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.
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.
At a glance
Program Dates
Session 1: June 15–20
Session 2: June 22–27
format
In person
grade level
For students finishing grades 6–8
application opens
January 13, 2025
apply by
May 1, 2025
cost
Tuition: $1,370 per session
Non-refundable application fee: $100
Tuition due in two parts on May 15th and June 1st.
Limited financial aid available
location
UW–Madison campus
instruction hours
50 hours of class time
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
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 a short application questions. You will be able to upload a PDF version of your grade report and submit answers to the above prompts directly in the application.
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.
Upcoming classes
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Writing, Creatively
- June 15–20, 2025 – – Tuition: $1,370
Application fee: $100 - June 22–27, 2025 – – Tuition: $1,370
Application fee: $100
Explore your creativity and discover what it takes to be a compelling writer. This class is designed for avid readers and writers who read well above grade level and are serious about improving their skills and preparing for high school writing. - June 15–20, 2025 – – Tuition: $1,370
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Mysteries of the Mind
- June 15–20, 2025 – – Tuition: $1,370
Application fee: $100
If you’ve ever wondered why your brain does what it does, this class is for you! We’ll cover topics like motivation and emotions, learning and forgetting, intelligence and personality, and social behavior. You’ll have the opportunity to apply it to your own life through a final research project. - June 15–20, 2025 – – Tuition: $1,370
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Law 101
- June 15–20, 2025 – – Tuition: $1,370
Application fee: $100 - June 22–27, 2025 – – Tuition: $1,370
Application fee: $100
STEP Law courses are an introduction to the law and the legal system in contemporary American society. Using the case study method, we’ll analyze individual rights as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and as interpreted by the courts. We examine the criminal and civil branches of the law. - June 15–20, 2025 – – Tuition: $1,370
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Inside Out: Journey through the Human Body
- June 15–20, 2025 – – Tuition: $1,370
Application fee: $100 - June 22–27, 2025 – – Tuition: $1,370
Application fee: $100
Did you know that in 30 minutes, the human body gives off enough heat to boil a gallon of water? The human body is a complex machine made up of systems that keep us active and alive. In this class, you will take a closer look at the main systems of the human body and their important functions. - June 15–20, 2025 – – Tuition: $1,370
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Game On: the Art of Decision Making for Young Leaders
- June 15–20, 2025 – – Tution: $1,370
Application fee: $100
This course uses interactive games, case studies, and real-life scenarios to help young leaders build confidence to make choices that impact their lives and the world around them. Learn to approach problems logically, break down complex issues, and explore strategies to find solutions. - June 15–20, 2025 – – Tution: $1,370
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Forensic Science
- June 15–20, 2025 – – Tuition: $1,370
Application fee: $100 - June 22–27, 2025 – – Tuition: $1,370
Application fee: $100
Collect and analyze evidence from crime scenes and use logical thought processes and scientific inquiry skills to interpret evidence and explain crimes. Learn to interpret evidence such as fingerprinting, hair and fiber analysis, impression analysis, forensic entomology and anthropology. - June 15–20, 2025 – – Tuition: $1,370
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Everyday Chemistry
- June 15–20, 2025 – – Tuition: $1,370
Application fee: $100
This hands-on, lab-based class will help you scientifically explain your chemistry successes and disasters. You will be introduced to the essential molecules in food, water, carbohydrates, proteins, fats and oils, and learn how they interact with each other. - June 15–20, 2025 – – Tuition: $1,370
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Engineering Design Challenges
- June 15–20, 2025 – – Tuition: $1,370
Application fee: $100 - June 22–27, 2025 – – Tuition: $1,370
Application fee: $100
In this class, you will dive into the blueprints of structural engineering and design. You will be asked to design and create models based on creative parameters and specifications. As a team, you will take on and propose solutions to real-world design challenges. - June 15–20, 2025 – – Tuition: $1,370
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Code and Play: Game Design and Programming 101
- June 15–20, 2025 – – Tuition: $1,370
Application fee: $100
In this class, you will have the opportunity to build a character from scratch as well as code brand-new interactions with an environment. You will learn about essential processes in game development and experiment with coding to generate characters with unique powers. - June 15–20, 2025 – – Tuition: $1,370
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Acting Up
- June 15–20, 2025 – – Tuition: $1,370
Application fee: $100 - June 22–27, 2025 – – Tuition: $1,370
Application fee: $100
This course explores theater and writing in order to help develop your skills as a writer and an effective member of an ensemble. After exploring new acting techniques, the class will culminate in a virtual presentation using different topics and skills learned in the course. - June 15–20, 2025 – – Tuition: $1,370
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Pet Care Academy
- June 22–27, 2025 – – Tuition: $1,370
Application fee: $100
Learn about modern veterinary science through in-class presentations and demonstrations, field trips, and hands-on activities. If you love science, enjoy working with or being around animals, or are interested in knowing more about the field of veterinary science, this is the course for you! - June 22–27, 2025 – – Tuition: $1,370
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 these questions in 4-6 sentences. 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
Badger Precollege has varied funds to provide assistance to youth who demonstrate financial need. Prior to applying, a student may request a waiver for the application fee by emailing your scholarship documents and any supporting rationale to [email protected].
Acceptance to the program and scholarship allocation are two different parallel processes. Scholarship requests are being reviewed by the scholarship committee on a rolling basis. All materials supporting your application for scholarship assistance must be submitted with your registration form or received within three weeks of program application. Scholarships cannot be allocated to students who have not been admitted to a program. As such, a student’s program application must be completed by the scholarship deadline.* No new applications for scholarships will be accepted after March 24, 2025.
*Application materials can still be submitted after the scholarship deadline, but the student will not be eligible for the aid from Badger Precollege.
For multi-session programs like STEP, scholarships are limited to one week-long session per student per program. One student can request a scholarship for a maximum of one of the two STEP sessions. The same student can still apply for a scholarship for other Badger Precollege middle school programs like PACE or SMC Junior.
Learn more about our full scholarship policies and other financial information.
Application process
If you are eligible for free or reduced lunch, submit the Wisconsin DPI Financial Aid Form.
If you are not eligible for free or reduced lunch, Badger Precollege offers a very limited number of need-based, partial scholarships. To apply for a need-based, partial scholarship, please submit the first page of the 1040 form of the most recent year’s tax return. If extenuating circumstances (i.e. loans, loss of employment) are not reflected on tax return but are affecting your family’s finances, please also submit a letter of explanation.
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 scholarship decisions within one month of submitting full application and scholarship application package. Badger Precollege is committed to making an allocation of scholarship funds to allow the largest possible number of students to attend our programs. Families will be required to submit their intent to accept a scholarship award. Failure to do so by the deadline posted in your award letter may result in a loss of partial or full aid award.