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.

Amy Squitieri Takes the Helm as Mead & Hunt CEO

MADISON, WIS. – October 21, 2025 – Mead & Hunt announced that Amy Squitieri will become Chief Executive Officer effective November 1, 2025. Currently serving as the firm’s Chief Operating Officer, Amy brings more than three decades of leadership experience to the role and has been instrumental in shaping the company’s strategic direction, employee-focused culture, and innovation initiatives.

The leadership transition reflects years of intentional succession planning at the 125-year-old engineering, architectural, and planning firm. Outgoing CEO Andy Platz will remain with the company as Board Chair, supporting continuity as Mead & Hunt continues its commitment to excellence.

“Having worked alongside Amy for three decades, I’ve witnessed how her vision, integrity, and drive have elevated our firm,” said Platz. “She is exceptionally qualified for this role, and I’m confident that under her leadership, Mead & Hunt will reach new heights while staying true to our people-first culture and values.”

Amy has served on Mead & Hunt’s Board since 2007 and has led numerous growth and transformation initiatives that position the firm for continued success. She spearheaded the company’s Foresight + Innovation + Technology (FIT) program to help the firm navigate technology and change in the AEC industry and launched the Future Readiness program to streamline operations and empower teams to thrive in a dynamic business environment. Both programs reflect her commitment to delivering value to clients, communities, and employees through collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

As CEO, Amy’s priorities will focus on strengthening career development across the organization, executing the firm’s strategic plan, and accelerating adoption of digital tools and artificial intelligence. She views her role as a steward in service to the firm and its people, a perspective that shapes her approach to leadership. She is committed to preparing and mentoring the next generation of leaders, knowing that her greatest responsibility is to pass on a healthy, thriving company to the next generation of employee owners who will continue the firm’s legacy.

“It is such an honor to lead this company,” Amy said. “I think about all the talented people we have and what they’re working to accomplish. We have an impressive 125-year legacy dedicated to our values of taking care of people, doing the right thing, and doing what makes sense. I

appreciate that I get to carry that torch forward and entrust a strong, growing firm to the next generation.”

Beyond Mead & Hunt, Amy contributes to shaping the future of the AEC profession through her service on the Board of Engineering Change Lab-USA (ECL-USA), a nonprofit preparing the engineering community for 21st-century challenges. She also actively contributes to the ACEC Research Institute, a leading source of knowledge and business strategies advancing the built environment.

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About Mead & Hunt

Mead & Hunt is a national, full-service engineering, architectural, planning, and construction services firm that has been serving clients for 125 years. Since its founding, the employee-owned firm has grown significantly in size and diversity and continues to rank in Engineering News-Record’s Top 100 Design Firms. Today, the company employs more than 1,400 people and works in a variety of markets, including aviation, transportation, cultural resources, food and beverage, renewable energy, water, and federal. For more information, visit www.meadhunt.com.

Woodman’s Offering Advertising Space on Reusable Shopping Bags

The MARC Group has teamed up with Woodmans Market – Madison to launch a NEW Community Program!

Woodman’s Market – Madison will be handing out 2,500 large, reusable shopping bags to their customers for free!

One side of the bag will be promoting Woodman’s Market – and the rest of the bag will feature local businesses and professionals.

You will be the only business in your industry featured!

Face Panel 

• Regular – $1,195 • Spotlight – $1,495 

• Premium – $2,390 • Banner – $3,585

Side Panel A or B

• Entry Bar – $595 • Side Bar – $895

To learn more and purchase an ad, contact Pat Lupo, The MARC Group Senior Advertising Specialist

(262) 240-8616

patl@themarcgroupinc.com

Diversity in Health Care: Meet the Winners of the Group Health Cooperative of SouthCentral Wisconsin Pre-Professional Medical Diversity Scholarship

MADISON, WISCONSIN, October 20, 2025 – Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) is excited to award three current University of Wisconsin–Madison medical students with the 2025 GHC-SCW Pre-Professional Medical Diversity Scholarship.

The 2025 scholarship winners are:

• Saba Moges (University of Wisconsin–Madison, Anticipated Degree: Doctor of Nursing Practice in Pediatric Primary Care)
• Evelyn Quarm (University of Wisconsin–Madison, Anticipated Degree: Doctor of Nursing Practice with a specialty in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care)
• Steven Xiong (University of Wisconsin–Madison, Anticipated Degree: Doctor of Medicine)

Eligible students for the 2025 GHC-SCW Pre-Professional Medical Diversity Scholarship
meet the following criteria:

• Identify as Black, Indigenous, Asian and/or Hispanic/Latinx
• Enrolled in a Wisconsin-based Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Physician Assistant (PA) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) program.

Each winning student receives a $5,000 scholarship to use as needed for tuition, books or other educational expenses, along with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience through on-site shadowing at a GHC-SCW clinic.

“Research shows that when our health care teams reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, care improves, patients feel seen, outcomes strengthen and lives are lengthened,” stated Dr. Matthew Swedlund, Senior Medical Director at GHC-SCW. “Supporting clinicians from backgrounds that are underrepresented in medicine is an essential step toward achieving equitable, high-quality care for all patients.”

During the application process, each student was tasked with submitting an essay on the importance of diversity among health care providers and sharing what inspired them to pursue a career in health care. Each of the 2025 winners brings unique insights, experiences and commitment to advancing diversity and equity in the medical field. In their essays, they shared powerful perspectives on what diversity means in health care today through their own lens:

• Saba Moges: “While working in a primary care clinic on the north side of Milwaukee, I saw firsthand how treatment and care for patients can suffer when the majority of the healthcare staff does not reflect the community they serve. Yes, this made me angry, but it also lit a fire in me to be part of changing that. When patients are cared for by providers who reflect their backgrounds— or who are trained to understand their lived experiences—they are more likely to feel respected and to engage fully in their care.”
• Evelyn Quarm: “As someone who immigrated to the United States and navigated the health care system from both the patient and provider perspectives, I understand how cultural barriers can lead to miscommunication, mistrust and even misdiagnosis. Diverse providers help bridge these gaps not only through language or cultural familiarity, but by advocating for more inclusive practices and policies within the health care system.”
• Steven Xiong: “Providers from underrepresented backgrounds often see what others do not. They notice blind spots, question assumptions, and offer solutions grounded in personal and cultural awareness. No formal medical training can match the value of the lived experiences that diverse doctors bring—experiences that foster equity, trust and culturally sensitive care.”

GHC-SCW continues its commitment in improving health outcomes for people from every type of background through this scholarship program by addressing racial and ethnic health disparities. These scholarships offer both financial support and mentorship to students from underrepresented communities, helping to shape a more inclusive future for health care.

“I’m incredibly thankful for organizations like GHC that not only acknowledge the importance of diversity in health care but also take concrete steps to support students like me. I eagerly look forward to becoming a role model for minority children, students and professionals alike,” stated past scholarship winner Salma Salama.

About GHC-SCW

Proudly serving over 68,000 members, Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) is Wisconsin’s first, and Dane County’s only, member-owned, nonprofit health care cooperative, ensuring patients and members are at the top of the leadership chart, giving them a voice in their health care. Services extend across greater Dane County and select areas in South Central Wisconsin, offering insurance coverage and clinical care.

Celebrating nearly 50 years, GHC-SCW is the first health plan in Wisconsin to offer patients a money-back guarantee if they are dissatisfied with their experience at a GHC-SCW clinic. GHC-SCW is perennially a national leader in quality. In 2025, GHC-SCW received a 4.5 out of 5 Commercial rating according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance‘s (NCQA) Commercial Health Plan Ratings for 2025. They are highly dedicated to giving back to the community and partnering with local organizations, such as the Madison Children’s Museum, to create positive change. To learn more about GHC-SCW, visit ghcscw.com.

Get ready for Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison’s Halloween Boo-Nanza

Get ready for the ultimate Halloween Boo-Nanza!

Join us for our free Cash BOO-Nanza on Friday, Oct 31. 18 winners will receive $800 in cash, with one lucky grand prize of $5,000. You can also enter our free costume contest, where we’re giving away $6,000 in cash prizes. Plus, we’ll have a DJ, a free photo booth, and free Rewards Play for those who arrive wearing a costume. Bring your Halloween spirit to… Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison.

4002 Evan Acres Rd, Madison, Wisconsin 53718

For more information, visit the Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison website or visit the rewards club booth at HCGM. 21 +.