Comprehensive College Preparation
The main program of Galin Scholars is comprehensive college preparation that provides individualized support for high-achieving, college-bound high school students in the greater Madison area.
The program includes: ACT test preparation, college advising, academic tutoring (as needed) and connections to extracurricular opportunities.
Our scholars are from low-to-middle income backgrounds and from demographic groups underrepresented in college (including but not limited to): race/ethnicity, first generation college student, gender identity, from a rural community or experiencing a family hardship. They are also motivated to grow their academic and study skills and to participate in a process to find their best fit colleges.
Each spring we select up to 5 scholars who are in 10th grade. Once selected scholars work with us for their 11th and 12th grade years through high school graduation.
Our first scholar cohort graduated from high school in June 2025 and will begin college this fall at Northwestern University, Lake Forest College and UW-Madison.
Our second scholar cohort finished the ACT this spring and improved an average of over 4 points! They will continue to work on college research and applications this summer.
Our third scholar cohort was selected in June 2025 and are taking their first practice ACT test this summer. They’ll start ACT tutoring and college research this summer and fall.
Our first three cohorts of 15 Galin Scholars attend seven area high schools; Madison East, Madison La Follette, Madison Memorial, Middleton, Oregon, Sauk Prairie, and Verona.
Impact Report
Click below to read our 2023-24 Impact report.
GalinScholarImpactReport202324
Additional Events and Opportunities
In addition to our comprehensive program, Galin Scholars works to expand access to information about college preparation. Contact us for more information on any of these events or opportunities.
Diag Day
In March 2024 and 2025, we partnered with Galin Education and local libraries for Diag Day that provides 10th graders with the opportunity to take a diagnostic (practice) ACT. This is the day the official ACT test is given to 11th graders in WI and many 10th graders have the day off from school. Students can use this opportunity to know their score and then develop a plan for improving over the next year. You can find more information here on Diag Day including which libraries hosted the event.
Workshops for students
We partner with Dane County school districts and community centers to provide workshops and information sessions on college preparation topics including: high school course selection, the value of extracurricular opportunities, test preparation, how to research and build a list of colleges, college applications and essays.
Professional development for staff
We provide professional development opportunities to staff at school districts and community centers who work with college bound students. This has included college admissions case studies and other topics of interest. Contact us for more information.
Resources
The AXS Companion is a free, open online resource designed by professional consultants to be used side-by-side with Common App as you work through your application. Each section includes explanatory videos, helpful tips, a glossary of application terms, and links to resources mentioned in the videos.
This resource was created by the AVID/TOPS partnership team and provides important information on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) translated in Spanish and Hmong. AVID/TOPS is a collaborative partnership between the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County (BGCDC). AVID/TOPS aims to increase academic achievement, college preparation, and postsecondary educational access for students in the academic middle who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
Applications for the Class of 2028
will be available in January 2026
Nominations are welcome at any time during the year. We will provide any student who is nominated with information about our program and the timeline for applying.