Our mission
The mission of University of Wisconsin–Madison Badger Precollege is to engage, encourage, and guide youth in turning their passions into academic pathways. We are proud to offer a variety of engaging high-quality precollege academic programs at UW–Madison for students ages 9-18.
Youth explore arts and music, language and culture, business, leadership, STEM, college preparation, or a combination of these topics, in programs that range from a single afternoon to multiple weeks in one or more of fourteen Badger Precollege programming sessions.
Badger Precollege upholds the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s commitment to promoting access as we seek to create programming that values the richness of different lived experiences and the importance of fostering a culture of belonging for students, faculty and staff. We strive to increase accessibility to quality precollege programs for all students.
classes offered each summer
students served in 2025
of students receive scholarships
of alums attend UW–Madison for college
Resources
The Children’s Cooperative Book Center, a part of the UW–Madison School of Education that receives additional support through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, can provide guidance in finding and choosing multicultural reading material for K-12 students.
A few informative podcasts from National Public Radio include Talking Race With Young Children and ‘Raising White Kids’ Author On How White Parents Can Talk About Race
Our commitment to safety
University of Wisconsin–Madison precollege programs achieve high standards for educational and recreational experiences. We recognize that working with youth is not the same as working with college-age students. The University of Wisconsin–Madison is committed to the well-being, safety and protection of all members of the University community, including minors. The University community recognizes that minors are a vulnerable population, and they require special attention and protection. Therefore, we follow specific youth protection policies, laws, licensing requirements and best practices. This ensures that all participants are safe and protected while attending any UW–Madison precollege program.
UW–Madison policy requires criminal background checks for employees, volunteers and contractors who hold positions of trust. This includes people with direct access to a vulnerable population such as minors. Employees, volunteers and contractors who work with minors in precollege programs are subject to a criminal background check every two years.
Program staff are required to complete safety and youth protection training before the start of a precollege or youth program. This training includes courses in CPR, first aid, preventing sexual harassment and sexual violence, mandated reporting of child abuse or neglect and youth mental health first aid. All precollege programs also conduct staff training in emergency procedures and communications.
UW–Madison policy outlines minimum staff-to-participant ratios that programs must maintain for all age groups. Ratios depend on the age of the participants, whether programming takes place during the day or overnight, and the level of risk associated with specific activities (for example, water-based activities). The policy also prohibits one-on-one contact between an adult and a minor, provides guidelines for privacy and forbids inappropriate use of technology.
In-person and online programs that challenge students academically while creating a sense of community.
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