Scholarships for most Youth Programs are available for financially disadvantaged students (excluding Public Archaeology Field Schools-multi-age). Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Print a 2008 Scholarship Application form with Adobe Reader or call 608.785.6508 or langaard.kare@uwlax.edu for more information.

ACT Prep Course

The Enhanced ACT contains four curriculum-based tests that measure academic achievement in the areas of English, reading, math and science reasoning.  Preparing for the ACT can increase test scores that are important for gaining entry into the college of your choice, and in receiving scholarships.  If you are interested in enhancing your test-taking skills and strengthening your academic preparation for the Enhanced ACT, then enroll in the ACT Preparation Workshops.

This program provides 12 hours of instruction in: writing strategies to assist you in the new essay part of the ACT test; orientation to the Enhanced ACT and its four parts; opportunity to take diagnostic assessments; instruction in all four areas; test-taking strategies for each of the components and for the entire test; practice with printed materials where test-taking tips can be applied and reinforced; and interactive skill drills in deficit areas as measured by the diagnostic test.

Scholarships: Scholarships are available for financially disadvantaged students. Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Scholarship applications will be accepted until scholarship funds have been depleted.  Please call 608.785.6508 or email for a scholarship application form. Adjusted gross income must not exceed $39,999 for your scholarship request to be considered.

Upcoming ACT Test Dates: 

December 13, 2008 and April 4, 2009

Fall 2008 - Register Online NOW!

October 18-November 22, 2008; Saturdays, 8:30-11:30 AM

UW-La Crosse

136 Wimberly Hall, La Crosse

$149

Spring 2009 - Register Online NOW!

February 14-March 21, 2009; Saturdays, 8:30-11:30 AM

UW-La Crosse

136 Wimberly Hall, La Crosse

$149

Archaeology Workshops:

Introduction to Archaeology - Register Online NOW!
Students entering grades 1-4
Discover the science of archaeology by participating in hands-on activities like those used by archaeologists out in the field. Explore MVAC’s Archaeology Laboratory, and discover how people lived in Wisconsin by checking out the artifacts that have been recovered in the area. A walking field trip through the marsh will identify which resources were used by early Native People. Bring a lunch with drink, snacks and water bottle.
July 28, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
311 Wimberly Hall, UW-La Crosse
$55, includes travel fee

Experimental Archaeology - Register Online NOW!
Students entering grades 4-6
Learn how stone tools were made and how Native Americans used them. Take a nature hike through the marsh to explore food, shelter, and tools Wisconsin’s first people could have used. Try playing the chunky game and making pottery. Bring a lunch with drink, snacks and water bottle.
July 29, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
311 Wimberly Hall, UW-La Crosse
$55

Introduction to Archaeology - Register Online NOW!
Students entering grades 5-9
Explore MVAC’s Archaeology Laboratory and work with artifacts recovered from area excavations as an introduction to the science of archaeology. Discover how the first Native Americans in Wisconsin survived using the natural resources found in our area. Students must take this class in order to attend the Middle School Field Experience class. Bring a lunch with drink, snacks and water bottle.
July 30, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
311 Wimberly Hall, UW-La Crosse
$55, includes travel fee

Middle School Field Experience
Students entering grades 5-9 - Register Online NOW!
Take your excitement for archaeology to the field! Students who have taken the Introduction to Archaeology class in the past can join a La Crosse area project. Participants will work alongside professional archaeologists in the field. Activities may include shovel testing and/or small-scale excavations (test units). The location of the field experience is yet to be determined. Weather may require alternate activities. Bring a lunch with drink and snacks, water bottle, insect repellent and sun screen. Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes that can get dirty.
July 31-Aug. 1, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
311 Wimberly Hall, UW-La Crosse
$130

Public Archaeology Field Schools
Youth & Adult
This multi-day event includes both field and lab experiences and is a well-rounded opportunity for those who want to learn about the process of archaeology. Explore what it is like to participate in an actual archaeological excavation, by working alongside professional archaeologists in the field. Participate in small-scale excavations (test units) and survey work. Lab work may include washing ceramics, stone tools, and other remains, and sorting them into basic categories. An experimental archaeology component of the event may explore making stone tools and pottery. Optional lab hours and local field trips will be available after regular field school hours. No previous experience is necessary. The location of this year’s field school is yet to be determined. This experience is open to high school students through adults. Supervised dorm facilities are available for high school students at an additional cost of $155 for 3 days and $255 for 5 days. Adults (over 18 years of age) may make their own reservations for dorms or camping in the area. Cancellation prior to July 2, 2008 will receive a full refund minus a $60 cancellation fee. No refunds for cancellations after July 2, 2008.

Three-day Field School: - Register Online NOW!
July 28, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
July 29 & 30, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
259 Cartwright Center, UW-La Crosse
$335, includes one year MVAC membership

One-week Field School: - Register Online NOW!
July 28, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
July 29, 30, 31, Aug. 1, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
259 Cartwright Center, UW-La Crosse
$485, includes one year MVAC membership

Athletic Camps

Join the area’s premiere camp experiences. Our camps are built on fundamental skills, enthusiasm and a fine tradition of outstanding UW-L instruction. We recognize the importance of positive reinforcement in the development of all players. Join the fun!

Boys Basketball
Variety of camps open to boys entering grades 2-12
Girls Basketball
Variety of camps open to girls entering grades 3-12
Gymnastics
Camps open to girls ages 3-18
Football
Camps open to boys entering grades 9-12
Swimming
Lessons open to boys and girls ages 2-18
Tennis
Camps open to boys and girls entering grades 6-12
Volleyball
Camps open to girls entering grades 7-12
Wrestling
Camps open to boys entering grades 3-12

For more information or to register, call 608.785.6544

College Acceleration Program (CAP)
Students currently in grades 10-12

July 13 - August 2, 2008

This program provides academically talented high school students the unique opportunity to study advanced, rigorous curriculum, experience college life AND earn fully-transferable college credit, while at the same time receive the social and emotional support that high school students need and which are hallmarks of all WCATY programs.

CAP was developed in close collaboration with UW-La Crosse faculty and administrators to offer students a one-of a-kind academic experience in Wisconsin, with small class sizes of 16-22 students. CAP courses fully accelerate students into college-level content; upon successful completion students will earn four (4) credits as a head start on a college degree.

Students enjoy most of the privileges and responsibilities of regularly enrolled college students but with the WCATY touch: in addition to coursework, students live with other gifted students for the three-week period, develop relationships with those students and faculty, and grow in understanding of their abilities and interests. Of course there is also time built in to relax, have fun and take part in residential activities outside the classroom.

CAP Courses
Software Design I
Fundamental Physics I
Earth Environments

Student Housing
For all programs students are required to participate in both academic and residential life. Students will be housed in modern, secure dorms. Students live in groups of approximately 12-15 campers per Residential Assistant. Girls and boys live on separate wings in double and triple rooms, and each wing has its own bathroom and shower facilities.

Supervision
Residential Assistants are college students who are responsible for supervising students outside of the classroom. They help develop a spirited and friendly atmosphere among students in the dorms, lead students in activities, and ensure adherence to rules. Residential Assistants are carefully selected and receive extensive training prior to the program.

Commuter Life
WCATY has had a long history of offering residential camps that help nurture and encourage the social and emotional development of gifted students. While the residential program has been an overwhelmingly positive experience for WCATY students, we realize a commuter option is more accommodating for some families, allowing them to balance summer learning with other commitments. This year CAP will include a commuter option.

For more information or to register:
www.wcaty.org – info@wcaty.org - 608.271.1617

Environmental Explorers Program - FULL
Students entering grades 4-6
(call 608.785.6508 or email to be placed on a waiting list)

Printable brochure (2 page PDF)

Grab your binoculars, hip boots and come and explore - adventures are waiting for you! Here’s your chance to explore the hidden treasures of science and nature. From mayflies to frogs, the Mississippi River is bursting with life. In this program, you will have the opportunity to see what plants and animals live and thrive in this unique habitat. You will collect and identify macro invertebrates, the small “critters” living in the mud and swimming in the water, identify and learn about aquatic plants and trees of the floodplain forest, observe and identify birds and the nests they make in the floodplain forest, and learn how to sample water quality. You will also simulate tracking animals with radio transmitters and use global positioning systems and aerial photographs to develop land-use maps of the backwater and floodplain forest. The program will be held at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center (UMESC) on French Island. Come experience this adventure in exploration! Class size is limited to 40 participants to ensure hands-on participation, so courses fill quickly. Early registration is encouraged. This program is co-sponsored with USGS and UMESC.

June 10, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
June 11, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Upper Midwest Environmental Science Center, La Crosse
$50, includes instruction, supplies, snacks and two lunches

Girls in Science - FULL
Girls entering grades 6-8
(call 608.785.6508 or email to be placed on a waiting list)

Printable brochure with registration form ( 2 page PDF)

Would you like to participate in scientific experiments, learn through hands-on activities and find out about a variety of scientific fields? Girls in Science is meant to encourage middle school girls to pursue science and mathematics at a time when many girls lose interest in such programs. The goals of this program are to offer intensive academic exploration, provide you with the opportunity to work with other young women of similar abilities and interests, and create an environment where talents need not be hidden. In addition to the science activities, you will experience a full campus experience with an overnight stay in a campus residence hall, meals on campus and social activities with peer students, university student assistants and faculty. Girls in Science is co-sponsored with the Wisconsin Center for Academically Talented Youth (WCATY).

June 28, 12:30-10 p.m.
June 29, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cowley Hall, UW-La Crosse
$155, includes instruction, room and board

High school students and their teachers will be introduced to barbershop harmony and traditional male glee-club music through rehearsals, sectionals and classes. Clinicians and a guest quartet instruct the students and teachers alike. Students will perform six pieces of music in a cappella concert at the culmination of the workshop. Teachers will attend four seminars covering various aspects of music education, including rehearsal techniques, warm-up techniques and conducting.

Contact 1.800.876.7464 for more information.

June 19-22
Cartwright Center, UW-La Crosse

Junior Science & Humanities Symposium

Founded in 1958 by the U.S. Army and joined after 1995 by the Navy and Air Force, the primary aim of the Junior Science & Humanities Symposium (JSHS) encourages high school students at the high school level to engage in original research in the sciences, engineering or mathematics. JSHS achieves this goal in a symposium format which features presentations of research conducted by high school students, public recognition and awards, and interaction with practicing researchers.

The objectives are to:

• Promote research and experimentation in the sciences, mathematics and engineering at the high school level.
• Recognize the significance of research in human affairs, and the importance of humane and ethical principles in the application of research results.
• Search out talented youth and their teachers, recognize their accomplishments at symposia and encourage their continued interest and participation in the sciences, mathematics, and engineering.
• Expand the horizons of research-oriented students by exposing them to opportunities in the academic, industrial and governmental communities.
• Increase the number of future adults capable of conducting research and development.

Teachers and guidance counselors should call 608.785.6508 for further information and to receive student nomination forms. Interested students should contact their science teacher. Student nomination forms are due to Continuing Education no later than June 6, 2008. This program is largely funded by a grant from the U.S. Army Research Office.

Sept. 21-23, 2008
Pigeon Lake Field Station
$20

Practical Theatre Production
Students entering grades 10-12 and Adults

June 3-July 6, 2008

Participants will learn how a successful musical stage performance is produced through hands-on experience and classroom discussion. Topics will be tailored to students interests and may include directing; staging and rehearsing; set design and construction; costumes and props; sound and lighting; publicity and; box office and front of house management. Students will have choices from the topics listed above, but are encouraged to experience multiple areas of theatre production. No experience is required, just curiosity, a good attitude, and willingness to participate!
Instructor: Beth Cherne - Bio (1 page PDF)

General Information & Costs:
Class size is limited to 30 participants to ensure hands-on participation.
CEUs available.
Center for Fine Arts, UW-La Crosse
$105

Classroom Discussion: June 3, 10, 17; 6:30-8 p.m.
Hands-on Participation: June 4-27; flexible daytime hours
Performance Dates: June 27, 28, 29, July 2, 3, 5, 6

STEM Saturdays (For Students in grades 4-8)

Science - Technology - Engineering - Math

Scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians shape the world around us. These professionals design and build everything from artificial limbs, to computer games to automobiles. The youth of today are leaders of tomorrow. We need to provide youth with opportunities to advance their interests and abilities in science and technology to make informed academic and career choices. STEM Saturdays are designed to give youth a chance to explore the wonderful world of science, technology, engineering and math in a fun, hands-on way. More...

Summer Youth Programs

Collaborative brochure (36 page PDF)

La Crosse Area Program Guide:
A collaborative effort to better serve our community

Offered in partnership:

• UW-La Crosse Continuing Education and Extension
• Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse
• School District of La Crosse Summer School
• La Crosse Public Library