Chippewa Valley Times

Arriving early at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, 55 incoming Stoutward Bound scholars are preparing to begin their transition from high school to college. These first-year multicultural students will move into South Hall on August 23, ahead of the general student body.

The Stoutward Bound program, now in its 18th year and coordinated by Multicultural Student Services (MSS), is designed as an early-start bridge initiative. It aims to provide a supportive living and learning environment for students who identify as multicultural, helping them adjust to campus life and prepare for academic success.

Sia Yang, assistant director of MSS and advisor for Stoutward Bound, emphasized the program’s focus on long-term student outcomes. “Our goal is long-term retention. We want to make sure they persist, succeed, find a place to be and graduate,” said Yang.

During orientation day last summer, these students began building connections with peers, faculty, and staff. Throughout the year, they attend weekly campus events together such as karaoke nights and participate in activities hosted by various university departments including Career Services and Housing.

Four peer leaders serve as mentors for the group, working individually with each scholar. A student event coordinator organizes monthly gatherings that include team-building exercises and social events. “Our peer leaders help students build a community and a sense of belonging, with the goals of getting them to different spaces on campus, and connecting them with different people, resources and student organizations. They’re heavily involved with engagement and activities,” Yang explained.

Stoutward Bound scholars also take part in an eight-week First-Year Experience polytechnic seminar within their learning community before classes officially start. The program includes workshops led by different departments as well as a writing class taught by two instructors. “They experience what it’s like to be in a classroom before school actually starts. This helps to ease the anxiety of class and navigating campus,” said Yang.

Yang maintains regular contact with participants throughout their time at UW-Stout: “I work with them throughout their college career and help them build skills to meet their goals, whether they’re seeking a leadership position, internships on and off campus, applying to grad school or a study abroad program.”

Students who continue in the program after their first year may apply for the Stoutward Bound Scholarship.

The MSS office at Merle M. Price Commons supports students’ academic journeys by fostering connections across cultures and backgrounds while promoting leadership development and intercultural awareness. The office provides resources such as academic support services as well as opportunities for involvement in multicultural student clubs including Black Student Union, Native American Student Organization, Hmong Stout Student Organization, and Latinos Unidos.