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Photo by Richard Hurd

MMSD, Madison College and Exact Sciences Partnership Aims to Grow Opportunities for Early College STEM Academy Students

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD), Madison College and Exact Sciences are joining forces to grow opportunities for students enrolled in the Early College STEM Academy, a program designed to prepare participants for success in college and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related fields.

Through a new partnership with Exact Sciences, students will gain firsthand insight into the world of biotechnology and the many career paths it offers. Throughout the school year, Early College STEM Academy students will connect with Exact Sciences professionals through three interactive experiences:

  • Lab Tour (November): Students will tour Exact Sciences’ Cologuard laboratory to see how scientific innovation comes to life. They’ll learn about the roles involved in developing diagnostic tests and hear from team members about their journeys into science and innovation.
  • Career Exploration (February): Students will dive into the science and strategy behind Exact Sciences’ newest product, ColorGuard Plus, as well as explore the wide variety of STEM-related careers at the company and take part in hands-on activities that demonstrate real-world applications of their learning.
  • Celebration and Reflection (April): The year will conclude with a celebration recognizing students’ achievements and growth. Participants will reflect on what they’ve learned, explore their next steps in STEM and receive resume and interview tips from the Exact Sciences Talent Team.

“This partnership is about developing the next generation of innovators,” said Katie Boyce, senior director, corporate impact and strategic communications at Exact Sciences. “By showing students what science looks like in action and introducing them to real career paths, we hope to inspire them to see how their passion for STEM can shape their future.”

The Early College STEM Academy offers MMSD students the opportunity to earn college credit through Madison College while completing their high school studies. By combining classroom instruction with hands-on experiences like those offered through Exact Sciences, the Academy helps students develop the technical knowledge, professional skills and confidence needed to thrive in science and technology careers.

“The STEM Academy shows the power of collaboration,” said Cindy Green, MMSD assistant superintendent of strategy and innovation. “Our students thrive when schools, higher education and employers work together.”

STEM education offers students not only subject knowledge but the critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation skills required in tomorrow’s workforce. In Wisconsin, demand for STEM and biotech talent is real: Per the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the city alone consistently has around 300 job openings in the biotechnology sector. Meanwhile, bioscience jobs in Wisconsin report average salaries around $107,000 annually, nearly double average U.S. income levels, according to UW Online Collaboratives. 

Statewide projections also point toward growth in technical and STEM fields. Over the decade 2022–2032, Wisconsin is expected to add 225,071 new jobs across all sectors (a 7.1% growth rate), per the State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Within that broader labor market, STEM careers such as computer science, data science, and engineering are among the fastest growing nationally. 

“Madison College is proud to stand alongside MMSD and Exact Sciences,” said Dr. Mark Thomas, Madison College executive vice president of policy and strategy. “Together, we’re building a stronger talent pipeline that will benefit our community and the state of Wisconsin.”

For students, experiences like lab tours, industry mentorship, and real-world project work help close the gap between classroom learning and employer expectations, providing a head start in high-demand, well-compensated fields. 

Only students currently enrolled in the Early College STEM Academy are eligible to participate in this opportunity. For more information, please visit the MMSD website.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.