What can elementary, middle and high school students do at UW–Madison this summer? Just about everything!
Badger Precollege is proud to present the 2021 Summer Opportunities Showcase for youth programming at UW–Madison. We invite you to explore and discover a wide range of summer programs, including STEM, arts and humanities, world languages, sports and more.
We know the COVID-19 pandemic has canceled many of the activities that students love. The programs included here have worked hard to adjust their curriculum and delivery to meet CDC and Dane County guidelines, ensuring students are able to safely learn, discover and grow through these unprecedented times.
If you have any questions on how specific programs are adjusting to stay safe, please contact that program or visit their website for up to date information.
Accelerated Learning Program (ALP)
High School | Online
July 5–23
ALP is an intense, three-week summer camp designed to push students to the next academic level by enrolling in a single course for an in-depth experience. Students enroll in a single course for an in-depth experience. Students will participate in an individualized learning experience focusing on research and application of course concepts.
Badger Summer Scholars
High School | Online
June 21–July 2 and July 26–August 6
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 rewarding college program with peers from all over the country.
College Ready @ Badger Precollege
High School | Online
Jan. 25–Feb. 12 and/or March 8–26
College Ready @ Badger Precollege is a three-week 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.
Engineering Summer Program
High School | Online
Dates TBD
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.
Growing Early Minds (GEM)
Elementary | Online
June 14–18 and/or June 21–25
This program is designed to challenge and engage curious young learners finishing grades one through four. 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 and multidisciplinary options.
High School Online
High School | Online
June 14–25
Online courses for students in grades 1–12. Each live online course meets for two weeks and includes high-quality educational and social content to help prepare students for the college experience. Classes are offered synchronously, meaning that students are together in the same virtual classroom at the same time.
Korean STARTALK
High School | Online
June 14–July 16 (no class June 30–July 6)
The UW–Madison STARTALK Korean Language & Culture Academy is for high school students to reach a Novice Mid/High proficiency in Korean. During the four-week program, students will virtually “visit” several Korean cities, with language and culture integrated to gain knowledge of Korean traditions, geography, cuisines and history while working towards gaining proficiency in a learner-center classroom where instruction is 90 percent or more in the target language.
Middle School Online (powered by PACE)
Middle School | Online
July 5–9 and/or July 12–16
This program gives students finishing fifth through eighth grade an opportunity to explore their current interests and passions with like-minded peers online. Students will spend one week taking a course designed specifically for middle school learners. This program is designed to engage, intellectually challenge and inspire young minds with topics that include science, writing, politics, biotechnology, computer science and art.
Rec Well Summer Camp
Elementary | In-Person
June–August
Rec Well 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. For this summer, we are planning for in-person programming. We will be waiting to share registration information until early 2021 in hopes of making the most informed decision based on campus guidelines. We know that this may cause some stress over summer plans. We will do our best to communicate as changes occur and decisions are made.
Summer Music Clinic
Middle and High School | Online
Middle School: June 21–23 and/or June 24–26
High School: June 28–30 and/or July 1-3
The 92nd annual Summer Music Clinic (SMC) will look a bit different this year in a virtual format! SMC will run in 3-day intensive online experiences to grow students as musicians and build authentic community connections. Check out all of the new opportunities SMC has in store this summer.
Summer Transitional Enrichment Program (STEP)
Middle School | Online
July 19–30
The Summer Transitional Enrichment Program (STEP) gives an opportunity for students finishing grades 7-8 to spend two weeks studying one advanced course. This program is for those who are ready for above-grade-level challenges, featuring opportunities for small group learning, community building, practical application and more.
Additional Programs Running in 2021
Business Emerging Leaders Program (BEL)
High School | TBD (spring)
July 5–July 23 (July 5–Aug. 6 for 3rd year students)
CIMSS Weather Camp
High School | Online
June 21–25
Engineering Tomorrow’s Careers Camp
High School | Online
June 13–18