Comprehensive College Preparation
Our program offers individualized support for high-achieving, college-bound high school students in the greater Madison area. Our scholars are selected at the end of 10th grade and work with us for two years in 11th and 12th grade through high school graduation.
Through our comprehensive two-year experience, we provide high school planning, college guidance, test preparation, and academic tutoring to new groups of scholars each year. We hold workshops on financial aid and the transition to college. We help our scholars find opportunities in academics and the arts as well as internship/job/networking experiences that are important for college preparation and success.
We are a 501(c) nonprofit and our program is free to our scholars through the combination of generous individual donations, business partnerships, and grants in addition to contributions from our strategic partner Galin Education.
Galin Scholars also collaborates with school districts, community groups, and other youth-serving organizations that help prepare students for success in high school, college, and beyond.
Impact Report
Click to read the 2023-24 GalinScholarsImpactReport
Updated Impact report coming soon!
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
For the last three years, we have partnered with local Dane County libraries and Galin Education for Diag Day, which 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 (Tuesday, March 10, 2026). Students can use this opportunity to know their baseline score and then develop a plan for improving over the next year. Over 500 students have participated. You can find more information here on Diag Day including which libraries hosted the event in 2026.
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, and 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.
The application deadline for the Class of 2028 was is April 10, 2026. We will announce our new scholars in June.
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.