15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Madison, Wisconsin
- Lydia Park
- 12 minutes ago
- 9 min read
If you are a high school student and want to make your summer count, summer programs can be a smart choice. These programs let you explore subjects more deeply than you could during the school year. Whether you’re curious about science, writing, leadership, or community work, spending time on one area allows you to develop new skills and complete projects. Completing a summer program can also boost your college applications by showing that you’ve taken the time to pursue your interests outside of school.
What summer programs are available for high school students in Madison, Wisconsin?
Madison offers a variety of summer programs for high schoolers hosted by universities, research institutions, museums, and nonprofit organizations. You can find opportunities in STEM fields like biology and engineering, creative areas like media and writing, and professional tracks like healthcare or business. Many programs include practical learning, collaborative projects, and access to instructors or professionals in the field. These programs give you early exposure to advanced learning and help you build experiences you can reference later in applications or interviews.
To help you compare your options, here are 15 summer programs for high school students in Madison, Wisconsin!
Location: University of Wisconsin–Madison (Carbone Cancer Center)
Cost: A stipend of $18/hour is paid
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Not stated; selective placement based on mentor matching
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors (must be at least 16 and have completed sophomore year by start date)
ARISE is an 8-week cancer research internship for high school students interested in hands-on biomedical science. You'll be matched with a mentor lab to contribute to cancer research. In addition to lab work, you’ll join enrichment activities including career panels, ethics discussions, and workshops on presenting scientific research. The program concludes with an in-person research presentation. Interns are paid $18/hour, but housing is not provided, so you must arrange local accommodations and transportation.
Location: Virtual, hosted by Lumiere Education
Cost: Varies; Need-based financial aid offered
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: 12-week program; Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.3+
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a research-focused opportunity designed for high school students who want to explore academic topics in depth. You work 1-on-1 with a Ph.D. mentor on an independent project in a subject area you choose. Over the course of twelve weeks, you learn how to form a research question, gather information, and develop your ideas into a full research paper. You can select from fields such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and several others. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Location: University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI
Cost: Fully funded; no participation fee. Housing, meals, and academic materials are included.
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Highly selective; exact size not published
Dates: July 11–July 31
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are rising juniors or seniors; must have completed at least one year of algebra and geometry, and hold a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0
The Engineering Summer Program (ESP) is a three-week, fully funded residential program hosted by the UW–Madison College of Engineering. As a participant, you’ll live on campus and take classes in pre-calculus or calculus, chemistry, physics, and engineering design led by university faculty. You’ll also explore career pathways through site visits to companies like GE Healthcare and Rockwell Automation, and engage in faculty-led discussions, team design projects, and professional development workshops. The program emphasizes collaborative problem-solving, creative thinking, and exposure to real-world engineering applications.
4. Veritas AI
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies; Full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate or Cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November); You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. If you are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science, you would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, you are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, you get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
Location: Morgridge Institute, UW–Madison campus, Madison, WI
Cost: Free (includes meals, activities, and materials)
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Selective; open to underserved rural high school students in Wisconsin
Dates: Weeklong sessions during summer (exact dates vary by school/group)
Application Deadline: Varies (students are typically selected through their high schools)
Eligibility: Wisconsin high school students from rural or underserved communities
This free, weeklong camp offers rural high school students in Wisconsin the chance to explore cutting-edge science alongside leading researchers. Held at the Morgridge Institute, campers engage in experiments and learn from scientists in fields like stem cell research, gene editing, bioengineering, and bioinformatics. The program is highly immersive and culminates in a student poster session presented to professional researchers. Each school group is led by a sponsoring science teacher, and the camp emphasizes both student learning and teacher professional development.
Location: UW–Madison campus (in partnership with Madison Metropolitan School District)
Cost: Free; includes academic credit and certificate
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Selective; MMSD students only
Dates: 9 weeks during summer (20–25 hours/week)
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: MMSD 11th graders only
This internship places rising seniors from MMSD high schools into real UW–Madison research labs for 9 weeks during the summer. You will conduct scientific research under the mentorship of professional scientists, culminating in a formal scientific poster presentation in the fall. You will earn a full UW college credit, a quarter of high school science credit, and a Youth Leadership Skills Certificate. The program emphasizes lab experience, science communication, and leadership development. It's ideal for motivated students looking to pursue STEM in college or a career.
Location: Madison Metropolitan School District (Madison, WI; various community sites)
Cost: Free for selected MMSD students
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Limited seats available across six community arts programs
Dates: Varies by program (summer sessions)
Application Deadline: May 12
Eligibility: Current MMSD PreK–12 students
This program connects MMSD students with free access to summer visual and performing arts programs hosted by local organizations like Madison Youth Choirs, Children’s Theater of Madison, Madison Ballet, and others. If you’re selected, you’ll get to participate in sessions on music, dance, theater, poetry, or media arts, each led by professional teaching artists. These programs are focused on creative expression and identity development, with an emphasis on making the arts more accessible. Each partner organization offers unique programming, and the experience varies depending on your interests.
Location: Madison Metropolitan School District (Madison, WI; in-person at various schools)
Cost: Free for invited MMSD students
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: 4,000 students; invitation-based with limited seats
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Application Deadline: Enrollment opens in April; invitations are sent by schools
Eligibility: MMSD students entering grades 4K–12
MMSD’s Summer Semester provides academic and enrichment learning to help students stay on track and build readiness for the next school year. For grades 4K–8, programming includes math, language arts, arts, movement, and afternoon recreation in a full-day format. High school students can take credit-earning or credit-recovery courses, including unique classes not typically available during the school year. Most teaching staff are MMSD educators, and locations are spread across elementary, middle, and high schools.
Location: Madison, WI (various MMSD schools and community sites)
Cost: Free; fee assistance available for eligible programs
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Open to MMSD students; registration required
Dates: Most programs begin the week of June 22
Application Deadline: Registration opens February 23 for MMSD residents
Eligibility: Students entering grades 8–12 in the Madison Metropolitan School District
MSCR offers a wide range of free summer enrichment programs for middle and high school students in the Madison area. You can take part in clubs and workshops that often integrate humanities elements like gaming narratives, cultural exploration, and community service projects. Programs are designed to be accessible and flexible, with afternoon and evening sessions and optional transportation. While not all courses are strictly humanities-focused, many incorporate storytelling, communication, and critical thinking.
Location: University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI
Cost: $4,450 (residential); $2,600 (commuter); $100 application fee; full and partial scholarships available
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Selective; courses fill on a first-come, first-served basis
Dates: July 19–July 31
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9–12; minimum 3.0 GPA recommended
Badger Summer Scholars offers a two-week, in-person academic experience on the UW–Madison campus where you can explore a range of subjects, from engineering and political science to psychology and veterinary science. Classes are taught by university instructors and are designed to reflect college courses, with small class sizes and an emphasis on independent learning and discussion. The program also includes sessions on the college application process, financial aid, and student life through its "Jump Forward" workshop series. You can attend as a commuter or live in the residence halls to get a fuller taste of campus life. Scholarships are available, particularly for Wisconsin residents, and financial aid is distributed on a rolling basis.
Location: University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI
Cost: $1,275 (residential); $875 (commuter); $75 nonrefundable registration fee; limited need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Open enrollment with limited space in select courses
Dates: June 28–July 4
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9–12
Summer Music Clinic is a week-long program that brings together high school musicians of all experience levels for intensive music study and collaboration on the UW–Madison campus. You’ll choose from a broad range of performance-based and non-performance classes, including orchestra, jazz, digital music production, composition, and music business. Courses are taught by professional musicians, educators, and university faculty, and include ensemble rehearsals, guest performances, and creative workshops. Residential students live in campus dorms and participate in daily activities and concerts, while commuter students attend full academic days.
Location: University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI
Cost: $150; state scholarships available
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Open enrollment; space may be limited
Dates: June 14–June 18
Application Deadline: Registration open March–April
Eligibility: Students completing grades 8–11; 4-H enrollment required
The 4-H Summer Academy is a five-day program at UW–Madison focused on career exploration and college readiness through hands-on, track-based experiences. You can choose from areas like agriculture, AI, skilled trades, baking, arts, health, and leadership. Activities include campus tours, workshops, seminars with professionals, and performances by youth arts groups like the 4-H Drama Company. Lodging is provided, and transportation from across the state is arranged via regional bus routes.
Location: Edgewood College, Madison, WI
Cost: $230 for Leaders-in-Training (grades 7–9); optional before/after care available for $100
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Open enrollment; space may be limited
Dates: July 20–July 24
Application Deadline: Rolling until capacity is met
Eligibility: Students entering grades 1–6 (campers) and grades 7–9 (Leaders-in-Training)
Camp Invention at Edgewood College is a five-day, hands-on STEM program where younger students explore inventions through themed modules like forensic science, space exploration, and aquatic design. You can join as a Leader-in-Training and build leadership skills while assisting younger campers. Activities include building gadgets, launching rockets, and solving innovation challenges inspired by inventors. The curriculum is designed to develop creativity and problem-solving through immersive, team-based projects.
Location: Madison College, Madison, WI
Cost: $125–$275, depending on camp; limited scholarships available
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Open enrollment, space-limited
Dates: Varies by camp; most run in one-week sessions from June to August
Application Deadline: Rolling registration until full
Eligibility: Students entering grades 5–12 (varies by specific camp)
Madison College offers a range of creative and humanities-adjacent summer camps that include art, calligraphy, fashion design, ceramics, culinary arts, and piano. These camps are designed to boost self-expression, craftsmanship, and application of artistic skills. Each session runs from 9 AM to 3 PM and includes meals and, in some cases, off-campus field trips. You’ll work in professional settings like art studios or commercial kitchens while developing both technical and personal creativity. Whether you're new to a skill or looking to advance existing talent, these camps offer practical experience in small group settings.
Location: University of Wisconsin–Madison campus, Madison, WI
Cost: $4,750 residential, $2,850 commuter, $5,100 international; $100 application fee (fee waivers and need-based scholarships available)
Acceptance rate or cohort size: Not specified; selective with rolling admissions
Dates: June 28 – July 17
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students finishing grades 9–12; open to U.S. and international students
The Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) is a three-week, in-person academic experience where you take one intensive, non-credit course at UW–Madison. The program combines rigorous academic instruction with residential life, giving you the chance to explore college-level material in subjects like neuroscience, international law, engineering, and more. You’ll attend 95 hours of class time, participate in lab work or hands-on projects, and develop study and time management skills. Outside the classroom, you’ll engage in structured residential activities, explore Madison, and have the option to join weekend excursions.
Lydia is an alumna of Harvard University and studied Molecular and Cellular Biology & Economics. In high school, she was the captain of her high school’s Academic Decathlon team and attended the Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. She is working as a life sciences consultant after graduation.
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