Youth Programs

Youth and Pre-College Programs

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Graduate & Extended Learning provides programs for school-age youth, facilitated by UWL faculty and staff. Our goal is to provide fun and engaging opportunities that inspire critical thinking, creativity, and exploration.

We offer scholarships to support participation. Students can earn college credit within their own high school, and explore careers opportunities and fields of study on campus.

We offer programs for different age groups in a variety of topics, including:

  • Culinary Arts
  • Math
  • Science
  • Technology
  • Visual Arts
  • Writing
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Programs for elementary & middle school students
Gain experience on a college campus as you learn from university faculty and staff.

Hands-On Science Camp Grades 6–8
Kids' Culinary Academy Grades 6–8
Art Adventures Camp Grades 5–8
Scholarship Opportunities Learn more!

Programs for teachers, homeschool providers and their students
Incorporate UW-La Crosse-led programming into your curriculum.

Kids' College Grades 5–6
Science & Math Expo Grades 6–8
Concurrent Enrollment Grades 11–12

Earn college scholarships

High school students can qualify for college scholarships by competing in the Wisconsin Upper Peninsula of Michigan Regional Junior Science and Humanities Symposium and Wisconsin Youth Testing in the Sciences.

  • Present original research at the Wisconsin Upper Peninsula of Michigan Regional Junior Science and Humanities Symposium
    • The top two regional presenters compete for additional scholarships by presenting at the National Symposium
    • The top five regional presenters receive an all-expense paid trip to the National Symposium
  • Earning the top two highest scores in a subject category at Wisconsin Youth Testing in the Sciences
    • Students may test in two subjects
    • Subject areas include: chemistry, physics, mathematics, English, biology, computer engineering, engineering graphics
  • Teachers coordinate student participation in the competitions.
Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Present your original research

Summer youth program scholarships

Youth scholarships—generously provided by Xcel Energy and other donors—are available for students attending summer youth programs at UW-La Crosse (UWL) through Graduate & Extended Learning. These programs provide young students with hands-on learning experiences in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), art and culinary skills.

UWL Graduate & Extended Learning scholarship information:

  • Apply early as funds are limited
  • Application opens February 1, 2023
  • Awarded on a first-come, first-served basis
  • Decisions will be sent via email 5 business days after receipt
Scholarship Application Application opens February 1, 2023
Submit one of the following with your scholarship application:
  • 300-word letter from student explaining why they wish to attend their selected program
  • Copy of the student's current grade report showing good academic standing
  • Letter from a school representative supporting the student's motivation and rationale for selection as a scholarship recipient
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Youth Policy Resources

Positive & Engaging Experience

"My child enjoyed how engaging and hands-on the program was. She talked about everything for days, made new friends and had such a positive experience. She is excited to go to college and would like to attend this program, again, next summer!"

–Parent of youth program participant

Growing as a Critical Thinker

"Having the opportunity to take College Writing 110 through UWL's concurrent enrollment program allowed me to challenge myself in ways I wasn't always afforded at a rural public school. I grew as a writer, a researcher, and a critical thinker."

–Alexis Gilkes, 2014 Westby High School graduate

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