Summer Transitional Enrichment Program (STEP)
The Summer Transitional Enrichment Program (STEP) is an academic and residential experience for students finishing grades 6-8 to explore a one-week accelerated course on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. STEP is designed to engage, challenge and inspire students academically and socially. The program is open to all interested students and scholarships are available.
Why STEP
STEP offers an experiential learning opportunity by blending a one-week course taught in a UW-Madison classroom with a residential experience in the dormitories on campus. Two sessions will be offered; students can choose between one sessions or both sessions.
Students take courses designed to help develop higher-level critical thinking skills, explore their creativity and problem-solving, and nurture their inner passion for learning. They participate in the same course for the full week, spending five hours a day exploring concepts, digging into complex questions, and applying hands-on practice and application of the subject matter.
An equally strong emphasis is on the residential experience. Students stay in the dormitories from Sunday to Friday. During this time, they participate in social programming hosted by the residential team. A variety of engaging group activities and ample free time allow students to explore new interests and make lasting friendships and become a part of the STEP community. This time aids in the development of skills such as social-emotional growth, autonomy, and community building. STEP aims to equip students with the tools they need to succeed in high school and beyond.
At a glance
Program Dates
Session 1: June 14–19
Session 2: June 21–26
format
In person
grade level
For students finishing grades 6–8
application opens
January 12, 2026
apply by
May 1, 2026
cost
Tuition: $1,500 per session*
Non-refundable application fee: $75
Tuition due in two parts on May 15th and June 1st.
*$1450 per session for students participating in both sessions.
location
UW–Madison campus
instruction hours
50 hours of class time
What to expect
A STEP student should be ready to engage fully and explore the course they have decided to take meaningfully. Most of the morning and afternoon is dedicated class time where students will participate in lectures, learning activities, and work on their final projects. Students should be prepared to dive headfirst into exciting new topics and work on applying the course content through collaboration and independent project-based learning. Students are encouraged to take control of their own learning, in a supportive learning environment with thoughtful instructional staff.
Students will be expected to participate fully in the residential experience. This aspect of the program provides students the opportunity to connect with their peers through small and large group activities. A number of events are hosted in and outside of the dorm space. Students will be able to choose from art-focused activities, sport-related fun, Olympic-style challenges, and performative-based activities. Students are invited to engage in the campus and Madison community through a number of field trips. Please note that STEP is a full residential program meaning that students stay overnight in the dormitories for the duration of the one-week session. By the end of the program, you will improve your understanding of yourself both personally and as a learner. You will cultivate new strengths and talents and you will develop areas in which you can foster further growth.
This experience you’ve given me has improved my mind and many others so that we can change the future for the better.
STEP Participant
Upcoming classes
howtoapply
How to apply
Look through the course options available and choose your first-choice course. Please note that applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis and courses fill on a first-come, first-serve basis. Early registration will increase the likelihood of being placed in your first-choice course.
Complete the online application, indicating only your first-choice course as your preferred course.
Students will be asked to submit a current transcript (an unofficial copy is fine) and show general eligibility through the submission of short application questions (also found in the table below). You will be able to upload a PDF version of your grade report and written answers to the program application, or they can be sent directly to the STEP team at STEP@precollege.wisc.edu.
If you are planning to apply for a scholarship, ensure you have the appropriate forms available to upload into the application as well.
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 would like to submit a request for accommodation, you will be able to do so after being accepted to the program. Learn more about accommodations.
Admission process
Each application is reviewed on a rolling basis by a committee which takes into consideration the student’s academic achievement and motivation for participation in their first choice course. Once the committee has reviewed an application a student may be Admitted, Conditionally Admitted or Denied.
When a student is Conditionally Admitted, they may have been waitlisted or need to provide additional information for the Committee to make a final decision. Students will be given an amount of time to complete needed steps. If the student is unable to complete the additional steps or the additional documentation does not meet required standards, Badger Precollege reserves the right to determine when and how denial is communicated.
Course waitlists are generated on a first-come, first-served basis. Students need to apply to the program to be placed on a waitlist.
Application essay questions
Please answer the following questions using this form. Take time to answer these questions thoroughly as they will be reviewed by the admission committee and will be used for decisions about program admission, class placement, and consideration for scholarship.
- Why do you want to participate in this program? What interests you about your course selection(s)?
- Could you tell us about an accomplishment you are proud of? (This could be school, sports, hobbies, personal goals, etc.)
In 1-2 sentences, please answer the following questions:
- Tell us what you like to do. For example, what are your favorite subjects to study and/or activities to participate in (in school or outside of school)?
- The most challenging thing I have had to do in school is…
- The most helpful thing a teacher has ever done for me is…
Applications will be considered incomplete until all required materials are received.
Considerations for admission
Students who participate in STEP typically:
- Have been successful and interested in courses that related to their course choice(s).
- Motivation to attend an academic program focusing on one specific subject per week
- Provide a current grade report from your first semester of current year or last semester of the past year.
- Answer the essay questions and short responses meaningfully
Academic growth is considered and students may use essays or other supplemental materials to demonstrate interest and achievement in a specific subject. Additionally, the admissions committee may request further information to decide if the course is a good fit for the student.
Scholarships
We are pleased to offer full and partial scholarships to students who participate in the Accelerated Learning Program on a first-come, first-served basis. Please review the information below to see if you qualify. At this time no scholarship assistance is available to international students. Funds available for scholarships are limited and are distributed throughout the month of January-March on a rolling basis.
Prior to applying, a student may request a waiver for the application fee in writing to info@precollege.wisc.edu.
All materials supporting your application for scholarship assistance must be submitted with your application or received within two weeks of program application submission. Documents not included on the application can be sent to info@precollege.wisc.edu. Application for scholarships should be received no later than April 1, 2026. We encourage you to submit scholarship information early to maximize your chances of receiving aid. Please note that scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis, and funds may run out before the deadline.
Please visit our financial information page for more information and to review the full scholarship policy.
Scholarship Application Process
Full Scholarship: Available to WI Residents Only
To qualify for a full scholarship you must:
- Receive free or reduced lunch in the state of Wisconsin during the current school year
- Upload a Badger Precollege Scholarship Form to your online program application or to STEP@precollege.wisc.edu with your school’s Authorized Representative signature (ex: Food Service Director, Principal, Counselor) and the checkbox verifying your free-reduced lunch status.
If you don’t qualify for a full scholarship or are not a resident of Wisconsin, you may qualify for a partial scholarship of up to 50% of the tuition cost.
Partial Scholarships:
To qualify for a partial scholarship you must:
- Provide an alternative document verifying income. For domestic students the recommended alternative is to submit the first page of the U.S. 1040 Tax Form of the most recent year’s tax return. For international students, please submit the first page of the Income Tax Report of the most recent year’s taxes. For security purposes, all personal information like Social Security or other identity numbers should be redacted before submitting the form. If extenuating circumstances (i.e. loans, loss of employment) are not reflected on tax return but are impacting your family’s finances, please also submit your financial need story.
Additional information (essay, interview, phone conversation, etc.) may be requested from students and/or families prior to notification of aid.
Notification of Aid
Families will be notified of decisions via email. Badger Precollege is committed to making an allocation of financial aid funds to allow the largest possible number of students to attend our programs. Families will be required to submit their intent to accept financial aid. Failure to do so by the deadline posted in your award letter may result in a loss of partial or full aid award.