Ready to learn a new language? Explore why adults are wired to succeed, how to embrace mistakes and ways to build deep community connections.
adult learners
Discover how Amy Domaszek shapes UW–Madison continuing education courses to deliver high-quality leadership, AI and communication skills for today’s workplace.
See inspiring stories of people going back to school as adults and learn how adult student scholarships can help you earn your degree later in life.
Discover how returning adult students like Leslie Wright balance work, family, and college. Learn about financial aid, campus support, and finding your passion.
Learn how Liz Murphy is expanding UW–Madison’s language programs and helping adult learners grow through flexible, inclusive language learning.
Discover the inspiring journeys of UW–Madison’s 2026 Outstanding Undergraduate Returning Adult Student Award winners, Leslie Wright and Michael Rozier.
Erin Schuler strengthens Wisconsin’s behavioral health workforce with expert, accessible continuing education at UW–Madison.
Explore Mirta Pagnucci’s journey from ESL student to UW–Madison instructor. Learn how continuing education fosters community through immersive language study.
Nontraditional students are a growing majority in higher education. See how flexible degree programs help adult learners earn a degree on their terms.
Bridge programs like UW–Madison’s Badger Ready help adults with college credit but no degree return to school and complete their education.
The prison education program, involving UW-Madison and other UWs, provides degrees and skills training to boost the economy, reduce recidivism, and build brighter futures.
Embracing an attitude of lifelong learning can help seniors combat the effects of aging and find meaning in every day. In a study by Scientific American, seniors who regularly engaged in learning over three months performed similarly to adults 30 years younger on cognitive tests.
Boost your career! UW–Madison online grad Kristy shares how her bachelor's degree increased her confidence & opened new job opportunities.
From a childhood gift igniting a lifelong passion for science to witnessing the heroism of healthcare workers during a global pandemic, the journeys of Dora Aranda, Jennifer Halvorson, and Norman Canestorp are as diverse as they are inspiring.
Lifelong learner: Tips for first-generation adult college students.
In 1981, the first Outstanding Undergraduate Returning Adult Student Award (OURASA) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison was presented to just one recipient, Sally Peterson, a civil water engineer and single mother of three children. Forty-five years later, UW–Madison continues to celebrate its returning adult students.
Anne Niendorf tells us her advice to secure a UW-Madison scholarship as an adult student.
Language learning is more than just a hobby. It’s a lifelong passion for our students.
This year’s Outstanding Undergraduate Returning Adult Student Award winners, Chikara Crooks and Ivanna Ceballos, share a powerful common thread: each is working to become the kind of support and inspiration they once needed themselves.
Artificial intelligence (AI) enables machines to perform complex tasks that typically require human intelligence. While AI cannot replace human experience, it can serve as a powerful assistant in your educational journey. However, it’s crucial to critically evaluate AI-generated information by cross-checking sources and ensuring accuracy.
A UW–Madison career counselor explores education opportunities at community colleges, universities, extension programs and more to enrich your career and life.
UW–Madison Motivational Interviewing courses helped these two professionals deepen connections, build empathy and inspire positive change.
Balancing an internship with a full-time job and family is challenging for adult students. Learn how Jason Glomp managed his unpaid internship and succeeded.
Explore one UW–Madison adult student's inspiring journey of overcoming addiction and how recovery shaped her academic and personal growth.