The BASES Project (Building Academic, Social, and Emotional Supports for children experiencing homelessness) is a community-engaged learning course/program that pairs UW student mentors (both undergraduate and graduate) with early elementary school students in the Transition Education Program (TEP) in several Madison schools. The mentors provide weekly in-school support for a student 1–2 hours a week over the academic year. Transportation support is provided by the Morgridge Center for Public Service.
Our students are prepared for this experience in a biweekly class (Mondays from 3-4:30pm) that focuses on the potential of 1-on-1 mentoring relationships to aid young children’s adjustment to school and how to foster resilience both in and outside of school. Mentors will learn about the effects of poverty and trauma on child development through guest lectures, films, readings, reflective writing assignments, and discussions. Class exercises are designed to support students’ learning about homelessness, mentoring, societal forces, racial inequities, and emotionally responsive teaching.
The course meets every other Monday from 3 pm to 4:30 pm for the entire academic year (with asynchronous virtual lessons on alternate weeks). Enrollment/attendance for the entire year is a requirement for acceptance into the program.
Application (Google Form): https://forms.gle/a8bNX32rPX4Y5sBx5
If you have any questions or concerns, please email Dr. Wright (travis.wright@wisc.edu) or the TA at bases@education.wisc.edu.
Thank you in advance for your efforts to support children experiencing homelessness here in Madison!