores: Reading: 51, Writing: 31, Math/Pre-algebra: 30; or meet the minimum TABE
   scores: Reading: 5.7, Writing: 7.8, Math/Pre-algebra: 8.7

This is not a complete list of eligibility requirements and/or factors. Contact a Middle College Program representative for more information and assistance.

Contact a Representative Today

Students should see their high school counselor for initial referral into the Middle College Program. More information is available by contacting a Middle College Program Representative:

Jean Olson
Dane County School Consortium
(608) 224-3525 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Emily Cochran
Operation Fresh Start
(608) 244-4721 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Aimee Truax
Renewal Unlimited
(608) 742-1516 ext. 121 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it