From ABCs to Degrees
The award-winning UW Odyssey Project expands the UW–Madison experience by offering free college courses to low-income and other traditionally underserved communities, breaking the cycle of generational poverty through access to education. Odyssey also removes barriers to learning by providing meals, childcare, and transportation — helping students focus on their education and achieve their dreams. From ABCs to degrees, your support helps make every step of the way possible.
During Day of the Badger (and every day!), Odyssey celebrates the power of education to transform lives across generations. From our youngest learners in our Baby Badger room to our adult students, Odyssey empowers entire families to gain confidence and discover the joy of learning. When one family member finds their voice, the whole household can dream bigger. As Shakila, Class of ’26 writes, “I’m deeply committed to changing the trajectory of my life not just for myself but also for my children. As a first-generation college student, I want to show them that no matter where you start, it’s possible to rise above your circumstances. I’m breaking generational curses that once held my family back.”
Now in our 23rd year, we know that times are harder than ever for our low-income families. Some fight homelessness and hunger while studying Shakespeare and Socrates. Your gift to the Odyssey Project Fund, no matter the size, helps Odyssey provide not only educational materials like textbooks and tutoring but also a community of support that opens doors from early literacy all the way to college degrees. Join us in lifting up whole families and ensuring that every learner, at every age, has the chance to thrive. Together, we can turn ABCs into degrees, and degrees into brighter futures.