Students enrolled in the Resource Navigator Program are living the Wisconsin Experience.
Students engage in intellectual and personal growth in:
- Empathy and humility
- Relentless curiosity
- Intellectual confidence
- Purposeful action
Exceptional Learning: the Resource Navigator Program
Our undergraduate students participate in a highly sought-after service-learning experience providing community resources to clients in Madison. This program embodies the Wisconsin Experience!
Learn more about the Resource Navigator Program, and how to apply, below.
“During my time at the Resource Navigator Program, I have learned an immense amount about how social determinants of health equity affect peoples’ lives. I have also learned a lot about patient advocacy, the Madison public works system, and the variety of resources our community has to offer. These experiences have reaffirmed my passion for helping others and strengthened my commitment to advocating for equitable access to healthcare.”
– Emma L., BA in anticipated 2025
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Apply to the Community Resource Navigator Program
Undergraduate students enroll in Inter-Ag 473 to participate in the Community Resource Navigator Program. (This course requires an application).
With the help of supervisors, students work with clients to help them connect with needed community resources. Students follow-up with clients regularly to help them stay healthy. Meeting regularly as a class, students learn about the important links between basic social and economic needs and health, interact directly with patients to help them meet their needs, and learn important patient advocacy skills.
Law and pre-law students are on hand to help patients with health-harming legal needs. In this win-win-win program, clients receive guidance as they navigate the web of social service and legal systems, students learn important skills and perspectives, and providers gain allies in supporting clients and patients who struggle to access the resources that will boost health outcomes.
Spring Semester Application – CLOSED – Our Spring Semester applications have closed for the Spring 2027 Semester. Spring applications typically open in October.
Fall Semester Application – CLOSED – Our Fall Semester applications have closed for the Fall 2026 Semester. Fall applications typically open in March.
Summer Semester Application: OPEN
Summer Applications accepted until 4/19/26 at 11:59pm
Contact Curran Cauldwood, our Student Services Coordinator, to learn more.
Learn more about the Resource Navigator Program here
Inter-Ag 473: Health Impacts of Unmet Social Needs
Inter-Ag 473 Health Impacts of Unmet Social Needs is the required first-semester service-learning course for the Resource Navigator Program. Students engage in direct work with patients at a local clinic four to six hours per week.
Students develop an understanding of how social determinants of health affect peoples’ lives.
Students attend a weekly seminar where they will reflect on their experiences in the clinic and further explore how social location impacts health, legal, and social service delivery.
Law and pre-law students are on hand to help patients with health-harming legal needs. In this win-win-win program, clients receive guidance as they navigate the web of social service and legal systems, students learn important skills and perspectives, and providers gain allies in supporting clients and patients who struggle to access the resources that will boost health outcomes.
Inter-Ag 473 is offered Fall, Spring, and Summer.
Learn more about Inter-Ag 473/694 and the Community Resource Navigator Program here
Inter-Ag 694: Continuing Semesters in the Community Resource Navigator Program
Inter-Ag 694 is offered for 1-2 credits for returning Resource Navigator students who have completed the required introductory Inter-Ag 473 course.
Students perform service-learning for 3 hours a week per credit and complete short assignments including annual HIPAA training and learning reflections.
Application Information and Logistics
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Application FAQ
Find out the status of our applications under “Apply to the Community Resource Navigator Program” above.
Application FAQ:
Who is eligible to take this class?
This class is for undergraduate students with at least sophomore standing at the time of taking the course. There are no major or certificate requirements at this time.
When will I know if I got in?
Applications are reviewed in the 1-2 weeks following the deadline. Students will receive an email with their results either way as soon as possible after review to allow for prompt enrollment.
How do I enroll in this class?
This class is by application only and only open to those who have received confirmation that their application was successful. A spot is reserved for each successful student and enrollment directions are emailed to these students directly. Contact Curran Cauldwood if you feel like this applies to you and you have not received these instructions.
What is the application like?
The application asks for some demographic and background information and also consists of a few answer questions. These questions are designed to gauge your interest and approach to advocacy work as well as your willingness to learn. We do not require previous experience in advocacy to participate.
What makes a good application/candidate?
The program is designed to teach students to work with the community and community services. A strong candidate will have good communication skills and a willingness to learn and grow in this field.
Contact Curran Cauldwood, our Student Services Coordinator, to learn more.
Technology Requirements for Students
Hardware and Software Requirements:
- Operating System
- Windows: Windows 10 or higher
- Mac: Mac OS X (10.12 or higher)
- Internet
- You will need sufficient internet bandwidth/speed to complete all tasks required in our courses. For the Applied Advocacy Experience, this includes activities such as frequent video conferencing and telephone calls via your computer.
- Video & Sound
- Headset with microphone (REQUIRED)
- Webcam (REQUIRED)
- Browser
- Firefox (latest version)
- Chrome (latest version)
- Safari (latest version)
- Check to see what browser you are using now and if you need to update it at www.whatbrowser.org.
- Programs & Plugins
- Java (free)
- Adobe Reader (free) or Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Flash Player (free)
- E-Mail
- You must have the ability to send and receive e-mail from your computer
Contact us at learning@patientpartnerships.org if you have specific questions about the above requirements.