25 Summer Programs in Wisconsin for High Schoolers in 2025
What’s Covered:
- 25 Summer Programs in Wisconsin for High School Students
- How do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?
Wisconsin offers a wealth of educational opportunities for students of all ages. The University of Wisconsin system, particularly the Madison campus, is regarded as one of the most prestigious public institutions of higher learning in the US, and the state is home to plenty of other top schools. You don’t need to wait until college to learn from the best, either—you can get started over the summer!
25 Summer Programs in Wisconsin for High School Students
1. Badger Summer Scholars
Dates: July 20 – August 1
Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Application Deadline: May 1
Cost:
- Commuter: $2,500
- Domestic Residential: $4,250
- International Residential: $4,600
Take college-level courses while learning alongside talented peers at one of the country’s “Public Ivies,” UW–Madison. Badger Summer Scholars offers academic tracks across a range of disciplines, and all students will have the opportunity to learn in small class sizes with university faculty. They will also participate in residence hall activities while exploring the university’s lakeside campus.
2. American Collegiate Adventures
Dates:
- Three-week session: June 29 – July 18
- Two-week session: July 6 – 18
Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $5,695 – $6,995
ACA is an opportunity for middle and high school students to experience college firsthand while engaging with like-minded peers and learning about the admissions process. Students can take courses in areas like Digital Photography, Community Service, Culinary Skills, Foreign Language Study, Algebra, Health and Wellness, Sports Reporting, and much more. Upon completing the program, students will receive an ACA “Certificate of Achievement.”
3. Summer Music Clinic
Dates: June 29 – July 5
Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Application Deadline: May 15
Cost:
- Commuter: $840
- Domestic Residential: $1,220
- International Residential: $1,350
Young musicians and music lovers will learn from experienced educators and professionals in the music and arts, while enhancing their existing skills and developing new ones. Founded in 1929, the program is the second-oldest music camp in the country. The program will culminate in performances and presentations for family and friends.
4. My River Adventures (MRA)
Dates: July 21 – 25
Location: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
Students will have the opportunity to explore careers in STEM and learn from UW-La Crosse faculty in this week-long camp for incoming 9th to 12th graders. Participants will engage in instructional sessions, hands-on fieldwork, and lab activities in rivers of the Driftless region. This program includes all meals and on-campus lodging and there is no cost to attend. In addition to exploring the local rivers and wildlife, there will also be leadership and team building exercises.
5. Engineering Summer Program
Dates: July 12 – August 1
Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
Students learn what life is like as an undergraduate engineering major at UW-Madison in this free, three-week residential program. Students will challenge themselves with a curriculum of math, physics, chemistry, and engineering courses while also participating in hands-on workshops, going on field trips, and receiving mentorship. In addition to faculty-led discussions and professional development workshops, students will also visit industrial sites such as Alliant Energy, Delve, GE Healthcare, Rockwell Automation, and Spectrum Brands to enable participant interactions with practicing engineers.
6. High School Baking Camp
Dates: July 22 – 24
Location: Madison Area Technical College
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $175
Students in this three-day, immersive baking camp will learn how to whip up delicious treats from scratch using everyday ingredients. This course offers an engaging and hands-on program to empower young people to practice transforming basic recipes into endless flavor combinations. Participants will dive into the world of baking careers and hear more about this field from experienced bakers and decorators.
7. High School Science Research Internship Program
Dates: 9 weeks in the summer
Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Application Deadline: January 15
Cost: Free
High school juniors in the Madison Metropolitan School District will want to look into this summer internship program. Participants gain firsthand research experience while working between 20 and 25 hours a week over nine weeks. The program concludes with scientific poster sessions where interns present their findings to university faculty, teachers, family, and friends. Students who complete the program receive three separate types of credit: one full college credit, one quarter high school credit, and one quarter credit of high school experiential learning awarded per 45 hours of lab work.
8. ARISE High School Cancer Research Program
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Application Deadline: February 21
Cost: Free
This seven-week summer internship is open to high school juniors and seniors interested in the biomedical field. Students will work under the guidance of mentors while gaining real-world lab experience and participating in activities focused on areas like medical ethics, pathology, and career exploration. Interns work 25 hours per week and are compensated at a rate of $15 an hour.
9. High School Writing Camps
Dates:
- Session 1: June 23 – 26
- Session 2: August 4 – 7
Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison | Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Application Deadline: May 10 (Early Bird registration)
Cost:
- $275 for Early Bird registrants
- $325 for post-May 10 applicants
Young writers of all abilities living in the Madison area will want to look into this summer program that will allow them to explore a variety of genres, including creative nonfiction, poetry, and short stories. Participants create and share their work in a supportive environment, work in writing groups, and contribute a piece of writing to an anthology that is published at the conclusion of the program.
10. Pharmacy Summer Camp
Dates: July 13 – 17
Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Application Deadline: April 14
Cost: Free
High school sophomores and juniors are introduced to careers in pharmacy through this free, residential summer program. Participants gain firsthand experience with what it’s like to pursue a pharmacy degree at UW-Madison, while also familiarizing themselves with the admissions process and financing options available. They also meet current students, faculty, and admissions representatives. Applicants should have a GPA of 3.0 or above.
11. Video Game Programming Level 1
Dates: July 7 – 9
Location: University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $261
This summer program, which is open to students in grades 7 through 12, introduces participants to object-oriented programming and developing software for gaming. Students learn fundamental techniques for creating games, such as how to make objects interact with each other, as well as how to build basic games.
12. Video Game Programming Level 2
Dates: July 21 – 25
Location: University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $350
This advanced program picks up where Level 1 leaves off. Students dive deep into the development of games and will learn about Unreal Game Engine 5, a gaming industry standard. Participants will use cutting-edge tools to create their own 3D games. Students will also build a better understanding of the basics of game design, learn to program events, and explore gameplay logic. At the end of this program, students have the opportunity to play one another’s games.
13. Design Tech Intro To: OnShape
Dates: July 7 – 11
Location: University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $200
Participants in this summer program learn to think like designers and gain hands-on experience with professional design software (OnShape), 3D printers, and laser cutters. At the conclusion of the program, students will be able to confidently create their own designs, output them to a 3D printer, and laser cut them.
14. Animation Exploration
Dates: July 7 – 11
Location: University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $200
In this week-long summer camp, 7th to 12th graders can explore the art and design of storytelling through stop-motion animation. Participants will develop digital fabrication skills to design sets, props, and characters that will come to life one frame at a time. To participate in this program, campers must have a smartphone to run the animation app and must complete either UW-Green Bay’s Design Tech Intro: Tinkercad or Design Tech Intro-OnShape courses as prerequisites. Students will end the program with a stop-motion animation to show off long after the workshop ends.
15. Stagehand Camp
Dates: July 14 – 18
Location: University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $350 (includes daily lunch)
If you’ve ever wanted to know more about the technical aspects of theater, this summer program is for you! Participants learn what goes on behind the scenes of a production, including rigging, lighting, stage management, and audio/video setups. Students will work with trained professionals, build valuable skills, and peek behind the curtain of a theatrical performance.
16. Music Production and Recording Camp
Dates: June 15 – 20
Location: Shell Lake Arts Center
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost:
- Commuter Tuition: $695
- Residential Tuition: $895
Students in grades 6-12 will gain a first-hand look at the world of music production through hands-on audio engineering study and work. They’ll learn how to use industry-standard software, as well as practice creative and technical skills under the guidance of industry professionals in a live setting. There are scholarships available for this program.
17. School of Rock
Dates: July 21 – 25
Location: Madison Area Technical College
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $275
Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just love music, this is your chance to shine. Student musicians, as well as those interested in audio, video, and event production as well as lighting and graphic design are encouraged to attend. Participants form a band, cut a professional multi-track song demo, and record a music video in a top-notch studio.
18. Women in Technology
Dates: July 6 – 11
Location: Milwaukee School of Engineering
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $1,100
This week-long residential camp for girls entering grades 10 through 12 provides the chance to explore multiple engineering disciplines, including architectural, biomedical, computer, electrical, software, and more. Students are led through engineering activities by MSOE faculty and female engineering students currently enrolled at MSOE. At night, participants wind down with activities like comedy shows, bowling, and game nights.
19. MSOE Explore Summer Program
Dates:
- Session 1: July 6 – 11
- Session 2: July 27 – August 1
Location: Milwaukee School of Engineering
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $1,100
This week-long summer program provides students with the chance to sample a variety of engineering fields. Students spend the week rotating through half-day programming, learning about two areas of engineering a day, focused on each of the engineering majors offered by MSOE. Engineering fields covered include construction management and architectural, biomedical, chemical & biomolecular, civil, computer, electrical, mechanical, and software.
20. MSOE Focus Summer Programs
Dates:
- Session 1: July 6 – 11
- Session 2: July 20 – 25
- Session 3: July 27 – August 1
Location: Milwaukee School of Engineering
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $1,100
The Milwaukee School of Engineering’s Focus summer programs provide students the chance to hone in on a particular area of interest. Participants spend time in the lab, meet with professors, and meet students with similar interests. Week-long programs are offered in a variety of engineering fields, along with other areas such as nursing and construction management. The focus areas will vary between sessions, so make sure you sign up for the one that will allow you to explore your personal interests.
Session one has sections on cybersecurity, nursing, and engineering disciplines. Session two has sections on various engineering disciplines. Session three has sections on business and various engineering disciplines.
21. Urban Journalism Workshop (UJW)
Dates: N/A
Location: Marquette University
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $500
High school students can get an up-close look at what it’s like to be a professional journalist in this summer program. Participants learn the basics of news gathering while covering events and speaking with newsmakers (from politicians to professional athletes) in the Milwaukee area. Staff members of Marquette University and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Work directly with students to help them write, edit, and use digital state-of-the-art technologies. Participants will also work with other students to publish Urban Voice, the workshop’s annual online magazine.
22. Lawrence Summer Music Institute
Dates: July 6 – 13
Location: Lawrence University
Application Deadline: June 1
Cost: $1,575
Participants in this week-long workshop receive the support and inspiration they need to develop as musicians. The workshop focuses on building classical performance and chamber music skills and features private lessons, group coaching, and opportunities to perform in front of an audience. The program is capped at just 20 participants to ensure a low four-to-one student-to-faculty ratio. A recorded audition is required as part of your application. For this program, the instruments accepted are piano, violin, viola, cello, and double bass.
23. Beloit College Summer Blocks
Dates: Varies (typically 3 to 7 weeks)
Location: Beloit College
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $1,800 per course
Beloit College offers Summer Block courses in a range of topics taught by Beloit College faculty. This option would be an excellent choice for highly motivated high school students who are looking to earn college credit (between 0.5 and 1.0 units). Courses range from Introduction to Object Oriented Programming to Feature Film Production.
24. Summer Academy of Medicine
Dates:
- Session 1: June 10 – 13
- Session 2: June 17 – 20
Location: St. Norbert College
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $940
Explore careers in medicine and biomedical sciences through this summer program provided by St. Norbert College and the Medical College of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Students will take part in hands-on activities and work in labs while gaining insight into the skills, educational paths, and qualities required to become a physician, researcher, or scientist. This program is residential—students will live in St. Joseph’s Hall on the St. Norbert campus—and open to rising high school juniors and seniors.
25. American Dance Training Camp
Dates:
- Session 1: July 20 – 26
- Session 2: July 27 – August 2
Location: Ripon College
Application Deadline: April 15 for Early Bird deadline
Cost: Varies based on registration date and prior participation in the camp
ADTC is an overnight dance camp for girls ages 8-17, novice and experienced competitors alike. Held at several locations in the US, including Wisconsin, and one in Canada, the program gives young dancers an intensive experience, where participants will take 4-5 classes per day. Students will learn various dance disciplines, including contemporary, hip hop, and jazz, ballet, tap, and world dance under professional choreographers. Campers will also be able to enjoy fun activities in their free time, like kayaking, horseback riding, and bowling.
How Do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?
Many selective colleges assess your extracurricular activities according to four tiers. Tier 1 includes the rarest and most exceptional activities, while Tier 4 includes those that are relatively common—the ones admissions offices encounter often on applications. You should aim to have at least a couple of Tier 1-2 activities if you’re aiming for top colleges and universities.
Summer programs are usually considered Tier 3-4 activities. However, if the program you’re considering attending is particularly selective (and free or low cost), it may fall into a higher tier.
To find out how your extracurriculars will impact your chances of admission, check out CollegeVine’s free chancing engine. This tool will not only estimate your real odds of acceptance to hundreds of colleges across the country, but also give you free tips on how to improve your profile!
