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
Stephanie Kressin – Bucky’s Classroom Coordinator
Stephanie is a graduate student in the School Psychology EdS program and a LEADSS scholar (Leading Educators to Advance Direct School-Based Services in Mental Health) at UW-Madison. She received a Bachelor of Science in psychology and rehabilitation psychology with a certificate in gender and women’s studies from UW-Madison in 2023. In her role with Bucky’s Classroom, she is ecstatic to help present higher education as an accessible catalyst to build young scholars’ futures. She also hopes to provide tools for building a better understanding of college and career readiness through engaging lessons and mentoring. Outside of the classroom, Steph likes to spend time running, reading, and appreciating different artistic and musical mediums.
Brittany Khammanivong – Bucky’s Classroom Coordinator
Brittany is a senior studying Microbiology with a certificate in Global Health at UW-Madison. As a Wisconsin native and a first-generation college student, Brittany finds it especially rewarding to give back to the community that has supported her dreams in pursing medicine. In her role as a Bucky’s Classroom coordinator, she is passionate about helping others by ensuring each person receives the necessary resources to succeed while also acknowledging each scholar’s path to higher education varies. Outside of school Brittany enjoys lifting, traveling, spending time with friends and family, reading, running, and cooking.
Estrella Garza – Bucky’s Classroom Coordinator
Estrella is a sophomore studying Elementary Education with certificates in: Early Childhood Education, English as a Second Language and Kindergarten through Ninth grade. She is originally from Edinburg, Texas, and has had the pleasure of working with children of all ages and backgrounds. This has been achieved by working at her local Boys and Girls Club and volunteering at various elementary schools over the last 2 years. She is passionate about making sure every aspiring mind has the chance to pursue academic growth through higher education and is super excited to accomplish this as a Bucky’s Classroom Coordinator. Outside of school she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and obsessively listening to Taylor Swift.
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.