Self Sufficiency Program

Thinking about college? Wondering where to start or restart your education journey?

Take your first step with the Self-Sufficiency Program (SSP)!

SSP is a free, pre-college program that helps participants explore academic and career interests and practice college-levelSS skills in a supportive setting. 

Offered each fall and spring semester, the 8 to 10-week evening class meets weekly on the UWL campus. Free childcare is available on-site.

SSP Fall 2026 and Spring 2027

The regular SSP session will not be offered for Fall 2026. However, if you are a parent with children in the La Crosse School District be sure to visit an SSP information table at the following:

2026 La Crosse School District Open Houses

July 28th 5:30-7 pm Erickson Boys & Girls Club 1331 Clinton St.
August 4th 9 am–12 pm and 1–5 pm La Crosse Center 300 Harborview Plaza
August 11th 5:30–7 pm Mathy Center Boys & Girls Club 811 8th St S (Viterbo)
August 17th 5-6:30 pm Hintgen Elementary 3505 28th St S
August 17th 5-6:30 pm Northside Elementary 1611 Kane St
August 18th 4:30-6:30 pm Hamilton Elementary/SOTA 1111 7th St S

Summer Events

August 10th 5-7:30 pm, Northside Neighborhood Block Party 1010 Sill St. Trinity Lutheran Church

The Spring 2027 session of SSP start date is to be determined. It will meet weekly from 6-8 pm for 8 to 10 weeks. Apply online now!

The Program

The purpose of SSP is to improve access to higher education for single-parents and other adults and help them prepare for college success.

SSP has the following course goals:

Familiarize students with college programs and options, applications and admissions procedures, and financial aid and scholarship opportunities at UWL, Viterbo University and Western Technical College.
Engage and support students in building skills in critical thinking, close-reading, reflective and academic writing, and math.
Assist students in developing an individualized educational plan to reach their education and career goals.

Upon completing SSP, students may be eligible for SSP's Locally Grown Scholarships to support their first semesters at UWL, Viterbo University, Western Technical College or other regional colleges.

RGSS logoSSP is a community engagement program of the Race, Gender and Sexuality Studies Department at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

What's New at SSP?

We welcome our new SSP Director, Holly Larsen. She began her employment in July. You can contact Holly at:

Holly Larsen
4306 Centennial Hall
608.785.8733
hlarsen2@uwlax.edu

SSP Helps Turn Dreams to Degrees!

Holly Larsen, SSP Director

SSP logo

UWL-RGSS-logo

SSP is a community engagement program of the Department of Race, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the UW-La Crosse.

Many thanks!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.

‘I know I can do it’

SSP prepares adult students to be successful!

Campus Connection (news story)

Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024

Alisha Morgan's inspirational journey was empowered by UW-La Crosse Self-Sufficiency Program <More>

Melissa Touche, '20

WGSS

"It is not an exaggeration to say SSP changed my life. SSP was instrumental in helping explore my educational goal. It has been the hands that lifted, encouraged, and empowered me to successfully completing my bachelor’s degree."

Learn more about Melissa Touche, '20