For many students from rural Wisconsin, arriving on a large college campus can be both exciting and overwhelming. 

One of the Rural Peer Advisors for College for Rural Wisconsin recalls visiting a high school friend shortly after he moved into a residence hall at UW–Madison. The friend was excited to begin college but admitted he was struggling to adjust and felt there was not much to do on campus. Looking back, the student laughs at the comment. 

“There are tons of things to do in Madison,” Aidan Dauk, Pulaski, WI, reflected. “It’s just a matter of figuring out how to use and recognize the opportunities that UW and other colleges offer.” 

That experience reinforced an important lesson: succeeding in college is not just about gaining admission. Students also need access to information, guidance, and support that helps them navigate the transition to campus life and take advantage of the opportunities around them. 

It is this kind of support that College for Rural Wisconsin provides for students across the state by helping students and families navigate decisions about postsecondary education while connecting schools and communities with tools to support student success. And thanks to an expanded investment from Trott Family Philanthropies, the University of Wisconsin–Madison will be able to deepen that commitment, ensuring rural and small-town students have access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive in higher education and beyond. 

With a transformative $100 million investment, the Trott Center for Excellence in Rural America at the University of Chicago will be launched as an expansion of the the Small Town and Rural Students (STARS) College Network. Since its launch in 2023, STARS has connected hundreds of thousands of students with college planning resources, advising, campus experiences, and pathways to higher education. The network now includes 32 institutions across the country and has become a national leader in addressing barriers that rural students often face in the college-going process. 

“Rural Wisconsin is home to extraordinary talent,” said Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Ashley Miller. “This investment allows us to expand opportunities for students whose potential is limitless but whose pathways to higher education may not always be clear or accessible.” 

The funding will support efforts to increase awareness of college opportunities, strengthen advising and outreach, create campus experiences, and connect students with career preparation resources. These investments complement UW–Madison’s longstanding commitment to affordability and access for Wisconsin students through robust financial aid programs and initiatives such as Bucky’s Pell Pathway and Bucky’s Tuition Promise. 

The expanded investment comes amid growing national attention on the importance of supporting students from rural areas and small towns. For UW–Madison, the work is especially meaningful because it aligns with the Wisconsin Idea and the University’s commitment to serving communities in every corner of the state. 

Looking for Wisconsin philanthropists to join the effort 

While the Trott investment provides important momentum, expanding opportunities for rural students will require continued partnership from donors who care deeply about Wisconsin’s future. To celebrate the expansion, UW–Madison has committed to matching the funds they receive annually from Trott Family Philanthropies this year, immediately doubling the impact of donor support. The University’s longer-term goal, however, is to secure philanthropic investments that will sustain and grow this funding to support future generations of rural students. 

Support from individual donors can help grow need-based scholarships, create opportunities for rural students to explore college options, and remove financial barriers that may prevent talented students from pursuing their educational goals. Those interested in supporting College for Rural Wisconsin or establishing scholarships for students from rural communities are encouraged to learn more about opportunities to invest in Wisconsin’s next generation of leaders. 

Together, we can ensure that talented students from across Wisconsin have access to the opportunities, resources, and support they need to pursue their dreams.