What is ASPIRE?
ASPIRE (Achieving Success by Promoting Interest in higheR Education) is a program that encourages Madison middle school students from diverse backgrounds to think about pursuing a college education. It began in response to the idea that these children, largely students of color, often face educational barriers their peers do not and that as a result, they are less likely to attend college. For many of us, college was the next logical step after high school. But many kids, because of their background, do not have the same level of access to early extra-curricular experiencessummer camps, community-enrichment activities, after school programs, college educated adult role modelsthat foster a life-long appreciation for learning. Our central mission is to expose these kids to the University, show them that college is both fun and rewarding, and have them think about college as a realistic post-high school opportunity. Part of this goal is accomplished by having the kids attend fun day sessi
