SSP graduates
And then the day came, when the risk
to remain tight in a bud was more
painful than the risk it took to Blossom.
— Anaïs Nin —
Most SSP graduates attend UW-La Crosse,
Viterbo University or Western Technical College
and many carry a B or better grade point
average. The example set by student-parents
often results in their children’s increased success
in school and community activities.
Since 1988, students who completed our
program and attended college have degrees and
careers in many fields: nursing, education, law,
medicine, art, administration, psychology and
social work. Many of them live in the community
and continue to support as well as benefit from
their SSP connection.
SSP graduates also qualify for our Locally
Grown Scholarship — a cash scholarship for our
students who are in their first four semesters of
college, as long as they remain in good academic
standing.
Contact Information
Amy Sullivan | Self-Sufficiency Program Director
608.785.8733
sullivan.amy@uwlax.edu
www.uwlax.edu/ssp
UW-La Crosse, 426C Wimberly Hall
1725 State St. | La Crosse, WI 54601 USA
Self Sufficiency
Program
Self-Sufficiency Program is an outreach program of the Women’s, Gender and
Sexuality Studies Department at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Ready to blossom?
Self-Sufficiency Program is your first step.
“The program helped me to change my thought
process. I have gone from thinking that I couldn’t
do well to knowing I can do anything I set my mind
to do … More women need these programs in order
to believe in themselves and prove they are capable
of going as far as their dreams and beyond.”
— Libia Aguilar, SSP Graduate & La Crosse lawyer —
The purpose of the Self-Sufficiency Program (SSP) is to
extend the availability of higher education to low-income
parents by preparing them to be successful college students.
SSP Policy of Non-Discrimination
The Self-Sufficiency Program administrators and the SSP Locally Grown Scholarship Fund committee
are committed to a policy of providing equal opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race,
religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation,
gender identity or expression, political affiliation, physical disability, mental disability, veterans status,
or membership in the national guard, state defense force or any other reserve component of the
military forces of the United States or this state.
about SSP
applying to SSP
get more info
SSP is a free, one-semester program that offers
participants an opportunity to discover their academic
and career potential. The class meets one to two
evenings per week in La Crosse during the Fall and
Spring semesters. Free childcare is available on-site
during every class.
Applicants must have either a high school diploma, a
GED or HSED, and may have some college credits as
long as they have not completed a Bachelor’s degree.
If you are thinking about college and you
need some direction and support, contact
SSP! To receive an application by mail,
please send us the following information,
or simply give us a call at 608.785.8733.
The SSP course is designed to accomplish three
goals:
1. Familiarize students with college application and
admissions procedures, financial aid, and
scholarship opportunities
2. Engage the class in weekly critical thinking, writing,
reading and math skills — in essence, we “practice”
college level work in a supportive and encouraging
environment
3. Customize a personal educational plan that
considers each student’s learning and career goals
to reach the highest level of success possible
Applicants must be self-designated as low-income; if
an Associate or Bachelor’s degree would increase your
current salary, you qualify. No financial information is
collected in the application process.
Although the program serves primarily parents,
applicants without children are also considered for
admission.
SSP has a rolling admission process. We accept
applications all year, but admit students to either the
September or January class.
Apply online at www.uwlax.edu/ssp or send in the
mailer on the right to receive an application in the mail.
“The Self-Sufficiency Program has done more for my life than a few
simple words can express. It has lent hope amidst hopelessness, promise
out of defeat, and pride where once was shame. Not only was I given
tools to succeed, I was also given the confidence to grow and
explore life without bounds.”
— Kathleen Crowley, SSP Graduate, UW-L Student —
name
address
city state zip
phone
e-mail address
how did you hear about SSP?
Return this form to:
Self-Sufficiency Program
UW-La Crosse, 426C Wimberly Hall
1725 State St. | La Crosse, WI 54601 USA
ph. 608.785.8733 | sullivan.amy@uwlax.edu
www.uwlax.edu/ssp