Eleven CeO Scholars standing outside Carsen Gully in two rows wearing red and white CeO shirts.

The Center for Educational Opportunity (CeO) empowers eligible students to engage and achieve through holistic advising, connecting students with campus resources, and fostering a supportive climate for all students.

CeO helps students progress through their academic careers at UW–Madison with the support of two federally funded TRIO grants and a state-funded program Student Support Services (SSS), Student Support Services-STEM (STEM), and the Academic Success and Achievement Program (ASAP).

Learn more about our mission and TRIO services.

"CeO is the best place to be. There are people who are ready to assist you in any way, so just reach out and the help will be right there for you to grab. You are not alone!"

A. O., Spring 2023 CeO Graduate

UW-Madison students are eligible to apply to CeO if they:

  • Are a First Generation College Student
    • Neither parent received a baccalaureate degree
    • A student who regularly resided with and received support from one parent and that supporting parent did not receive a baccalaureate degree
    • baccalaureate degree is commonly referred to as a “four-year degree” or “bachelor’s degree”
  • Meet federal family income guidelines
  • Have a documented disability
On February 24, 1986, a congressional resolution (H. Con. Res. 278) declared that Saturday, February 28, 1986, should be designated as “National TRIO Day” to commemorate the annual achievements of the Federal TRIO programs in communities across the country. To honor our TWO (!) TRIO Grants (Student Support Services & Student Support Services - STEM), CeO is hosting a CeO Day of Action on Thursday, February 29th in the CeO Office from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm!

Dr. Shawn Peters Receives Distinguished Status

The Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement (DDEEA) is proud to announce that Shawn Peters, PhD, Learning Center Specialist at the Center for Educational Opportunity (CeO), has achieved Distinguished Status at UW–Madison. This esteemed recognition honors Dr. Peters for his exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment to the institution’s core values. 

A picture of Dr. Shawn Peters, CeO Scholar Akshay Kalra, and CeO Alumna Kimberly Vue, receiving their respective 2023 Advising, Career Services & Learning Support Awards (Dr. Peters - The Keystone Award, Mr. Kalra - Outstanding Undergraduate Student Employee Award, and Kimberly Vue - The Early Career Excellence Award)
Dr. Shawn Peters, CeO Scholar Akshay Kalra, and CeO Alumna Kimberly Vue, receiving their respective 2023 Advising, Career Services & Learning Support Awards (Dr. Peters - The Keystone Award, Mr. Akshay Kalra - Outstanding Undergraduate Student Employee Award, and Ms. Kimberly Vue - The Early Career Excellence Award)