The architectural firm of Strang, Inc. recently hosted an open forum and personalized tour for students of a pioneer initiative designed for ethnic minority and low-income students.

Pre-College Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence (PEOPLE) is an enrichment program created by the University of Wisconsin-Madison to increase enrollment and graduation of African American, American Indian, Asian American, Latino/a, and disadvantaged students.

PEOPLE identifies minority students with strong academic potential, engaging them in an innovative college preparatory program. This unique opportunity encourages students to seek out opportunities available through higher education and assists in the development of critical academic skills.

A sampling of program participants were invited by Strang, Inc., an architectural firm located in Madison, Wis., to interact with professionals in their proclaimed field of interest.

An interior designer, architect, engineer, and computer aided design (CAD) technicians volunteered their time and talents on July 6, chatting with the students about the industry, and what drew each of them to their vocations.

Highlights included personalized discussions about college coursework, their experiences, challenges, and rewards. The relaxed format was designed to provide a comfortable environment for the students, encouraging them to ask questions and discover ways to turn their passion into a profession.

"I learned a lot about how architects, engineers and interior designers work together, and the kind of work environment I might find after I graduate," said Mai Kao Her, Milwaukee School of Languages senior and PEOPLE participant. "It's great to know it's not just a collaboration of ideas and task, but of friendships as well. I really enjoyed it!"

PEOPLE students who successfully complete the program, are accepted into an undergraduate program at UW-Madison and successfully complete the Summer Collegiate Experience are eligible for a tuition grant for up to five years.

Completing the PEOPLE program does not guarantee admission into the UW-Madison.

In order to maintain eligibility, the student must maintain good academic standing in his/her college and complete a minimum of 24 credits per academic year.

Students participating in the Strang forum included representatives from the Milwaukee School of Languages, Rufus King High School and Wisconsin Conservatory of Lifelong Learning in Milwaukee.

"I wish there was a program like this when we were starting out," said Robyn Boeck, Interior Designer at Strang, Inc. "Interacting with these kids was a great experience for all of us, and kind of surreal...knowing we were mentoring, and interacting with, the next generation of innovators."

Celebrating its 70th anniversary, Strang, Inc. specializes in the design of optimal performance space for commercial, research and development, biotechnology, and higher education industries.

For more information about Strang, Inc. or the PEOPLE forum, contact Tamera Schwartzer at (608) 276-9200. For additional information regarding PEOPLE, call the High School PEOPLE Program Coordinator at (608) 576-0425.