The Pizza Project
A page within The Pizza Project
The Pizza Project
An immersive, hands-on, business building adventure!
For students entering grades 8–10 in the Fall.
July 27–30, 2026
Turn Your Love for Pizza into a Business!
Do you love pizza? Have you ever dreamed of making your own perfect slice—or even selling it? Join The Pizza Project, where you’ll learn how to craft delicious pizzas from scratch and develop the business skills to turn your passion into a money-making venture!
The Pizza Project is a four-day, immersive summer program where students grow their culinary skills and entrepreneurial mindset through real-world, hands-on learning. Working side by side with University of Wisconsin–La Crosse chefs, students explore what it takes to start and run their own pizza restaurant—from brand creation to kitchen skills to serving the community. Participants will also go behind the scenes with a tour of Osteria Emilia with Chef Mitchel Weber, gaining insight into professional kitchens and local food culture.
🍕 Mornings: Build Your Business
Each morning, students focus on the business and creative side of a restaurant: shaping a vision, developing a brand, and learning how ideas turn into successful ventures
🍕 Afternoons: Master the Art of Pizza
Afternoons are spent in the kitchen, where students learn how to craft great pizza while building essential job skills like teamwork, communication, and food safety.
🍕 Grand Finale: The Pizza Project Pop-Up
The experience culminates on the final day with The Pizza Project Pop-Up Restaurant, where students bring their pizza brands to life. Family, friends, and community members are invited to enjoy pizza during a showcase celebrating the creativity, skills, and confidence students developed throughout the week.
🔥 Are you ready to level up your pizza game? Sign up for The Pizza Project today! 🔥
| Registration type | Early discount by June 26 | Register June 27 or later |
| Student participant | $335 | $370 |
| Additional guest ticket adult - two slices | $6 | $6 |
| Additional guest ticket ages 17 and under - one slice | $4 | $4 |
Registration includes: Instruction, lunches, breaks, chef hat, one guest ticket to the Pizza Project Pop-Up.
Pizza Project Student Participant Cancellation Policy
Substitutions are welcome. Full refund less $25 processing fee two weeks prior to event, no refunds thereafter. Cancellations must be submitted in writing to ex@uwlax.edu.
Pizza Project Pop-Up Ticket Cancellation Policy
Registration is final. Substitutions are welcome. Substitutions should be submitted in writing to ex@uwlax.edu.
Privacy Policy
Registration implies permission for photos, publicity and inclusion in a participant list, unless UWL Graduate & Extended Learning is notified in writing prior to the program at ex@uwlax.edu.
Summer youth program scholarships
Youth scholarships help make Graduate & Extended Learning summer programs accessible to more students by reducing financial barriers and opening the door to meaningful learning experiences.
Who are scholarships for?
Scholarships are available for students who may need financial assistance to make participation in summer youth programs possible.
How do I apply for a summer youth scholarship?
Complete the online application and include one of the following:
- Option 1: A letter from the student (maximum of 300 words) explaining why they want to attend the program and what they hope to gain from the experience.
- Option 2: A brief letter from a teacher, coach, supervisor, or mentor supporting the student's participation in the the program.
What happens after I submit the application?
- Check your email - scholarship decisions will be sent via email 5 business days after submission
- Scholarship recipients will be sent instructions on how to use the scholarship and register for their program
Reminders
- Apply early, funds are limited
- Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis
Questions?
Reach out to us at ex@uwlax.edu with any questions. We will do our best to work with you to address barriers to youth program participation.
Youth Health Form:
Required for participation
To ensure the health and safety of all children, each child must submit a health form prior to the event.
- Health forms are available online
- Submit your student's form at least 2 weeks prior to the event start date
- Students who do not submit a form will not be allowed to participate
The Pizza Project is 4 days of hands-on activities all about pizza and creativity. Whether in an art room, a technology studio, or a professional kitchen, youth will be fully immersed in every aspect of building a real pizza business.
What to bring
- Water bottle
- Comfortable, close-toed shoes
- A hair tie or clip if needed
- Hat (optional)
Learning through connection
UWL Graduate & Extended Learning's goal for participants is to experience the full benefits of being present and engaged at this hands-on camp. Our vision is to create real-world connections and build a sense of community that extends outside the program. We recognize the positive impact of social connection in adolescence through its capacity to promote wellbeing and protect against a range of risks. We design youth programs as screen-free environments that prioritize actively engaged, shared experiences as a central part of our mission.
Be Here
Expectations
Graduate & Extended Learning youth programs strive to create an environment that encourages empathy along with accountability. All staff, volunteers, and participants will commit to the following expectations:
- Respect the differences of participants, staff, and volunteers and will not discriminate against anyone else on the grounds of gender, race, sexual orientation, ability, or other identity
- Report any incidents of bullying, abusive language, and dangerous or unlawful behavior to adults or supervisors immediately
- Support and encourage all other program participants
- Follow the directions of program staff, directors, and volunteers
- Follow online safety and internet use policies and honor screen-free activities
- Lead with respect and act with integrity
Summer youth program scholarships
Youth scholarships help make Graduate & Extended Learning summer programs accessible to more students by reducing financial barriers and opening the door to meaningful learning experiences.
Who are scholarships for?
Scholarships are available for students who may need financial assistance to make participation in summer youth programs possible.
How do I apply for a summer youth scholarship?
Complete the online application and include one of the following:
- Option 1: A letter from the student (maximum of 300 words) explaining why they want to attend the program and what they hope to gain from the experience.
- Option 2: A brief letter from a teacher, coach, supervisor, or mentor supporting the student's participation in the the program.
What happens after I submit the application?
- Check your email - scholarship decisions will be sent via email 5 business days after submission
- Scholarship recipients will be sent instructions on how to use the scholarship and register for their program
Reminders
- Apply early, funds are limited
- Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis
Questions?
Reach out to us at ex@uwlax.edu with any questions. We will do our best to work with you to address barriers to youth program participation.
Youth Health Form:
Required for participation
To ensure the health and safety of all children, each child must submit a health form prior to the event.
- Health forms are available online
- Submit your student's form at least 2 weeks prior to the event start date
- Students who do not submit a form will not be allowed to participate
Guest Chef/Community Collaborator
Mitchel Weber
Mitchel Weber
Terrazzo Hospitality
I love cooking with the seasons, all things pizza, pasta and sourdough bread. La Crosse is my hometown and I'm happy to back in the area sharing my passion for cooking and hospitality, while also empowering a hardworking team of amazing inidividuals at my restaurant group — Terrazzo Hospitality.
- Nickname: The inside joke at the restaurants is "Bistecca". Italian for Beef Steak. I'll take it haha!
- Areas of interest/special skills: Whether through personal experiences, forums or other publications — I love expanding my culinary arsenal as well as honing my leadership skillset. I truly believe that we all (at any given time) have something new to learn; the food & beverage world continues to fuel that fire for me. As a self-proclaimed "food enthusiast" and owner of three Italian inspired restaurants, I would say that my particular area of interest is just that...deep rooted Italian food culture mixed with hospitality and design...AND PIZZA!!!
- Dream pizza: Starting with the dough...I'm looking for something that feels right when I stretch it out. A well-fermented mix of water, white and whole wheat flours giving hints of yeast and aromas of fresh grains. I enjoy a crispy exterior that opens up to a soft and tender interior crumb...not too floppy! I enjoy a simple red sauce of milled tomatoes, salt and basil — uncooked of course. Minimal toppings is a must for me - whether a seasonally inspired vegetable pie or a classic sausage and pepperoni. Easy on the cheesy! I'm a Wisconsinite, but hear me out...cheese deserves a light-handed finesse. And why put all that work and effort in without first devoting to a perfect bake?
- Strangest topping eaten on pizza: Either Kimchi or Tuna & Olives...I quickly realized that these things BELONG on pizza!
UWL Instructors
Ellen Cervantes
Ellen Cervantes
University Communications
Nickname:
Areas of interest/special skills:
Dream pizza:
Strangest topping eaten on pizza:
Kaylie Connaughty
Kaylie Connaughty
University Communications
I attended UWL for both my undergraduate degree and my master's degree. I LOVE to cook and especially love pizza (who doesn't?). My favorite pizza ever is from Gusta Pizza in Florence, Italy. My favorite pizza in the La Crosse area is Pizzeria Dolarosa.
- Nickname: Kale
- Areas of interest/special skills: Web & Graphic Design
- Dream pizza: White truffle pizza with mushrooms and a garlic cream sauce
- Strangest topping eaten on pizza: Maybe pickles, but I thought it was delicious :)
Kenneth Graham
Kenneth Graham
Marketing
Ken Graham is Associate Professor at UW-La Crosse and teaches both undergraduate and graduate marketing courses. His specialities include: marketing strategy, integrated marketing communications, and digital marketing.
Ken is busy teaching classes and serving as the academic director for the Digital Marketing Graduate Certificate program. We're hoping he'll share his favorite pizza toppings and thoughts on pizza styles with us once the semester is over!
KJ Krzyzanowski
KJ Krzyzanowski
Graduate & Extended Learing
KJ Krzyzanowski is the Youth Program Specialist in Graduate & Extended Learning and the self-appointed “Gordon Ramsay of GEL.” His background of over 10 years of direct youth work includes designing and leading programs that provide creative, fun, and inclusive ways for young people to learn about food. His programs always incorporate youth voice and creating a space where young people can share their own skills and knowledge. Past projects with youth include building a Hot Sauce Garden from seed to bottle, weekly Cooking Club meals, a global cultures cooking club, and a Friday night Pizza Farm in the city run by youth. KJ’s philosophy is that young people grow into their best self by collaborating with positive adults and other youth in experiences that challenge and excite them. He also lives by the saying “If you bring food, they will come.”
Nickname: Head Pizza dude
Favorite pizza topping: hot honey
Do you like pineapple on pizza? Not my jam, but whatever floats your boat!
Which do you like best, Chicago deep-dish or New York thin crust pizza? NY thin for the win.
Lisa Lenarz
Lisa Lenarz
Art
I teach art education at UWL but I'm also a serious pizza lover. I've been making my own homemade pizza for over 25 years, trying some unusual toppings combinations. The most unusual is the "shrimpy goat" which combines shrimp and goat cheese. I also love trying different kinds of pizza when I travel.
Nickname: Lisa Pizza (childhood nickname)
Favorite pizza topping: mushrooms
Do you like pineapple on pizza? Yes!!
Which do you like best, Chicago deep-dish or New York thin crust pizza? Both!
Dave Piro
Dave Piro
University Communications
I am no cook at all. But I enjoy eating and creativity in all its forms. It is always fun to see what solutions people come up with to solve problems. I was greatly impressed with the designs the pizza project gang came up with last year, and look forward to see what gets presented this year. As far as special skills I might add to the mix, I love working in design and business, so any help I can add to the mix is my pleasure.
- Areas of interest/special skills: Graphic design and business — I look forward to helping those future entrepreneurs get started.
- Dream pizza: I am boring, so anything with great crust, sauce and pepperoni gets my vote.
- Strangest topping eaten on pizza: See answer above, but pineapple counts as exotic to me.
Jake Speer
Jake Speer
University Communications
I love graphic design and the ways that it can help shape the way we view a business or restaurant. I've designed a logo and website for an Italian restaurant in the past, and it was such a great experience.
- Areas of interest/special skills: Graphic design, web design, computer programming
- Dream pizza: I love any pizza, but mushrooms are my go-to! A multi variety mushroom pizza would be my favorite!
- Strangest topping eaten on pizza: Octopus
Nhouchee Yang
Nhouchee Yang
University Communications
Nickname:
Areas of interest/special skills:
Dream pizza:
Strangest topping eaten on pizza:
Fostering youth development
Young people thrive when they’re given opportunities to discover their potential through experiences that challenge, inspire, and help them grow. UWL youth programs create supportive, skill-building environments where participants develop confidence, learn meaningful skills, and engage with peers and caring adults as valued members of their community.
How this benefits the Driftless Region
UWL youth programs strengthen the Driftless Region by helping young people build skills, form positive relationships, and develop a strong sense of purpose. Through intentional activities, youth connect with supportive adults, student mentors, and community leaders who encourage their growth. This sense of connectedness is essential to effective youth development—and central to UWL’s commitment to reflect and uplift the voices of the community it serves.
Ways to support UWL Graduate & Extended Learning Youth Programs
Support Graduate & Extended Learning Youth Programs
Location
UWL Student UnionStudent Union
521 East Avenue N
La Crosse, WI 54601
| Description | Time | Location |
| Drop-off: All days | 8:30–9 a.m. | Lot C-12 |
| Pick-up: July 27–29 | 3:30–4 p.m. | Lot C-12 |
| Pick-up: July 30 | 3–3:30 p.m. | Lot C-12 |
Did you pay to park?
A parking permit is required in all UWL lots.
Drop-off: July 27–30
- From 8:30–9 a.m. each day complimentary parking is available for the Pizza Project student drop-off in Lot C-12.
- If you stay longer/arrive earlier, you must pay for parking.
- Parking can be paid using the Passport Parking app.
- The charge is $1/hour.
Pick-up: July 27–29
- From 3:30–4 p.m. complimentary parking is available for The Pizza Project student pick-up in Lot C-12.
- If you stay longer/arrive earlier, you must pay for parking.
- Parking can be paid using the Passport Parking app.
- The charge is $1/hour.
Pizza Project Pop-Up Restaurant: 11:30a.m.–12:15 p.m., June 30
- If you attend the Pizza Project Pop-Up, you must pay for parking
- Parking can be paid using the Passport Parking app.
- The charge is $1/hour.
- You will be prompted to enter the zone number that corresponds to the lot.
- The closest lots are: C-12, Ramp levels 1–3.
Pick-up: Thursday, July 30 - Pizza Project Pop-Up
- From 3–3:30 p.m. complimentary parking is available for The Pizza Project student pick-up in Lot C-12.
- If you stay longer/arrive earlier, you must pay for parking.
- Parking can be paid using the Passport Parking app.
- The charge is $1/hour.
The Pizza Project Safety Policy
- Students will be released at the pick-up time only to the person(s) listed on their health form.
- Any pick-up deviating from this policy must be communicated to Graduate & Extended Learning 48 hours in advance at ex@uwlax.edu.
- If unforeseen circumstances require your student to be picked-up early from The Pizza Project, you must contact Graduate & Extended Learning at 608.785.6500 to make arrangements.