UW-Madison Posse Program
Posse identifies high school students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential. Focusing on various major U.S. cities, Posse extends to these students the opportunity to pursue personal and academic excellence by placing them in supportive teams—Posses—of 10 students. Posse’s partner colleges and universities award Scholars four-year, full-tuition merit and leadership scholarships. UW-Madison’s Posse Scholars come from Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and New York City.
No. 1
UW-Madison was the first large, public, flagship, Research 1 institution to join the Posse Foundation. UW's Posse Program is the only one to recruit from as many as four cities, making it the largest in the United States.
90% Graduation Rate
Within the last several years, six-year Posse scholar graduation rates have reached or exceeded 90% for multiple graduating classes.
500+ Alumni
Our program's reach extends far and wide, with over 500 alumni across the country and the world.
Posse In the News
UW-Madison Posse Alum Named One of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Asian American Leaders
Erika Gallagher, a UW-Madison graduate from Washington D.C. Posse 6, was recognized by Madison365 as one of Wisconsin’s 20 Most Influential Asian American Leaders for 2025. Erika is an English teacher at Verona High School and the winner of a 2024-25 Wisconsin Council of Teachers of English (WCTE) award. She was recognized for leading and/or playing a crucial role in several of the school district's efforts to support students from marginalized backgrounds.
UW–Madison Posse Scholar Interns at Wisconsin State Legislature
Alexa Iraheta, a University of Wisconsin–Madison junior and Posse Scholar, spent her fall semester interning at the Wisconsin State Legislature. She served as the sole intern in the office of Rep. Lee Snodgrass.
Two UW–Madison Posse Scholars awarded prestigious national Udall Scholarships
Helena Bello and Alissa Choi have each been awarded a 2025 Udall Scholarship. Udall is a highly competitive national honor that identifies future leaders in environmental, Tribal public policy and health care fields.
Campus Events
- November
- November 16
- November 16
- November 18
- November 18