The Bureau of the Wisconsin Educational Opportunity Programs (WEOP) is dedicated to enhancing college and career readiness for underrepresented youth and adults across the state. By offering free, state and federally funded services, WEOP aims to prepare individuals for postsecondary education and career success.
Key responsibilities include:
Federal
- Federal Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Grant: This program supports students in grades 6–12, focusing on academic preparation, financial literacy, and college readiness. It includes personalized mentoring, college visits, and assistance with applications and scholarships.
- Federal Upward Bound and Talent Search Grants: These programs provide academic support, tutoring, and guidance to help students succeed in high school and prepare for postsecondary education.
State
- Early Identification Program: WI State Statute 115.44 specifies that through the EIP program minority and economically disadvantaged pupils in grades 8-12 shall be assisted in pursuing higher educational opportunities by providing direction toward attainment of career goals. This is accomplished by serving students that are in need of special academic support through the Federal Talent Search, Upward Bound programs, or GEAR UP.
- State Talent Search Program: The State Talent Search Program is a broadly based comprehensive statewide program required under WI State Statute 115.28. The program provides information to youth and adults about postsecondary educational options as well as assistance in defining educational goals, applying and enrolling in college, and obtaining financial aid to pay for college.
- Precollege Scholarship Program: This initiative offers financial assistance to economically disadvantaged students participating in precollege programs that enhance their academic skills and readiness for college-level work.
- Talent Incentive Program Grants (TIP) The TIP grant aids low-income and disadvantaged Wisconsin students with additional college funding to help reduce the student’s amount of loan, work-study, or unmet need. The Talent Incentive Program (TIP) Grant provides grant assistance to the most financially needy and educationally disadvantaged Wisconsin resident students attending colleges and universities in the State of Wisconsin. First-time freshmen students are nominated for the TIP Grant by the school financial aid offices or by counselors of the Wisconsin Educational Opportunity Programs (WEOP). To continue to receive the TIP Grant, students must continue to show financial need. Eligibility cannot exceed ten semesters. Funding for the TIP Grant is provided by the State of Wisconsin. The TIP Grant is administered by the Higher Education Aids Board (HEAB) under Wisconsin State Legislature HEA 5.04 and HEA 5.05.
- Wisconsin Students Go 2 College (WSG2C): Wisconsin Students Go 2 College is the Wisconsin based American College Application Campaign. The campaign runs from September - December assisting with college applications, FSA IDs and FAFSA Completion, statewide.