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Help lifelong learners access transformative experiences on #GivingTuesday

Giving Tuesday heart shape ticket

Char Braxton has a passion for writing, and she hopes to publish her work one day. She believes that “the love between writer and words is an intimacy that has no barriers.”

Char Braxton believes that 'the love between writer and words is an intimacy that has no barriers.'
Char Braxton believes that ‘the love between writer and words is an intimacy that has no barriers.’

In 2005-06, Braxton immersed herself in reading and writing as a participant in the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Odyssey Project, which offers a college humanities course for adult students with financial challenges. And last spring, she had a chance to attend the UW-Madison Writers’ Institute, thanks to a Writers’ Fund scholarship from the Division of Continuing Studies.

“The Writers’ Institute was a gourmet salad bar for me,” Braxton says. “The agents, pitches, fiction and nonfiction authors, workshops, and critiques ignited a light inside of me to write and share with the world words that are dancing inside of my soul.”

Giving back

The Division of Continuing Studies offers many scholarships for people who face barriers to their education. Braxton benefited from the Writers’ Fund, which helps writers and writing teachers engage in programs for professional development and personal enrichment. Along with the Writers’ Institute, these include the Write-by-the-Lake Writer’s Workshop and Retreat and Weekend with Your Novel.

Braxton received a scholarship to the UW Writers' Institute, where she attended workshops, lectures, and critique sessions.
Braxton received a scholarship to the UW Writers’ Institute, where she attended workshops, lectures, and critique sessions.

Continuing Studies also offers scholarships for pre-college students attending the Summer Music Clinic and artists participating in the Wisconsin Regional Art Program, among others. The scholarships help support the Wisconsin Idea by giving community members access to the university’s resources.

Those interested in supporting Continuing Studies scholarships have a perfect opportunity on Giving Tuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. Observed on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving—this year, December 1—it brings together nonprofits, civic organizations, businesses, families, and individuals. Anyone can get involved, donating to a favorite cause and spreading the word on social media.

In fact, donations to both the Writers’ Fund (up to $1,000) and the Odyssey Project Fund will be matched 100% on Giving Tuesday (December 1, 2015), so don’t delay.

“Your gift can provide a transformative experience for a community member who hopes to benefit from lifelong learning,” says Jeffrey S. Russell, the dean of the Division of Continuing Studies. “The chance to participate in a course or a conference can lead to a new start in life, and sometimes a new career path.”

Visit the UW Foundation site to make a contribution to this year’s Giving Tuesday campaign for writing scholarships.