Explore UW–Madison Precollege programs

The Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) gives gifted students finishing ninth through twelfth grades the chance to learn and live alongside each other on the beautiful UW–Madison campus. ALP is an intense, three-week summer camp designed to push students to the next academic level while housing them in an intimate learning environment. Students enroll in a single course for an in-depth experience not possible in crowded high school schedules. Students gain insight from instructors who are experts in their fields. ALP participants experience a truly unique learning environment where gifted students can interact, learn, and grow with each other. Course options include engineering, physics, biology, neuroscience, theater, psychology, political science, philosophy, sociology and economics, and computer science.

Afterschool Expeditions is a free program from UW–Madison and the Morgridge Institute for Research for students in grades K-8 to explore, engage, and discover science with structured hands-on activities. This program takes place during the fall and spring semesters.

In the 3-week, online 2021 ACE Digital Storytelling program, students will produce a portfolio of videos with compelling narratives and visuals to demonstrate their English storytelling skills while learning from faculty and experts at UW-Madison. Program Dates: July 12-30, 2021. Registration Deadline: June 28, 2021.

Badger Precollege is pleased to offer engaging online courses to students in grades 6-12. Each live online course meets for one to two weeks and includes high-quality educational and social content to help prepare students for the college experience — all backed by the academic reputation of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In addition to academic enrichment, students will have the opportunity to build friendships in a community of like-minded individuals.

The University of Wisconsin offers an array of Boys Basketball Camps: Father/Son Camp, Resident/Commuter Camp, Advanced Camp, Team Camp and the Badger Basketball Experience Day Camp.  Headquartered at The Kohl Center, these camps are focused on providing a first-class learning experience using dedicated and enthusiastic staff.  Current Badger coaches will lead the instruction at each camp, with support from current and former members of the Badger Men’s Basketball team as well as visiting coaches and clinicians.

The University of Wisconsin Badger Boys’ Golf Camps focus on teaching sound fundamentals for a player’s entire game. Camps will cover full swing, scoring game, course management, introduction to competitive golf, rules and etiquette. All camp activities take place at the nationally acclaimed University Ridge Golf Course which includes the exclusive Badger men’s and women’s team outdoor practice facility and new indoor UW Golf Training Center. Whether you are interested in playing college golf or making your high school varsity team, the Badger Boys’ Golf Camp will maximize your potential and give you a clear plan to improve. Our camp is for players of all skill levels. The small coach-to-camper ratio allows for an optimal learning environment for each student. And we are committed to HAVING FUN!

The University of Wisconsin offers a variety of Boys Hockey Camps which are focused on developing the skills of hockey in an enjoyable atmosphere. Current Badger coaches will lead the instruction at each camp, with support from current and former members of the Badger Men’s Hockey team as well as visiting coaches and clinicians. The Team camp will include position practices, off-ice conditioning and post-game recovery, and tournament-format competition throughout the week. The Youth Skating and Skill Camp is a day camp that will focus on power skating, puck skills and small area games.

Campers will be instructed on the basic skills required to succeed at a top rowing college. Our campers represent a variety of athletic backgrounds. Many have never rowed before, while some have extensive high school experience. We will tailor the camp experience to fit the needs of the individuals. The camp will be staffed by University of Wisconsin coaches and oarsmen.

The University of Wisconsin Soccer camps will provide players of all levels with advanced training activities and playing opportunities that can be used to take their game to new heights. Whether you are looking to improve your technical skills, make your local club or high school team or are trying to advance your game to the college level, the University of Wisconsin Soccer Camps can help you reach your goals. Camps will feature a staff of coaches who have the experience and dedication necessary to help you develop on and off the field.

The Wisconsin Cross Country Camp of Champions is a five-day program open to any and all entrants for boys and girls who are cross country and middle-distance runners from high school and junior high. At 42 years old, it is one of the country’s oldest camps of its kind. The camp’s purpose is to provide quality individual instruction in the techniques and training that are necessary for young athletes to reach their full potential. Workouts, lectures, films and activities are all designed to instruct, entertain and motivate. We are aware that our campers represent a wide variety of talent, motivations, education and experience, and we are prepared to tailor our program to each athlete’s needs.

The University of Wisconsin offers a variety of summer, fall, winter, and spring diving clinics. Since the summer of 2011, Head Coach Anton Slobounov has offered instructional camps and clinics for campers of all ages and skill levels on campus at the UW Natatorium. Training includes both dive well and dry land instruction, tailored for campers to receive the maximum amount of individual instruction.

The 2018 Wisconsin Badgers Football Camps provide players of all ages a first class learning experience. Held at Camp Randall Stadium, current Wisconsin coaches will lead the instruction at each camp, with support from current and former members of the Wisconsin Football Team as well as visiting coaches. Campers will be instructed on the fundamental skills of their selected position.

The University of Wisconsin offers a variety of Girls Basketball Camps: Badger Day Camp, Elite Camp, Team Camp, All-Skills Camp, and Youth Skills Camp. Each of these camps have a different focus that will contribute to player development. Head Coach Jonathan Tsipis and the rest of the UW coaching staff will lead the instruction at each camp, with support from current and former members of the Badger Women’s Basketball team.

The University of Wisconsin Badger Girls Golf Camps were developed to expose girls to the fundamentals of the game of golf and provide a fun learning environment in a college setting. The camps feature professional instruction, educational seminars, and rounds of golf. All camp activities take place at the nationally acclaimed University Ridge Golf Course which includes the exclusive Badger men’s and women’s team outdoor practice facility and new indoor UW Golf Training Center. There is also time for other fun activities, so come join us this summer and take your game to a new level!

The University of Wisconsin offers a variety of Girls Hockey Camps at the home of Wisconsin Women’s Hockey, LaBahn Arena, which are focused on developing the skills of hockey in an enjoyable atmosphere.  Each of our camps will include sessions on power skating, skill development and stick handling, and team concepts for both offense and defense.  Our camps are great for players that are looking to take their game to the next level.

The University of Wisconsin offers a variety of seasonal sessions of Women’s Rowing Camps, which will be tailored to both experienced and beginner-level rowers.

The University of Wisconsin Badger Girls’ Soccer Camps are designed to prepare players to compete and train at a higher level. Sessions focus on technique development as well as teamwork and special team tactics and strategy. An additional area of concentration is the development of positional skills through practices designed to improve positional awareness and understanding. The Girls’ Soccer camps provide an excellent opportunity for girls to enjoy great soccer, meet new friends, and have a great camp experience. Under the direction of Wisconsin’s goalkeeper coach, Tim Rosenfeld, the Girls’ Soccer Camps will provide specific goalkeeper instruction.

The University of Wisconsin offers a variety of softball camps throughout the year.  The softball camps are focused on developing the fundamental, individual skills of softball in an enjoyable atmosphere, as well as providing instruction on game situations.  Each of our camps will include sessions on individual and team concepts for both offense and defense.  Our camps are great for players that are looking to take their game to the next level.

The University of Wisconsin Badger Swim camps provide an enjoyable, challenging learning experience for campers.  The camps focus on swimming all four strokes in the most effective manner with proper technique to maximize efficiency.  Special attention is also given to the training principles involved in successful competitive swimming, which includes dry land training.  Each camper will receive one-on-one skill stroke attention along with help on all different types of starts and turns.  Campers will also have the opportunity to be filmed above and below the water while swimming all four competitive strokes and receiving instant feedback.

The University of Wisconsin Tennis program offers multiple co-educational instructional camps this summer. Please consult each session page for details regarding the target population for each camp. We are happy to offer beginning players the opportunity to advance their skills and highly skilled players the opportunity to take their game to the next level. All camps will focus on individual skill instruction and will expose campers to the Badger Tennis experience.

The purpose of our various track and field camps is to provide quality individual instruction in the techniques and training that are necessary for young athletes to reach their full potential. We are aware that the athletes represent a wide variety of talent, motivations, education, and experience and we are prepared to tailor our program to each athlete’s needs.

The University of Wisconsin Badger Volleyball program is happy to offer an array of volleyball camp opportunities to participants that range in age and experience. We have programs which are intended to attract the interest of young campers to introduce them to the game as well as programs that seek to focus on advanced, specific skill instruction for advanced and experienced players. Under the direction of Wisconsin Head Coach Kelly Sheffield, each of our camps will focus on making better volleyball players in a fun, competitive environment.

The University of Wisconsin Badger Wrestling Camps are designed to provide technical instruction, develop and improve skills in a competitive atmosphere, and prepare student-athletes for the upcoming wrestling season. Camp instruction will be led by our very successful Badger Coaching Staff with assistance and demonstration from current and former UW wrestlers.  Our camps will address all aspects of becoming a better wrestler with emphasis on drill technique, live wrestling, and mental toughness.

Spend your summer with UW–Madison, exploring a college-level course, living and learning with a community of peers. Badger Summer Scholars is a transformative learning opportunity for high school students across several academic areas of interest. Applicants should be ready to take the next step in their academic journey and to engage in a lively college program with peers from all over the country.

The Business Emerging Leaders (BEL) Program is designed for promising students (grades 10-12) who come from diverse backgrounds and have strong academic records and demonstrated leadership skills. Program participation gives students a distinct competitive advantage when adjusting to college life, learning in classes, and applying for internship opportunities, ultimately preparing them for successful careers in business. BEL meets every summer for three years, beginning the summer after tenth grade. Students must apply in the spring of 10th grade.

College Ready @ Badger Precollege is a 3-day online college preparation course for high school students. This holistic program combines a broad college readiness experience with a jumpstart in analytical skills exploration to help prepare students for college success. While each course helps prepare students for academic success, our curriculum also includes information about the path to college.

Interact with PhD students from the Wisconsin Applied Computing Center to help each side gain a better understanding of research topics in the field of Computational Dynamics.

Camp activities include outdoor discovery hikes and observations, hands-on science exploration, and nature games and activities. Returning campers will find new and exciting experiences every year. Children are encouraged to ask questions, play, and share, create, discover, construct, and cooperate.

Entering grades 1-5. A variety of 3-day camps offered during the afternoon.

Entering grades 1–5. A variety of different 3 and 5 day camps offered through the UW Arboretum.

Ages 3 and 4, entering kindergarten, with an adult. 1-day sessions. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children and adults will explore nature topics through crafts, songs, stories, hikes, and games.

Entering kindergarten and grade 1. 3-day sessions. Great for first-time campers. Discover the animals living in Arboretum gardens.

The EducationUSA Academy at UW–Madison provides students age 15-17 the tools and experience to successfully prepare for and excel in the American college environment. We invite international students to join us for the EducationUSA Academy at UW-Madison, providing an in-depth experience of life at an American university. Take your learning beyond the classroom, your time here will provide educational, social and services opportunities to prepare you for success in higher education and create lifelong memories. Join us for an unforgettable three weeks at the University of Wisconsin-Madison!

EducationUSA Academy Connects at UW-Madison provides international high school students the opportunity to experience life at a US university, in an online environment. Students will learn about study opportunities and the admissions process at three different higher education institutions, develop their leadership skills, and perfect intercultural communication abilities. Students can decide between College Preparation or Business Skills Development sessions, each interacting live with UW-Madison instructors and students from around the world.

Engineering Summer Program (ESP) is a fully funded, six-week residential program for students who will be high school juniors or seniors in the upcoming school year. The ESP course curriculum includes math, physics, chemistry, engineering, and technical communications. Other structured programming such as industry site visits, field trips, guest lectures, workshops, and faculty mentoring will help students gain a better understanding of the field of engineering and its applications.

TEEM Scholars’ programming is designed to prepare students for college and careers in education. TEEM Scholars is interested in recruiting a diverse pool of Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) students each year who have an interest in improving the educational opportunities for all students in the district.

Grandparents University is an intergenerational learning experience for children aged seven to 14 who are accompanied by a grandparent(s) or older adult relative(s) who is not a parent. Grandparents University offers a wide range of “majors” taught by UW faculty, staff, and graduate students from disciplines across campus. You and your grandchild will stay together in the same major for the entire two-day program. An adult must accompany each child at all times during the activities related to the major.

Young writers meet in the beautiful setting of the Olbrich Botanical Gardens and use their surroundings as inspiration for writing, in a supportive environment, led by a staff of Greater Madison Writing Project Fellows and experienced teaching of writing. Participants then share their favorite pieces from the week with their families and friends at an evening celebration.

A supportive and creative environment to learn new techniques and meet other writers. Led by Greater Madison Writing Project Educators and guest writers. For students entering grades 9-12.

The Growing Early Minds (GEM) program is designed to challenge and engage advanced learners finishing grades one through four. Students will be exposed to multidisciplinary concepts and themes that will feed their curious minds. Each class is small and designed to enrich learning and introduce new areas of interest, helping students expand their knowledge about the world and discover how much there truly is to learn. Social and emotional curriculum components will focus on fostering autonomy, encouraging development of growth mindset, and fostering effective collaboration skills. Course options include biology, engineering, coding, psychology, architecture, and multidisciplinary options.

Courses in sailing, windsurfing, and racing for youth from beginner to advanced, designed to teach outdoor recreation skills and support personal growth.

Open to current sophomores and juniors, this is a for-credit university class and residential program exploring one of three tracks: visual art, theater or dance. Students will grow their portfolio while learning from UW–Madison faculty, discovering more about themselves and their medium of choice along the way.

ITA programs serve students in the communities of Lac du Flambeau, Madison, and Oneida. Through ITA, high school students build technology knowledge and skills with hands-on training, and receive academic support, leadership development, community service, and internship opportunities. ITA is designed to increase the enrollment and success of diverse students at UW–Madison.

At an ICE Fun with Chemistry camp, campers actually get to do science—they don’t just watch it happen! Through experiments, projects, and discussions, they explore chemistry and science in laboratories in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Experienced staff supervise students in small groups, emphasizing lab safety while communicating fundamental concepts in science and encouraging campers to exercise their reasoning skills.

This program accepts students grades 5-8

Conference for Latino middle school students to explore and build their knowledge about college through workshops and activities.

The LEAP Forward Internship Program is a 6 week paid internship for current sophomore high-school students. As a LEAP Forward Intern, you will not only gain key practical experiences within the field of Health Sciences, but will also gain exposure to the opportunities which exist for you beyond High School, whether at UW-Madison or elsewhere.

Day camp that teaches French to children of any language level through interactive stories, songs, crafts, games, snack time, and role play.

Students ages 2-18 whose parents are enrolled in UW Odyssey Project may participate in one of our three Odyssey Junior classrooms. Recognizing that breaking the cycle of generational poverty involves whole families, Odyssey Junior supports children in self-discovery, literacy and expression through writing, speaking, visual arts, music, movement and theater.

4-H Military Kids STEM Camp is offered to youth with a parent/guardian/sibling in the military, ages 9 -13. Camp is held in August at the Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center in Wisconsin Dells. This is a four day, three night camping experience where youth stay in cabins and participate in activities including swimming, canoeing/boating, hiking and a ropes challenge course.

PEOPLE (Precollege Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence) is for students of color and low-income students. It helps motivated students build study skills and explore and strengthen academic and career interests, and prepares students to be successfully admitted into UW–Madison. Registration, application information, and applicant qualifications are listed on the program page.

The Virtual Pharmacy Program is designed to give high school students traditionally underrepresented in healthcare opportunities to learn about careers in Pharmacy, our PharmD program, and to become familiar with the UW-Madison campus. This virtual camp is open to any high school student who is interested in learning about Pharmacy careers is encouraged to sign-up. Students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, underrepresented races in healthcare, rural communities, or first-generation students are highly encouraged to apply. WI residents who qualify for free and reduced lunch are highly encouraged to register!
Typically, this a residential camp held in summer (called Pharmacy Summer Program) but this year due to the pandemic, we will host the camp virtually from March-June, with a mandatory virtual orientation on March 3rd from 4:00-5:00PM. This camp will be an excellent activity to add to your resume, and campers who actively participate will be given a certificate of completion!

Posse identifies public high school students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential who may be overlooked by traditional college selection processes. Posse extends to these students the opportunity to pursue personal and academic excellence by placing them in supportive, diverse teams—Posses—of 10 students. Posse partner colleges and universities award Posse Scholars four-year, full-tuition leadership scholarships.

This program gives students finishing fifth through eighth grade an opportunity to explore their current interests and passions with like-minded peers in a college setting. Students will spend one week taking one accelerated course designed specifically for middle school advanced learners on the UW–Madison campus. This program is designed to engage, intellectually challenge, and inspire young minds. Not only will you explore the area of study in your class, you will have the opportunity to spark your curiosity during on-campus field trips during the week. Course topics include engineering, science, writing, politics, biotechnology, improvisation, computer science, and art.

The purpose of the PEEP is to provide exposure to a comprehensive academic experience that nurtures the growth, potential, and college readiness of high school students to become world-class leaders and innovators in the areas of arts, health, and education. The School of Education at UW includes 10 departments in these areas: Art, Counseling Psychology, Curriculum and Instruction, Dance, Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, Educational Policy Studies, Educational Psychology, Kinesiology, Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education, and Theatre & Drama. The School of Education is consistently ranked in the top ten schools and colleges of education in national studies and reports. The School of Education offers opportunities that prepare students for teaching, the health professions, and careers in the arts. In addition to several core education programs, about half of the School of Education’s current students are enrolled in fine art, dance, counseling, occupational therapy and exercise science programs, to name a few majors.

This free six-day residential program on the campus of the University of Wisconsin–Madison promotes a multidisciplinary Computational Science Initiative. Organized by the members of the Simulation-Based Engineering Lab, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Applied Computing Center, ProCSI introduces high-school students to the Computational Science discipline. Participants will be shown how the fundamental building blocks they are currently learning in high-school math, physics, and science classes are connected to advanced concepts in computer science and engineering that they may encounter at the University as a student or in the everyday world around them.

This six-week residential program on campus teaches Russian language and culture through the life and works of Russian national poet Alexander Pushkin.

Our summer day camp features recreational activities and on and off-campus field trips with partners including Outdoor UW, Babcock Hall Dairy Store, science labs, and more for 11 one-week sessions. We strive to provide a supportive and enjoyable environment for children ages 5-12 where learning and fun go hand in hand. Each participant will receive one complimentary summer camp t-shirt. (Score!)

Rise Up & Write is a program from the Greater Madison Writing Project and the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Rise Up and Write will bring together high school students interested in issue advocacy through writing.  Youth writers will work together and with professional teachers of writing to read, research, and write for awareness and change around issues that matter.

A premed pipeline program to select and nurture students who show an interest in practicing medicine in rural and urban underserved areas of Wisconsin. RUSCH has been developed by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in partnership with three UW System campuses (UW–Milwaukee, UW–Platteville, and UW–Parkside), Spelman College in Atlanta, and Wisconsin’s Native American college students enrolled in any campus.

SEACAP was established to reach out to and empower rising 7th and 8th grade Southeast Asian American students in Dane County to further their education beyond high school. Additionally, SEACAP is intended to strengthen students’ academic pursuit within the UW System by assisting students in utilizing the optimum educational benefits available to them. Program workshops highlight college and career readiness, financial aid, admission, basic skills and competencies, and campus student support and services.

Summer Expeditions is a free program at UW–Madison and the Morgridge Institute for Research for students in grades K-8 to explore, engage, and discover science with structured hands-on activities. The program takes place on Wednesday afternoons during the summer from 1:30 to 3 p.m. and includes two 45-minute guided activities. Summer Expeditions runs from late June to early August.

The Junior session of Summer Music Clinic has an opportunity for each student in 6th-8th grade to come and play, sing, create, and learn about music at all experience levels. Students will choose one of four paths based on what they create, sing, or play and then have one hour per day to choose an elective to dig deeper, try an additional path, or try something new! Students will expand their musical horizons by working with experienced educators from around the country, rehearsing and performing in ensembles with peers from other communities, and participating in classes and activities that will sharpen existing skills or open the door to new topics.

Senior session has an opportunity for each student in 9th-12th grade to come and play, sing, create, and learn about music at all experience levels. Students will choose their complete experience based on your goals! Each path has a balance of small and large group instruction learning of technique combined with student creativity and choice. Students will work with experienced educators from around the country, rehearsing and performing in ensembles with peers from other communities, and participating in classes and activities that will sharpen existing skills or open the door to new topics.

Each summer, the Social Media and Adolescent Health Research Team (SMAHRT) hosts the Summer Research Scholars program. This week-long program provides 9th – 12th grade students with the opportunity to conduct their own research project. These research projects are centered on teen health and social media. Scholars will learn different types of research methods, discover a variety of career paths in research and health-related fields and practice their public speaking and presentation skills. The Summer Research Scholars program aims to engage students who may not have other opportunities to engage with topics in research and health-related fields.

You can apply to take UW–Madison classes during Summer Term during your junior or senior year of high school. You will be admitted as a University Special student, and will earn college credit for face-to-face and online courses. To apply, your GPA must be at least 3.0 overall as well as in your most recent semester of high school. Your guidance counselor must also recommend you for Summer Term. University Housing is accepting high school students taking Summer Term courses in 2018. Depending on the course, students may choose to do a residential program while taking college credit courses.

The Summer Transitional Enrichment Program (STEP) gives an opportunity for students finishing grades 7-8 to spend two weeks on a college campus studying one accelerated course. STEP is designed to engage, intellectually challenge, and inspire. lt offers a learning atmosphere that nurtures students’ talents and abilities, enriches social life, and encourages creativity. STEP strives to balance the academic and recreational sides of camp. This program is for those who are ready for above-grade-level challenges and are serious about having fun in and outside of the classroom with peers who share similar aspirations and interests. Course options include forensic science, acting, psychology, robotics, engineering, writing, computer programming, chemistry, law, biology, and economics.

Wisconsin 4-H & Youth Conference is a three and a half day Statewide Educational Experience. Youth from all over Wisconsin come to Madison, Wisconsin for educational seminars, assemblies, speakers, exploration, and fun on the UW–Madison campus.

Our Health Careers Camps are five day programs held around the state of Wisconsin. These camps allow the students to experience first hand the challenges, opportunities and rewards of health professions. This unique experience is a collaboration of the Wisconsin AHEC regional offices, local colleges, technical schools colleges and area healthcare practitioners.

Saturday Science at Discovery is a monthly series that features interactive exploration stations centered around a particular topic. Families and learners of all ages are invited to explore hands-on science fun during this free drop-in event, which generally is held from 10 a.m. until noon on the first Saturday of each month in the Town Center of the Discovery Building.

The Town Center at the Discovery Building is an exceptional destination for scientific exploration. Several field trip workshops are offered for students in elementary, middle, and high school.

Top scientists as well as graduate and undergraduate students from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Morgridge Center volunteer teaching and leading experiments as part of the program. Students conduct experiments and hear talks on gene transfer, cardiac cell differentiation, drug discovery, tissue engineering, and other topics. The week culminates with poster sessions given to employees in the Discovery Building, 330 North Orchard Street.

High school students and teachers come to campus for a day of language lessons, presentations, and more.