By Molly Nichols l October 23, 2026

Badger Volunteers work in organizations all throughout Madison, from food banks to community gardens, lending a hand to better their local community.

To address the high demand and provide long-term support in mentoring and tutoring across the city of Madison, Badger Volunteers Educate (BVED) is launching a 12-site pilot program within the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD), enabling students with the chance to deepen relationships with their mentees.

UW–Madison students in BV Educate are expected to participate throughout the entirety of the fall semester, with the hope that their involvement continues into the spring and beyond.

At its core, the program is about building connections between students and the Madison community. The goal is to connect “UW–Madison students as tutors and mentors with Madison-area youth,” says Morgridge Center for Public Service Educational Programs Manager Emma Gleed.

In addition to the MMSD pilot program, BVED supports five different local partners: Madison School and Community Recreation (MSCR), Big Brothers Big Sisters, Jamarek After School STEAM Program, Urban League, Schools of Hope and Monona Grove High School. Opportunities span from providing classroom support, tutoring students in math and literacy, to lending a hand with afterschool programming.

For lead tutors in MMSD, that support might look a little different from site to site. Opportunities may involve classroom-based support, small-group assistance or even one-on-one tutoring.

And for volunteers who have already found a community partner they love? It’s never been easier to return. Those who have worked with one of these partners in the past and hope to join them again this semester may reach out to Emma Gleed to request a specific placement.

For everyone else, a new semester means a new opportunity to gain practical experience, develop leadership skills and make meaningful connections within the community.

Ready to see what the latest makeover for Badger Volunteers has in store? For other questions or to learn more, visit our website.

*And for students looking to get involved for the remainder of the semester and hopefully the academic year, certain locations are still looking for volunteers and tutors to strengthen their programs. Apply now!

Organizations include: 

• The Urban League of Greater Madison
• Madison Schools and Community Recreation 
• Monona Grove School District
• Jamarek STEAM Program