Growing Early Minds (GEM)
The Growing Early Minds (GEM) program is designed to inspire and engage students in grades 2–4. Students will be exposed to concepts and themes that feed their curious minds. Social and emotional curriculum components focus on fostering autonomy, encouraging development of a growth mindset and developing effective collaboration skills. GEM is open to all interested students; scholarships are available.
Why GEM
The GEM program was created for our youngest learners and is unique in that we offer two opportunities to participate during the year: our traditional in-person summer camp or a winter session offered over five consecutive Saturday mornings. There will be two summer sessions. Students can choose to attend the first session, the second session, or both sessions.
GEM students may or may not have been identified as advanced. The program offers any young learner an entry-level challenge and engagement opportunity to discover their interests. It is also designed as a resource and community for parents and students who are searching for a way to stimulate young minds outside of a traditional classroom setting.
Students will be exposed to new concepts to feed their curiosity. Each class is small (up to 15 students) and crafted 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.
What to expect
As a GEM student, you will engage in — and be inspired by — a subject of interest to you! With the support of your instructor, you will face new academic challenges with like-minded peers, discover how to become more independent as a learner and increase your confidence in approaching challenging academic tasks. By the end of the program, you will have a better understanding of your strengths, your talents and yourself! It is our hope that you will continue to challenge yourself and grow as a lifelong learner.
At a glance
2025 Program Dates
Session 1: June 16-20
Session 2:June 23-27
9 a.m. -4 p.m.
Format
In-person on the UW–Madison Campus
Grade Level
For students completing grades 2-4
Application Opens
January 13, 2025
Apply by
May 1, 2025
Cost
Non-refundable registration fee: $35
Tuition: $500 per session
Limited financial aid available. Tuition due at the time of registration.
Instruction Hours
10 hours of instructional materials
How to apply
1 ) Look through the course options available and choose your first-choice course for your session(s) of interest. Please note that applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and courses fill on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration will increase the likelihood of being placed in your first-choice course. If your course selection is full, we encourage you to contact our office to be placed on a waitlist. You will be notified if a place becomes available.
2) Log in and complete the online application, indicating your first-choice course when prompted. Enrollment in a particular class is not guaranteed as we process applications in the order in which they are submitted, and course availability is subject to change. In the event that a course is closed, you will be contacted by Badger Precollege to select an alternative course. You will also have the option to be placed on a waitlist.
3) Submit the application, along with the application fee. You will receive an email confirming your submission immediately and be notified of your acceptance decision via email within 3–4 weeks.
If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, please visit our financial aid page.