MADISON, Wis. — University of Wisconsin System President Kevin P. Reilly announced today that Wisconsin has advanced to the next phase of the “Making Opportunity Affordable” grant program, funded by the Lumina Foundation. The UW System is currently the lead entity for the statewide application process, working in partnership with the state’s technical colleges, private colleges, and the Department of Public Instruction.
“This is an exciting opportunity that would expand access to higher education for all Wisconsin residents,” said Reilly. “I believe it is a natural fit with the UW System’s Growth Agenda for Wisconsin.”
The grant process included a recent site visit by Foundation representatives who met with Gov. Jim Doyle’s staff to assess the climate surrounding higher education in Wisconsin. The Foundation also interviewed Rep. Steve Nass and Sen. Kathleen Vinehout’s chief of staff. Nass and Vinehout chair the respective higher education committees in the state legislature.
“This opportunity would not have been possible without their support and involvement,” said Reilly.
Other visits were made to leaders from the UW System, the Wisconsin Technical College System, the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and DPI.
In addition to being eligible to send a group to the Foundation’s intensive planning academy, Wisconsin will receive a $100,000 grant to further develop plans relating to how the state would utilize the additional resources to achieve the Foundation’s objectives of expanding postsecondary educational opportunity and degree completion.
If selected, Wisconsin would be one of five states to receive up to $2.1 million in grant funding.
For more information on the Lumina Foundation’s “Making Opportunity Affordable” grant program, please visit http://www.makingopportunityaffordable.org/.