WHO WE ARE
WCATY is an inclusive community of intellectually curious students in grades 1–12, supported by educators and advocates who celebrate their potential. Students are invited to challenge and explore academic interests and passions, while building community and friendships with peers who share their love of learning. Day, residential and online programs are taught by seasoned classroom educators and backed by the reputation and resources of top-rated UW–Madison.
We invite all interested students to participate in our programs. We use a holistic admissions process and welcome students who excel academically, as well as those who bring other interests and passions. Financial aid is available.
2021 Programs
Growing Early Minds (GEM)
for students completing grades 1–4
Created for our youngest learners, GEM invites students to expand their knowledge about the world while developing autonomy and effective collaboration skills.
Winter: February 6, 13, 20, 27 & March 6 (grades 2–4 only)
Summer: June 14-18, June 21-25
Precollege Academic Campus Experience (PACE)
for students completing grades 5–8
Specifically designed for middle schoolers as an introduction to the college setting, PACE invites students to explore their interests in a week-long enrichment course devoted to a single subject.
Summer: July 5–9, July 12–16
LEARN MORE & REGISTER FOR PACE
Summer Transitional Enrichment Program (STEP)
for students completing grades 7–8
Challenge and community are the central pillars of STEP, an accelerated program that gives students the opportunity to spend two weeks studying a single subject of their choice with their peers.
Summer: July 19–30
LEARN MORE & REGISTER FOR STEP
Accelerated Learning Program (ALP)
for students completing grades 9–12
An intense, three-week course in a single subject area designed to push students to the next academic level, featuring community building and opportunities to connect with instructors.
Summer: July 5–23
Celebrating 30 years
WCATY is excited to be celebrating its 30th year in 2021. As an expression of the Wisconsin Idea, we are proud to have created a culture of learning and acceptance for students for three decades.
We look forward to sharing what’s next for WCATY with you in the weeks and months to come!
Other Precollege Programs
Learn more about our other online and residential precollege programs, offered year-round.
- Badger Summer Scholars (grades 9–12)
- Summer Music Clinic (grades 6–12)
- Badger Precollege Online (grades 1–12)
- College Ready @ Badger Precollege (grades 9–12)
- Latino Youth Summit (grades 5–8)
