15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Milwaukee
- Stephen Turban
- 3 hours ago
- 10 min read
For high school students, summer is more than just vacation - it’s a great time to explore your interests in depth! Summer programs are one way you can work on an advanced skillset in a subject of your choice.
If you’re based in Milwaukee, you’re in luck! The city is home to multiple universities and organizations that offer summer programs in STEM, the humanities, and social sciences each year.
Why should I choose a local program?
For one, it’s often more affordable since you can save on housing, travel, and meal expenses. Many local universities in Milwaukee offer commuter options, which means you can experience college-level learning without leaving home.
You can network with professors, mentors, and professionals in Milwaukee’s growing industries — whether that’s healthcare, engineering, or business.
Plus, exploring opportunities close to home gives you a chance to discover what’s happening right in your city.
In this listicle, you will find 15 summer programs for high school students in Milwaukee based on factors like prestige, selectivity, academic rigor, and mentorship opportunities.
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type; Full financial aid is available
Program Dates: The Summer cohort runs from June to August, the Fall cohort from September to December, the Winter cohort from December to February, and the Spring cohort from March to June
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week research program where you work one-on-one with a PhD mentor on a project in your chosen subject. You’ll meet regularly to plan your research, receive feedback, and develop a college-level research paper by the end of the program. You can choose from fields like computer science, psychology, economics, engineering, data science, chemistry, international relations, and more. This program is selective, with an acceptance rate below 15 percent. You willl also get access to writing coaches, optional publishing support, and structured guidance throughout the process.
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type; Financial aid available
Program Dates: Varies according to the cohort: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply here
Eligibility: High school students passionate about AI; Basic understanding of Python or completion of AI scholars is required for the AI Fellowship program
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs geared toward high school students who want to build their foundations in computer science. In this program, you will learn various concepts in data science and artificial intelligence like neural networks, image classification, natural language processing, sentiment analysis, coding using Python, and more. You are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. Veritas AI offers up to 100% financial aid for the 10-week AI Scholars program which allows you to build real-world projects in groups of 3-5 students to showcase your interests and skills. Following that, you can opt for the AI Fellowship where you work 1-on-1 with mentors from top universities to pursue independent AI research projects over 12-15 weeks. These programs are a great option for you if you like engaging in hands-on learning. You can find examples of previous projects here.
Location: Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
Cost: Free; students receive a stipend
Program Dates: Mid-June – Early-August
Application Deadline: March 1 (applications open November 1)
Eligibility: Rising juniors, seniors, or recent graduates (must be 16+); GPA of 3.0+ in math and science; must attend Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), Milwaukee charter school, Milwaukee area private school or surrounding suburban school.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact cohort size not published
The AIM is a six-week immersive experience designed for students interested in healthcare. You will shadow medical professionals, participate in clinical simulations, and conduct your own research project on a disease/condition of your choice under the mentorship of current medical students, which culminates in an oral presentation. The program is free and provides a stipend, making it one of the most selective and valuable summer programs for high school students in Milwaukee.
Location: Marquette University Law School, Milwaukee, WI
Cost: Free
Program Dates: July 24 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: Students entering 8th–10th grade; must live and attend school in Milwaukee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~24 students (highly selective)
The SYI is a nine-day summer program that introduces you to the legal system through hands-on learning, field trips, and mentorship from professionals. You will participate in mock trials, classroom discussions, and site visits to local courts and law firms, with a final oral argument by the end of the session. Designed for first-generation college-bound students and English language learners, it’s a highly interactive, leadership-focused program. With only 24 students admitted each year, this is one of the most selective law-focused summer opportunities in Milwaukee.
Location: Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, Milwaukee, WI
Cost: Core: $2,060 (Commuter) / $2,870 (Residential); Advanced: $2,530 (Commuter) / $3,790 (Residential); Scholarships available
Program Dates: Core: July 13 – 24; Advanced: July 13 – 31
Application Deadline: May 1 (scholarship/portfolio: April 1)
Eligibility: High school students; No prerequisites for Core; Advanced requires portfolio submission
The MIAD Summer Pre-College Program offers a rigorous introduction to college-level visual art and design through studio work, critiques, and mentorship from faculty. You can pursue either Core Studio, which introduces you to two areas of study without any prerequisites, or Advanced Studio, which requires a portfolio and awards three college credits upon completion, both culminating in a final student exhibition. Both tracks offer residential housing and scholarships (both merit-based and need-based), making the program accessible to local and out-of-area students.
Location: Milwaukee School of Engineering, Milwaukee, WI
Cost: $1,100
Program Dates: July 6 – 11; July 20 – 25; July 27 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.5 GPA (self-reported)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited spots per session; Open enrollment, but competitive due to GPA requirement
At MSOE’s Explore program, you’ll rotate across different engineering disciplines, from mechanical and biomedical to software, through hands-on projects guided by faculty in university labs. You will stay in residence halls, participate in academic workshops during the day, engage in evening activities with peers, and have an overall taste of campus life. With two sessions in July and one in early August, including a Women in Technology-focused week, this program is designed to help you figure out which field you would like to pursue in college.
Location: Mount Mary University, Milwaukee, WI
Cost: $825 (includes meals, lodging, credits, materials); scholarships (full and partial) available
Program Dates: June 22 – 26
Application Deadline: March 1 (Early Bird: February 8)
Eligibility: 10th–12th graders (only women); open to all backgrounds
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective (8 per school max)
The Summer Leadership Academy is a 5-day/4-night residential program for young women who want to build leadership skills and prepare for college. Morning sessions focus on leadership and college readiness, while afternoons allow you to explore careers in fields such as healthcare, business, STEM, and the arts. Evenings are reserved for personal development activities and social events that help create a supportive community. You will also participate in field trips, guest speaker events, and hands-on workshops, giving you a well-rounded experience. Upon completion, students earn two college credits. Admission is selective, with a multi-step application process, and full and partial scholarships are available based on financial need.
Location: Mount Mary University, Milwaukee, WI
Cost: $350 (includes supplies + lunch); $50 deposit required; Scholarships available
Program Dates: June 15 – 21
Application Deadline: Registrations open until full; April 30 (Deadline for scholarships)
Eligibility: Grades 8–12; recent high school graduates may also apply
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; Class limits apply (12–16 per workshop)
The Fashion Academy, which takes place on Mount Mary’s Milwaukee campus, immerses you in the world of fashion through workshops in design, modelling, styling, and photography. Topics range from trend forecasting and digital design to clothing construction and display planning. The week concludes with a fashion show, where you present your work and earn two college credits upon completion. Scholarships are available to help cover the registration fee, and out-of-state students can also request on-campus housing for an additional price.
Location: Opus College of Engineering, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
Cost: $150–$250 per session; scholarships available based on financial need
Program Dates: Varies by session, typically held between July 21–August 8
Application Deadline: Registration typically opens in the spring and closes when sessions are full
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders; some sessions require prior experience in algebra
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment, limited capacity per session
Marquette University’s Summer Engineering Experiences are non-residential programs that provide you with hands-on opportunities to explore different branches of engineering, like biomedical, civil, computer, or electrical, across multiple half-day sessions. You will work with faculty and current students and take part in real-world projects, ranging from coding with climate data to modifying ride-on cars for kids with mobility challenges. The programs typically include coding simulations, design challenges, and the use of professional lab spaces, where you work with collaborative robots, thus giving you a real-world introduction to engineering.
Location: University School of Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
Cost: Not listed (contact school)
Program Dates: Three-week sessions, early/mid-summer (specific timelines vary annually)
Application Deadline: Rolling, registration opens early spring
Eligibility: Grades 9–12; high school transcripts + recommendation required for non-USM students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
The Summer Institute for Academic Advancement program allows you to earn credit in semester and year-long courses in a focused three-week summer schedule. These academic courses are taught by experienced instructors and designed to broaden your understanding of core subjects or electives, not as credit recovery but as advanced learning. Applicants from outside USM must submit a transcript and a teacher/advisor recommendation for enrollment consideration, thus signalling selectivity. While the program is credit-bearing, students must confirm with their current schools if the credits will transfer.
Location: Milwaukee Rowing Club and Milwaukee School of Engineering, Milwaukee, WI
Cost: Free for students who qualify for free/reduced lunch (includes transportation, equipment, and instructions)
Program Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Middle and high school students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment (space limited based on transportation and program capacity)
The STEM to Stern program combines academic enrichment with athletic training to promote fitness and leadership. You will participate in STEM instruction at MSOE one day a week and receive swimming lessons at the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) before heading to rowing practice. Transportation from school to each site and back home is provided. Year-round training is available, both on the water and indoors during winter, and the club offers need-based scholarships for those who qualify.
Location: Multiple MPS sites, Milwaukee, WI
Cost: Free for residents; $500 for non-residents
Program Dates: 4 weeks in summer (specific timelines announced each spring)
Application Deadline: Registration opens in March and closes two weeks before the session
Eligibility: Grades 9–12, open to Milwaukee residents; Non-MPS students must submit transcripts and course requests
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment, priority given to MPS students
The MPS Summer Academy offers free academic programming for high school students living in Milwaukee, including credit recovery and acceleration options, dual enrollment college courses through local institutions like Marquette and MATC, and speciality classes in various subjects. Students can also participate in internships and receive support through programs such as GED Option #2 and virtual night school. Bus passes and meals are provided, and community partnerships extend learning beyond school. While MPS students are given priority, non-MPS students can apply with additional documentation.
Location: Milwaukee Area Technical College campuses (Downtown Milwaukee, Oak Creek, West Allis, WI)
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 2 – 26 (varies by camp)
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Grades 6–12 (varies by camp); some camps are open to grades 9–12, while others are open to grades 6–10
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; ~16 per camp
MATC offers a wide range of free summer camps in fields like cybersecurity, culinary arts, animation, healthcare, and AI. These are short programs with hands-on projects led by MATC faculty across multiple campuses. Whether you’re interested in CNC machining, digital art, electronics, or dental hygiene, these camps provide an accessible and practical introduction to career-focused learning. Seats are typically limited to 16 students per camp. Some of them offer bilingual support or are designed to link multiple topics, like pairing animation and gaming. All sessions are conducted in person, giving you a taste of university-level academics.
Location: Multiple YMCA sites, Milwaukee, WI (e.g., Rite-Hite, Lincoln Park, Wilson Park)
Cost: Varies by session; Financial aid and WI Shares accepted
Program Dates: June 9 – Aug 29
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Ages 4–17
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; Enrollment varies by location and week
The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee Summer Day Camp is a traditional activity-based day camp for students across ages 4–17 in multiple Milwaukee locations. Whether you’re into arts and crafts, swimming, outdoor activities, or STEAM projects, the camp provides a mix of traditional and speciality programs, including a Leaders-in-Training (LIT) option for older participants. With locations like the Rite-Hite Family YMCA, Lincoln Park, and Wilson Park, each site offers unique features like archery ranges, nature trails, and climbing towers. Camps run weekly from early June through late August, and financial assistance, including Wisconsin Shares, is available for qualifying families.
Location: University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, Whitewater, WI
Cost: Free for DPI scholarship recipients (includes meals, lodging, instruction, and activities)
Program Dates: June 22 – Aug 1 (varies by camp)
Application Deadline: Rolling until full; early submissions are encouraged
Eligibility: Grades 6–12; First-generation and “free and reduced” lunch eligible students are prioritised
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment, with preference given to Wisconsin students eligible for “free and reduced” lunch
The Summer Academic Camps at UW-Whitewater are fully residential and designed for first-generation and underrepresented students across grades 6–12. They combine academics with career exploration, cultural experiences, and recreational activities. You will be participating in hands-on classes led by certified teachers and UW-Whitewater faculty, such as STEM (STEER), leadership development, digital media, and college readiness camps like The Great University Adventure. Field trips to other campuses and local sites are also a part of the experience, and the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) scholarship fully covers costs for students who qualify for “free and reduced” lunch.
Lydia is an alumna of Harvard University, where she studied Molecular and Cellular Biology and economics. She was the captain of her high school’s Academic Decathlon team and attended the Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. Post graduation, she is currently working as a life sciences consultant.
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