Application for Admission to the First Wave Spoken Word and Urban Arts Learning Community at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

The First Wave Spoken Word and Urban Arts Learning Community is a cutting-edge multicultural artistic program for incoming students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Bringing together young artists and leaders from across the U.S., First Wave offers students the opportunity to live, study, and create together in a close-knit, dynamic campus community. Administered by the Office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives, First Wave is the first university program in the country focused on spoken word and hip-hop culture. The inaugural First Wave cohort of 15 students began their UW-Madison career in the fall 2007 semester. We are currently looking for the next group of motivated students to join the First Wave Learning Community in 2012.

Each First Wave Scholarship recipient receives a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Once enrolled, First Wave students can major in whatever they choose. Recipients will retain the scholarship as long as they abide by the provisions of their artist’s contract each year, to include academic success.

Any applicant to the UW-Madison – incoming freshmen or transfer students entering their second year of college– may apply to join First Wave. Students must first be guaranteed admission to UW-Madison before being considered for First Wave.

Prospects should submit an online application to the University by November 30, 2011 in order to submit an Artistic Packet for the First Wave scholarship. Artistic Packets will be accepted until December 1. Finalists will be notified March 1, 2012.

• 1.) University Application
  You must apply to the University FIRST. We cannot accept any Artistic materials until we receive confirmation that your University application has been submitted, Once your application is uploaded, the University system will generate a confirmation email message with a student ID. Please forward that student ID number to dnkelly@wisc.edu.
• 2.) First Wave Application & Query
  Complete this form to provide basic contact information and an introduction to your artistic history.
• 3.) 3 Work Samples
  We highly recommend sending electronic files. Poets and emcees should submit one written sample and one performance sample (YouTube is perfectly fine). Visual artists and producers should submit two .jpeg or mp3 files. Break dancers should submit two solo performance samples (again, YouTube is fine). The third sample format and genre is up to each applicant.
• 4.) 1 Letter of Recommendation
  Solicit a recommendation from an adult coach, teacher or mentor who can speak to your artistic merit, work ethic, and suitability for the First Wave program. Keep in mind, this is different from the letter you must submit to the University. For Admissions, you’ll want to find someone who can speak to your academic efforts, development and potential.
• 5.) Transcript and Test Scores
  In addition to the official copy that will be sent to Admissions from your school and the testing board, please include a photocopy (“unofficial”) copies of your cumulative academic record (all grades since freshman year) and your ACT or SAT reports.
• 6.) Photocopy of SAT or ACT test results
  
• Any queries regarding the First Wave application process should be directed to: Dasha Kelly, Recruitment Director dnkelly@wisc.edu

• 1.) Visit http://wisc.edu to learn more about the University of Wisconsin
• 2.) To complete the online application, register as a new user at http://apply.wisconsin.edu. For UW Application HELP, call 1-800-442-6459
• 3.) When finished, print out the Application Completion Instruction Sheet and follow the instructions.
• 4.) Also print out the Counselor form. Your Guidance Counselor will need it to forward your official transcript and mail to:
  
  Office of Admissions/First Wave
  239 Red Gym
  716 Langdon Street
  Madison, WI 53706

First Wave Admissions Committee / 357 Bascom Hall / 500 Lincoln Dr / Madison, WI 53706