25 Summer Programs in Wisconsin for High Schoolers in 2024
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 21 – August 2
Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Application Deadline: May 1
Cost: $2,300 – $4,450
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 30 – July 19
- Two-week session: July 7 – 19
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 will take courses in areas like Digital Photography, Community Service, Culinary Skills, Foreign Language Study, Algebra, Health and Wellness, and much more.
3. Summer Music Clinic
Dates: June 23 – 29
Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Application Deadline: May 15
Cost: $820 – $1,310
Young musicians and music lovers will learn from experienced educators and music and arts professionals, 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. Virtual Engineering Summer Program
Dates: June 24 – 27
Location: Online
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
This program is offered free to rising high school freshmen and sophomores by the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The online program explores a variety of engineering majors and includes a number of workshops and activities designed to give participants a better understanding of the field of engineering.
5. Engineering Summer Program
Dates: July 13 – August 2
Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
Students gain real-world experience with 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 mentoring.
6. Surgery Clinical Research Continuum: High School to College Program
Dates: Mid-June to late July
Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Application Deadline: March 4
Cost: Free
Students in this six-week summer internship program can expect to work between 20 and 25 hours a week while participating in a research project and learning how physicians integrate research into their medical careers. Participants also explore healthcare careers, develop a fundamental understanding of clinical research, and connect with professionals working in healthcare.
7. High School Science Research Internship Program
Dates: 9 weeks in the summer
Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Application Deadline: January 17
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 will also earn both high school and college credit for their efforts.
8. ARISE High School Cancer Research Program
Dates: June 24 – August 9
Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Application Deadline: March 22
Cost: Free
This seven-week summer internship is open to high school sophomores, 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 24 – 27
- Session 2: July 29 – August 1
Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Application Deadline: Early bird deadline is May 1
Cost: $250 for early bird applicants; $300 for post-May 1 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 14 – 17
Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: Free
High school freshmen, 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.
11. Video Game Programming Level 1
Dates: June 24 – 26
Location: University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $261
This summer program, which is open to students in grades 8 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 8 – 12
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 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. Intro To: OnShape
Dates: July 29 – August 2
Location: University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $250
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. Music Camp
Dates: August 12 – 17
Location: University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $350
High school musicians with at least three years of playing experience will want to check out this summer program from UW-Green Bay’s Sharon Resch Institute of Music. The program includes group sessions, ensemble rehearsals, technique classes, composition workshops, and faculty recitals. To conclude the program, students will put on a performance to showcase their growth during the week.
15. Stagehand Camp
Dates: July 15 – 19
Location: University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $350
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 16 – 21
Location: Shell Lake Arts Center
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $695 for commuter campers; $895 for resident campers
Students who have just finished 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. Taliesin Preservation Landscape Design and Intro to Organic Architecture
Dates: July 15 – 19
Location: Taliesin Preservation
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $550
Participants in this summer program for students ages 15 to 18 get an up close and personal look at Frank Lloyd Wright’s landscape design concepts. They will walk the preservation gardens, take part in discussions, listen to presentations, and develop their drawing skills. Students will also learn how to photograph, draw, and write about landscapes and gardens, as well as explore career paths related to landscape architecture. There are scholarships available for this camp–submit your application by April 1 to maximize your chances of receiving one.
18. Women in Technology
Dates: June 23 – 28
Location: Milwaukee School of Engineering
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $950
This week-long residential camp for girls in grades 10 through 12 provides the chance to explore multiple engineering disciplines, including architectural, biomedical, computer, electrical, and software. 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 a game night.
19. MSOE Explore Summer Program
Dates:
- Session 1: June 23 – 28
- Session 2: July 28 – August 2
Location: Milwaukee School of Engineering
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $950
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 biomolecular, civil, computer, mechanical, and software.
20. MSOE Focus Summer Programs
Dates:
- Session 1: June 23 – 28
- Session 2: July 21 – 26
- Session 3: July 28 – August 2
Location: Milwaukee School of Engineering
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $950
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.
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. Upon the conclusion of the program, participants from Milwaukee will be eligible to participate in a month-long paid internship at a local news organization.
22. Lawrence Summer Music Institute
Dates: July 14 – 21
Location: Lawrence University
Application Deadline: Rolling
Cost: $1,525
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.
23. Beloit College Summer Academy
Dates: June 16 – 29
Location: Beloit College
Application Deadline: May 1
Cost: $2,000
Get a taste of college life while earning credit at this super-fun summer program hosted by Beloit College. Students spend two weeks living and learning like college students. The theme of this summer’s program is Would I Lie to You? Fakes, Forgeries, Fantasies, and is aimed at encouraging participants to think critically and be curious as they explore how we know what is true from what is false and what is real vs. fake.
Participants earn one hour of transferable college credit upon completion of this program.
24. Summer Academy of Medicine
Dates:
- Session 1: June 11 – 14
- Session 2: June 18 – 21
Location: St. Norbert College
Application Deadline: N/A
Cost: $800
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 21 – 27
- Session 2: July 28 – August 3
Location: Ripon College
Application Deadline: Early bird deadline is April 15
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 they will learn various dance disciplines, including contemporary, hip hop, and jazz, 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?
When evaluated according to the four tiers of extracurricular activities—with Tier 1 representing the most specialized and rare activities and Tier 4 representing the most common activities—summer programs are usually considered Tier 3-4. You should have several activities in these categories, although the most impressive candidates will have at least a couple of Tier 1-2 activities.
However, in some cases, particularly selective summer programs may fall into a higher tier. Wondering how your activities stack up? Check out our free chancing engine to find out how your extracurriculars affect your chances of admission at hundreds of colleges across the country—and get tips for improving your profile!
