Bucky’s Classroom is a University of Wisconsin- Madison statewide outreach program housed in State Relations and presented by UW Connects. Committed to promoting the value of higher education among K–8 students across the state of Wisconsin and beyond, the program provides teachers, students and educational leaders with UW resources, such as print materials and activities related to areas of study, paying for college, and career exploration, as well as fun, branded UW items. The program also offers the opportunity for Wisconsin classrooms to directly engage with university students. Bucky’s Classroom consists of:
- A 7thgrade visit program for Wisconsin middle schools
- Spirit items and resources available via mail to K-8 Wisconsin schools
- Digital resources available to educators in and outside of Wisconsin
Meet The Bucky’s Classroom Staff
Reilly Coon – Bucky’s Classroom Coordinator
Reilly is a junior studying history and political science, and is originally from Minocqua, Wisconsin. She is super passionate about education and empowering young people to follow their own passions, and is excited to work with Bucky’s Classroom to give students the tools to take control of their own future. In her free time, Reilly enjoys kayaking, hiking, and learning to play guitar.
Stephanie Kressin – Bucky’s Classroom Coordinator
Stephanie is a junior studying Psychology and Rehabilitation Psychology with a certificate in Gender and Women’s studies. As Whitney Houston once said, “I believe that children are our future” and she couldn’t agree more. She has had the immense pleasure to work with children for the past six years in different environments, such as in the classroom, at a camp, and in a research lab. In her role with Bucky’s Classroom, she is ecstatic to help teach children about the value of higher education; while also providing the tools for building a better understanding of college and career readiness which can help to establish a strong foundation for their future. Outside of the classroom, Stephanie likes to spend time outdoors running or biking, enjoying yoga, and appreciating different artistic and musical mediums.
Maria Stakem – Bucky’s Classroom Coordinator
Maria is a sophomore studying Social Work with certificates in Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies as well as Health Policy. She is originally from Alexandria, Virginia, and came to UW-Madison on a scholarship from the Posse Foundation. She is passionate about going out into the world post-grad to help others in any way she can, and she is happy to fulfill the role of a Bucky’s Classroom Coordinator in order to do exactly that. Outside of school, Maria likes spending time with her friends and family, cooking, and playing guitar.
Brittany Khammanivong – Bucky’s Classroom Coordinator
Brittany is a junior studying Microbiology with a certificate in Global Health on a pre-medical track. Originally from Wausau, WI, she is passionate about helping others by ensuring each person receives the necessary resources to succeed. She has had experience working with people of all ages in different settings such as healthcare, research labs, and student classrooms. She is excited to begin her time as a Bucky’s Classroom Coordinator after serving as a Bucky’s Classroom Ambassador last year, and continue to teach children about her experience thus far in college while assisting them in their future endeavors. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, traveling, working out, and cooking.