5 Summer Programs for High School Students in Wisconsin
Are you a high school student in Wisconsin looking to make the most of your summer break?
If so, participating in a summer program can be a solid option, offering you the opportunity to dive deep into your interests, gain hands-on experience, and even get a taste of college life. Whether you're passionate about academics, the arts, or athletics, there's a program open for you to apply to!
These programs not only allow you to develop new skills but also help you connect with like-minded peers in the state and build a network that could benefit your future academic and career pursuits.
Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
In this blog, we've highlighted 5 summer programs for high school students in Wisconsin.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a prestigious online research opportunity designed for high-achieving high school students interested in conducting original research. Founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, the program pairs students with a Ph.D. mentor who guides them through the process of exploring advanced topics in their chosen field. This experience culminates in the production of an independent research project, offering a rare opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research while still in high school.
The program is rigorous and ideal for students eager to deepen their understanding in areas such as computer science, law, engineering, social sciences, and more. Participants gain valuable insights into advanced research methodologies, sharpen their critical thinking skills, and tackle complex issues under expert guidance. The program will end with a symposium and give students a potential chance at publication.
Location: Remote
Program Dates: June to August (summer). Fall, winter, and spring cohorts are also available.
Cost: $2,990 (12 weeks) | $5,900 (16-20 weeks). Financial aid is available.
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Application Deadline: Summer deadlines are usually in March, April, and May.
The University of Wisconsin's Engineering Summer Program (ESP) aims to give high schoolers a taste of first-year engineering college. During the residential program, you will take courses in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and engineering design (which will include hands-on work). Problem-solving skills are a central focus of the curriculum. Beyond the classroom, ESP emphasizes team-building activities, professional development workshops, and site visits to companies such as Alliant Energy and Rockwell Automation.
This program not only strengthens your academic foundation in STEM but also provides a valuable opportunity to experience college life and connect with peers who share your interests.
Location: University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
Program Dates: July 13 – August 2
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0, who have completed at least a year of algebra, geometry, and chemistry.
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Ladder Internships, founded by Harvard alumni, offers a unique opportunity for high schoolers to intern with startups and nonprofits across the world. Students can choose the field they wish to intern in, with companies in a wide range of industries, including computer science, technology, engineering, machine learning, AI, media, journalism, sustainability, healthcare, and more. As interns, students contribute to projects that support the organization's mission and present their work at the program's conclusion. You can explore all the options here on their application form
The program includes one-on-one mentoring in communication, time management, and other essential skills, as well as group training sessions with fellow interns. This 8-week virtual internship is structured around real-world projects tailored to each student’s selected field of interest. In addition to working closely with startup managers, interns receive guidance from a dedicated Ladder Coach. This dual mentorship ensures a comprehensive learning experience, providing support, insights, and an opportunity to showcase their work after the internship!
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Cost: Starting at $2,490. Financial aid is available.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students, who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. These internships are also open to undergraduates and gap-year students!
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. Summer cohort: April 14 (Regular Admission 1) | May 12 (Regular Admission 2).
The University of Wisconsin’s Surgery Clinical Research Continuum offers a unique opportunity for high school students interested in pursuing a career in medicine, particularly in surgery and clinical research. This commuter program allows students to work on an independent research project under the mentorship of a professional surgeon. The experience is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of clinical research, with projects based either on existing data or new clinical trials.
Participants will also have the chance to tour research facilities, attend seminars, and shadow surgeons in the operating room. Additionally, the program includes surgical simulations, giving students a hands-on understanding of what it’s like to work in the field of surgery. This immersive experience is ideal for students looking to gain a head start in the medical field.
Location: University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
Program Dates: 6 weeks during the summer (specific dates not provided)
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Rising seniors from underrepresented groups
Application Deadline: March
Marquette University’s Urban Journalism Workshop is an intensive two-week program designed for high school students interested in exploring the world of journalism. This program offers a comprehensive introduction to multimedia news, focusing on practical experiences that cover the basics of reporting, photography, videography, and podcasting.
Participants will work with digital equipment to develop and report stories in various formats. Throughout the workshop, students will conduct interviews, produce multimedia content, and network with industry professionals. Upon completion, students may be eligible for a month-long internship at a local news organization, such as the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel or the Milwaukee Courier, providing a real-world application of the skills learned during the program.
Location: Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
Program Dates: 2 weeks in the month of June (specific dates not provided)
Cost: $500 (scholarships available for students eligible for free or reduced-price school meals)
Eligibility: All high school students
Application Deadline: June
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.