Fall 2024 Promise Programming Sees Growth

A large group of students sit around tables, eating, and watching a women give a presentation with a TV screen behind her.It has been truly inspiring to witness the incredible growth in student participation at our Monthly Workshops and Money Hour sessions. These programs, tailored specifically for Pell and Promise Program students, are designed to connect them with vital information and campus resources, foster a sense of belonging and community, and, of course, provide a warm meal. We often tell students, “Even if you come just for the meal, that’s okay!”—because we know they’ll leave with so much more than that. This remarkable increase in attendance reflects the program’s success and the tireless efforts of our Promise Team to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all students. Seeing so many students fully engaged is a testament to the program’s growing impact and value on our campus.

Growth in Student Attendance:

Monthly Workshops:

  • October: Attendance grew by 75% from 2023 to 2024.
  • November: Attendance increased by 86% over the same period.
  • December: Attendance more than doubled, with an extraordinary 120% increase.

A large group of students sit around tables watching a women give a presentation with a TV screen behind her.Money Hour Sessions:

October: Attendance soared by 155% from 2023 to 2024. November: Attendance rose by 26% year-over-year. This extraordinary growth underscores the effectiveness of our Promise Program in meeting students’ needs and empowering them with tools, resources, and a strong sense of community. These achievements are a testament to the dedication of our students and the unwavering commitment of our Promise Team. A large group of students sit around tables, eating, and watching a women give a presentation with a TV screen behind her. Looking ahead, our team aspires to establish a dedicated space on campus for all Pell and Promise students—a vision we’ve lovingly named the “Promise Center.”  This space would further enhance our efforts to support access and success for our students. As we continue to build on this momentum, we remain dedicated to empowering our Pell and Promise students, while striving to position our campus—through the efforts of DEM—as a national leader in socioeconomic mobility and access for all Badgers.