MMSD and United Way of Dane County to Transition from AmeriCorps Tutoring Programs, Continue Partnership to Support Students
Madison, WI — Starting in the 2026–27 school year, the Madison Metropolitan School District and United Way of Dane County are transitioning from their long-standing Elementary Schools of Hope and high school Achievement Connections tutoring programs, with student support continuing by other means.
The discontinuation of both programs is due to reduced federal support of AmeriCorps, the independent U.S. agency through which they are funded.
Across 28 years, literacy-focused Elementary Schools of Hope and math-centered Achievement Connections AmeriCorps members have connected nearly 23,000 community volunteers with more than 113,000 MMSD students, strengthening school-community relationships and improving student outcomes in the process. AmeriCorps members and volunteer tutors are trained on MMSD curriculum by district staff and provide individualized support to students.
“We are deeply grateful to United Way of Dane County, as well as the many volunteers who have supported our students through Elementary Schools of Hope and Achievement Connections,” said Cindy Green, Assistant Superintendent of Strategy And Innovation. “As our instructional practices have evolved, particularly in literacy, we are continuing to refi ne how tutoring is delivered to ensure it is closely aligned with what students are learning in the classroom and grounded in the Science of Reading and evidence-based approaches.”
Moving forward, MMSD will continue to prioritize literacy tutoring, building on ongoing partnerships with the Morgridge Center for Public Service and other local organizations to strengthen programs that provide consistent, targeted support for students that remains closely aligned with MMSD practices. In addition to community-based partnerships, many schools will continue to offer tutoring through existing programs, school-based initiatives and volunteer efforts. The district will support schools as they adapt and expand tutoring models to ensure continuity for students.
“Elementary Schools of Hope and Achievement Connections show what’s possible when a community rallies around student success,” said Renee Moe, United Way of Dane County’s president and chief executive officer. “Thanks to thousands of volunteers, dedicated educators and district leaders, students reached critical academic milestones, and we’ve built a partnership model that will continue to shape our work.”
United Way remains committed to supporting students and families across the learning continuum, from early childhood and family stability to out-of-school-time tutoring and
mentoring. Middle Schools of Hope, offered in partnership with the Urban League of Greater Madison, is not funded by AmeriCorps and will continue.
Districtwide, MMSD engages more than 5,000 volunteers each year, many of whom support literacy and student learning. Moving forward, volunteer tutoring will continue to play an important role with an emphasis on training, coordination and alignment with district instructional practices. To learn more about opportunities to tutor and otherwise get involved in improving student outcomes, please visit the MMSD website.
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About the Madison Metropolitan School District
The Madison Metropolitan School District is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 7,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.
About United Way of Dane County
United Way of Dane County mobilizes the caring power of our community to close gaps and open opportunities so all can thrive. From advancing health and education to strengthening livelihoods and local resilience, we connect people to possibility. With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives, we work collaboratively with local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers to multiply impact and solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. United Way holds ourselves and our partners accountable for effective use of resources and measurable results. Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All. Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.