Prospective CeO Scholars
The Center for Educational Opportunity (CeO) goal is to support students’ engagement, achievement, and graduation. Our services, programs, and opportunities range from holistic and proactive advising, peer mentoring, to priority enrollment and pre-semester orientation! Learn more about our services, programs, and opportunities, by reviewing our Scholar Services.
Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 academic year. If you are interested in applying for admission to CeO, please complete the Interest Form linked below.
CeO Summer STEM Catalyst Research Program
Summer STEM Catalyst Research Program is a 4-week paid immersive summer research program for incoming CeO First Year Scholars. Learn more about the CeO Summer STEM Catalyst Research Program.
Scholars will have the opportunity to connect with STEM faculty, meet other STEM-focused students, and conduct world-class research on the UW-Madison campus.
Eligibility Requirements
- 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
- A baccalaureate degree is commonly referred to as a “four-year degree” or “bachelor’s degree”
- Taxable income did not exceed 150 percent of poverty level for the previous year
- Review Federal TRIO Program income guidelines
- Additional documentation of a disability is required
Eligible students must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
*For applicants who do not meet the requirements listed above, consideration is given to students that would benefit from services provided by CeO to support academic success.
If you have any questions, please email ceo@cdo.wisc.edu or call 608-265-5106.
CeO Scholar Requirements
- Enroll in Counseling Psychology 115: CeO Educational Effectiveness, both the fall and spring semesters of one’s first year (1 credit)
- Enroll and participate in a High Impact Practice (HIP) course from the CeO-identified options during the first semester at UW-Madison
- Move in early to the residence halls (or your housing if off-campus) and attend CeO First Year Orientation Strategies for Success the last week in August prior to the start of the fall semester
- Schedule and attend the at least three semesterly appointments with assigned CeO Advisor
- Complete and review midsemester progress report both fall and spring semesters during one’s first year
- Attend the Empowering You Conference during the spring semester
- Meet with your CeO Advisor during Transfer SOAR
- Schedule an advising appointment via Starfish with your CeO Advisor prior to the beginning of your first semester with CeO
- Attend semesterly advising appointments and/or appointments as prescribed by your CeO advisor
- Seek academic support through services and resources offered in CeO and across campus
- Respond to CeO emails and communications in a timely manner