Urban League of Greater Madison: Board of Directors endorses Madison College South Madison expansion plan

Media contact: Ruben L. Anthony, Jr., PhD Phone: 608.729.1208 Email: ranthony@ulgm.org

Madison, WI – At its meeting on April 27, the Urban League of Greater Madison Board of Directors voted to endorse the proposal for an expanded Madison College campus in South Madison. “This is one of the most important and exciting opportunities we have seen in years to help narrow the racial gaps in post-secondary education and employment,” said Urban League CEO Ruben L. Anthony, Jr.

The Urban League relocated from downtown to South Madison in 2010. Like Madison College, our assessment found a compelling need for easier access to education and training opportunities. Also, like the current Madison College plan, our proposal to relocate was not without its critics. Fortunately, after more than five years of planning and advocacy, the Urban League was able to rally community support. The result has been an Urban League presence in South Madison that has become a hub of community engagement and a three-fold increase in our job training programs.

Urban League Board Chair Nia Trammell notes that, “a vote by the District Board approving the South Madison campus proposal engenders the spirit of the College’s vision as a ‘leader in accessible, affordable education that meets the evolving needs of our diverse communities’ and will prove to have a lasting benefit to our city.”

We urge Madison College to make this same type of investment in the residents of South Madison. We see every day the thirst for more educational opportunities out here. The economic dividend to be reaped by bringing more residents of this community into the economic mainstream is tremendous.

The Urban League stands ready to welcome an expanded Madison College presence in South Madison, and we commit to expanding our already strong partnerships to make it a success.

There will be s special hearing of the Madison College Board this coming Wednesday, May 5, 5:30 p.m. at the Truax Campus, in Room B 3243 & B 3253. We encourage you to come out and let your voice be heard.