Author: Brian Buckner

April 6, 2026: MMSD and United Way of Dane County to Transition from AmeriCorps Tutoring Programs, Continue Partnership to Support Students

Posted on by Brian Buckner

MMSD and United Way of Dane County to Transition from AmeriCorps Tutoring Programs, Continue Partnership to Support Students

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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.

March 23, 2026: Empowering youth voices: Inside PBS Wisconsin Education’s ‘Field Notes’

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Empowering youth voices: Inside PBS Wisconsin Education’s ‘Field Notes’

In April, PBS Wisconsin Education will launch its new series, Field Notes on Climate, developed to connect learners in grades 6-12 to climate science and solutions.

In each episode, host Ami Eckard-Lee asks a question about climate change, leading her to meet experts and changemakers around the state. They explain the science around climate change impacts and share innovative solutions happening right here in Wisconsin.

A key element of the series is centering student voices. Youth perspectives are featured in every episode, not just as participants but as leaders and changemakers.

Reya Khatri is one of the young changemakers featured in an episode on youth action. She was member of By Youth For Youth (BYFY), a committee of Dane County high school students who identify needs around issues important to them and make investment decisions about youth-led projects developed to address those needs. She was also a member of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF), which provides technical assistance and funding to help young people around the world design, produce and govern climate solutions in their communities.

PBS Wisconsin Education recently spoke with Khatri to learn more about her involvement and what others can learn from her experience.

PBS Wisconsin Education: How did you become involved in BYFY and YCAF?

Khatri: My involvement with BYFY first began during my junior year of high school. As a passionate and advocacy-focused individual, I was looking for initiatives to get involved in where I could apply these values and be a part of a program making tangible change. Through collective research efforts and communication from the BYFY team, I was able to apply and be selected as a member of this incredible organization. After my first year in BYFY, I was extended the offer to apply for the YCAF, which I found very interesting as I enjoyed the more specific goal of the program in climate-focused initiatives.

March 26, 2026: Baldwin, Merkley, Moore Introduce Legislation to Address Maternal Health Crisis, Expand Access to Care

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Madison College opens Early Learning Campus at Goodman South to address childcare shortage

U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI-04) introduced the Perinatal Workforce Act, legislation to address the urgent maternal health care crisis in the United States. Specifically, the bill will help grow the perinatal workforce by creating grant programs to increase the number of maternity care providers and workers who provide care during and after pregnancy.

“No mother should have to worry about whether she can find quality care during one of the most important moments of her life. Sadly, the reality is that too many women — especially women of color — face dangerous gaps in maternity care that put their and their babies’ lives at risk,” said Senator Baldwin. “That’s why I am proud to work with my colleagues to help address disparities and ensure that every mother has access to the care and support that she not only needs, but deserves.”

“More than 80 percent of maternal deaths are preventable, so we must make critical interventions to save lives. Our Perinatal Workforce Act helps build the maternal workforce that we need to keep mothers and their babies healthy while meeting their cultural needs and addressing the shortage of perinatal workers. Congress must pass the Perinatal Workforce Act as well as the other bills in the Momnibus, as they are critical first steps in addressing the maternal health crisis,” said Congresswoman Moore.

“It is disturbing and unacceptable that Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women—a glaring sign that the inequities in our health care system are costing lives and hitting communities of color the hardest,” said Senator Merkley. “We must do everything we can—including supporting more diversity and representation within our perinatal workforce—to fix this and ensure that every person in America receives high-quality maternity care.”

March 26, 2026: Local Hospitality Community Seeks Help in Supporting Unpaid TSA Workers at Dane County Regional Airport

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Local Hospitality Community Seeks Help in Supporting Unpaid TSA Workers at Dane County Regional Airport

United Way of Dane County Helping to Meet Food and Fuel Needs

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MADISON, WIS. (Thursday, March 26, 2026) – The hospitality industry has teamed up with local support agencies to aid federal workers during a difficult time. Despite no pay for several weeks, local TSA team members have shown up for work at Dane County Regional Airport with patience and a welcoming spirit. While the industry has provided some meal relief to TSA workers, their needs have deepened as the government’s TSA shutdown has lingered. Now the larger community has a chance to make an impact with a new food and fuel initiative through the United Way of Dane County.

The new initiative will help unpaid federal workers purchase much-needed food and fuel to help with their daily lives. Funds from the campaign will be used to purchase Kwik Trip gift cards for the more than 100 TSA workers who continue to do their jobs without pay.
“Our TSA officers are not just federal employees, they are members of our community who show up every day to keep travelers safe and our airport running smoothly. They are part of what makes Dane County Regional Airport such a welcoming and easy place to travel through,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “In this moment, it is inspiring to see our local hospitality community stepping up to support them and their families. That spirit of care and connection is what defines Dane County.”

“We are so grateful to our hospitality industry, who have provided meals to TSA workers the past few weeks. Now, thanks to our friends at United Way of Dane County, our entire community has the opportunity to help ease the strain these workers face during this difficult time,” said Ellie Westman Chin, Destination Madison President & CEO.

Please visit https://unitedwaydanecounty.org/tsarelief to make your donation today. *Note – if funds aren’t fully distributed before the shutdown ends, unused contributions will be sent to Dane County food banks and pantries.

Women United Honoree Bio: Karen Kallerud

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Women United Honoree Bio:
Karen Kallerud

18-Year United Way volunteer, community advocate and Women United member

Each year, Women United honors a woman committed to making our community a better place to live, for all. The Women United Philanthropy Award recognizes her achievements in educating, empowering and inspiring women and girls to be philanthropic leaders in Dane County. This year, we are thrilled to honor Karen Kallerud! 

Karen’s lifelong commitment to service began long before her two decades of impact in Dane County. She was raised along the Mississippi River in a close-knit community where her mother volunteered for 25 years with the local elementary school, helping children learn to read, while her father served on local committees for over 40 years. This family culture of generosity inspired Karen to start giving back at a young age. In college, she joined Big Brothers Big Sisters and remained matched with her “Little Sister” for all four years, deepening her belief that meaningful change begins with showing up for one person at a time. 

After moving to the Madison area in 1990, Karen became woven into the fabric of the community. She spent five years volunteering at a community center food pantry, where she found the sense of belonging that continues to define her service. In 2008, she joined United Way’s 211 Helpline as a volunteer, gaining firsthand insight into barriers individuals and families face. 

As a Loaned Executive, Karen was a self-starter, skilled in project management and believed in teamwork. In her fundraising, she had the ability to engage an audience and craft a meaningful call to action, unfailingly sharing the message with those she met. Her efforts meaningfully strengthened initiatives addressing our community’s greatest needs through the Agenda for Change and now the Plan for Community Well-Being. Her enthusiasm was apparent every day through her work and in our community. She never stopped advocating for local nonprofits and initiatives, strengthening relationships with community members and volunteering at events, working behind the scenes with a contagious attitude. 

“United Way has done so much for myself and our community, and I LOVE being a part of it; supporting programs and volunteering,” Karen reflected. 

In retirement, Karen’s dedication has only deepened. She continues to serve as a United Way Account Executive, stewarding more than 20 business accounts and mobilizing thousands of dollars in corporate and in-kind gifts each year, always with her signature warmth and creativity. A beloved presence among each new Loaned Executive class, staff and volunteers, she is known as the “Queen of Thank Yous,” having handwritten hundreds of notes to donors and partners and always knowing how to brighten someone’s day. 

Karen has helped to raise over $5.67 million through 504 individual employee and corporate campaigns over the course of her 17-year tenure as Loaned Executive and Account Executive. 

Karen’s 10 years of service with our 211 Helpline shaped her advocacy for housing stability, senior independence and access to basic needs. She serves on the Dane County Homelessness Summit planning committee and the Sun Prairie Housing Coalition, working to educate the community, elevate lived experience and advance solutions to local housing instability.  

A member of Women United since 2009, Karen is deeply committed to supporting financial stability for women. She has quietly and passionately mentored women facing financial uncertainty, helping them budget, navigate resources, rebuild confidence and move toward stability. She also brings her lived experience as a breast cancer survivor to her volunteer work with ABCD (After Breast Cancer Diagnosis), where she has mentored 14 women. 

Karen said, “There’s nothing like shared experience, sharing your experience, strength and hope with people in the same situation.” 

A 2024 Advocate in Action Award recipient, Karen leads philanthropically as well. She and her husband established the Jim and Karen Kallerud Fund in the United Way Foundation, ensuring long-term support for her beloved community. 

“It is important for me to make a difference in people’s lives; one family, one child at a time,” Karen said. “It is my honor to volunteer and make our community a better place to thrive.” 

Karen’s motto is “work hard and be kind.” Her life is a testament to those words, and we are honored to celebrate her at this year’s Women United Brunch! 

Meet Margaret Healy, Women United’s 2026 Vice Chair

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Meet Margaret Healy, Women United’s 2026 Vice Chair

Women United is excited to introduce Margaret Healy, who will serve as the Women United Vice Chair in 2026 before stepping into the Chair role in 2027. Margaret brings a deep commitment to service and a passion for supporting women’s health and wellness in Dane County.

Margaret joined Women United Council in January 2025 and quickly became an active and valued member. Her journey with United Way began as an extension of her long-standing dedication to volunteerism, including work with Legal Action of Wisconsin and the Madison Public Library system. Margaret sought an opportunity to focus her energy on efforts that uplift women in meaningful and lasting ways and found that home within Women United.

For Margaret, volunteering is more than a service activity. It is a grounding force that gives her a stronger sense of purpose and a deeper connection to her community. She believes that philanthropic leadership starts with leading by example. When people see good work happening around them, she says, they instinctively want to contribute too.

As she looks ahead to her Vice Chair role, Margaret is especially eager to become an even stronger connector in Dane County. She wants to help others discover the many resources available in our community and ensure women know where to turn for support. Her passion for women’s health and wellness will continue to guide her leadership as she helps shape Women United’s impact in the years to come.

We are honored to welcome Margaret into this leadership role and look forward to the vision, enthusiasm and heart she will bring to Women United.

February 9, 2026: United Way of Dane County Announces Line-up for 25th Annual Bluegrass Benefit Concert

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United Way of Dane County Announces Line-up for 25th Annual Bluegrass Benefit Concert

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Madison, WI (February 9, 2026) – Bluegrass enthusiasts will celebrate community with live, local music on Sunday, February 15, 2026 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the 25th Annual United Way Bluegrass Benefit at the Barrymore Theatre. The show features bands of the Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association, Inc. with support by Sugar Maple Music Festival, WORT-89.9 FM and Isthmus. Audrey Martinovich and Stephanie Benicek of Audio for the Arts provide sound and recording services.

“Whenever you meet a friend, or help a neighbor, or assist a stranger…you build a better community. Community and family well-being are what United Way is all about,” explains Dave Kinney, an Oscar Mayer retiree and bluegrass fan who founded the annual benefit concert with musician Bob Batyko. Kinney was a United Way Loaned Executive for 12 community fundraising campaigns and remains a dedicated donor and volunteer. Batyko is liaison to the bands and will again play with two acts at this year’s show.

The annual event began as a family-friendly, neighborly and inexpensive activity and has continued to offer bluegrass fans, families and United Way advocates that opportunity. Tickets are available at the door on the day of the show. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-12 and a maximum of $20 per family. Kids under age 5 are admitted for free.

The musical groups donating their talents on February 15 include:
1:00 pm Cork ‘n Bottle String Band
2:00 pm SpareTime Bluegrass Band
2:45 pm David Landau, “The King of Kids Music”
3:15 pm They Talk TOO Much with the Silent Partners
4:00 pm Soggy Prairie

For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact Adrienne Kramer, Program Manager, Communications and Digital Media, United Way of Dane County at Adrienne.kramer@uwdc.org or (608) 504-6137. On-site, day of interview requests, please contact Kristi Shepard, Supervisory Director, Foundation & Gift Planning, United Way of Dane County at (608) 630-7815

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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. Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All. Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.

 

Building Stronger Communities One Connection at a Time

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Building Stronger Communities One Connection at a Time

Corbin McGuire’s commitment to community started years ago during his time in Milwaukee when he was introduced to United Way through a workplace campaign. What began as a simple contribution soon grew into a deeper connection as he saw the clear impact United Way was making. When Corbin moved into his current role as an Analyst at Walleye Partners in Dane County, keeping that partnership going was an easy choice. He believes strongly in United Way’s strategic approach and its ability to address the most pressing needs wherever you call home.

One of Corbin’s biggest passions is housing stability. Having lived in several different areas, he has seen how a lack of safe and affordable housing sets off a chain reaction that affects nearly every part of a person’s life. To Corbin, a stable home is the foundation that allows people and families to thrive.

Corbin sees his role in Dane County as one of connection and advocacy. With experience supporting United Way in multiple cities, he knows firsthand how coordinated giving can drive meaningful systemic change. He aims to use his voice and professional network to bring more people and more resources into the effort

Volunteering has also shaped who Corbin is today. Instead of focusing on problems, he focuses on people. Listening to the community has pushed him to challenge assumptions and approach his work with greater empathy and curiosity. It’s helped him grow as both a leader and a community member.

For Corbin, philanthropic leadership means moving beyond writing a check. It’s about active investment through mentorship, advocacy and partnership. It’s about showing up in a way that encourages others to do the same.

He joined Lead United because he’s ready to take that next step. After years of receiving opportunities from the Madison and Dane County community, Corbin wants to deepen his commitment and contribute to the place he has always considered home.

Corbin first came to Dane County as a UW–Madison student, spending four years on campus as a member of the UW Men’s Ice Hockey team where he learned the value of resilience and teamwork. Today he continues to pay that forward by coaching and staying involved in local youth and high school hockey. He brings that same team-first mindset to his work with Lead United.

January 26, 2026: The 2026 Best of Business Leadership Awards

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The 2026 Best of Business Leadership Awards

For 25 years, Madison Magazine has recognized extraordinary business leaders and their contributions to greater Madison’s economic vitality and nationally recognized livability. These four leaders have demonstrated their commitment to helping Madison grow and have the success stories to prove it. Join us for the 25th Anniversary Business Lunch on Friday, Feb. 27.

Renee Moe

President and CEO at United Way of Dane County

Boldness is necessary to achieve the “next thing,” says United Way president and CEO Renee Moe, who started at the nonprofit as an intern in 1998. “Especially in this day and age with so many changes, leaders are inventing the future every day,” she says. While her work involves daily problem-solving to help individuals and families move from crisis and poverty into self-sufficiency and well-being — whether they need access to housing, food, health care or employment — Moe always has a big-picture, future-focused outlook. United Way of Dane County works toward its goal of community wellbeing in strategic ways. “I get to be a part of the hard conversations that actually make lives better for people, and that is so inspiring and so motivating,” Moe says.

Her Advice: “By aligning your values and being courageous with what needs to get done, that’s when you see things really swing forward.”

January 20, 2026: Madison College opens Early Learning Campus at Goodman South to address childcare shortage

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Madison College opens Early Learning Campus at Goodman South to address childcare shortage

Madison College opened its new Early Learning Campus at its Goodman South Campus to provide childcare and train the next generation of early childhood educators.

On Jan. 15, Madison College unveiled its new Early Learning Campus in the old fire station next to its Goodman South Campus. The new building, coupled with its early childhood education program, will allow for much-needed childcare for its students while they pursue their studies. The Early Learning Campus is planned to officially open on Jan. 20, serving up to 85 children Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

“This new facility couldn’t come at a more important time for many families,” said Gov. Tony Evers. “It costs more to put two young kids in child care than it does to pay for the average rent and mortgage. And even if folks can find and afford child care, families may be waitlisted for months due to space and lack of child care options.”

The opening of the new childcare center comes at a perfect time, Gov. Evers said. He noted the increased costs many face due to federal funding cuts in health care that already leave many in dire financial straits.

“That is no joke, folks. Our workforce [and] our economy cannot afford more parents leaving their jobs because they can’t find care,” Gov. Evers said. “The Early Learning Campus is filling a critical childcare gap here in Madison and connecting the dots for families that have local and high-quality care they deserve.”