STEM programs offer high school students a practical way to explore subjects and help turn what they learn in class into something more real and hands-on. You can try things like coding a basic app, running experiments, or working through real-world problems in areas like engineering, biology, data science, and computer science. These programs will help you develop useful skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking, as well as give you a clearer idea of what you might want to study in college. They also help if you are curious about science or technology careers and want to explore those interests early while strengthening your academic profile. You will also get to step outside your usual school routine and learn something new. If you are a high school student in Madison, Wisconsin, you have access to many local STEM programs and opportunities.
Why Madison, Wisconsin, is a great place for STEM programs?
Madison, Wisconsin, is a strong hub for STEM opportunities due to its blend of education, research, and industry. It is home to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, a major research university that offers access to labs, research projects, and mentors who work in STEM fields every day. Beyond the classrooms, institutions like the Morgridge Institute for Research and the University Research Park create a vibrant environment where you can see groundbreaking work happen up close. Madison also has a growing tech and biotech scene, with startups and established companies working in healthcare, software, and environmental science. This combination makes Madison a supportive and resource-rich place for high school students interested in STEM. Choosing a local program can also help you save on travel and commuting costs.
Here are 15 STEM programs for high school students in Madison, Wisconsin.
If you’re looking for summer programs for high schoolers in Wisconsin, you can find them here. You can also check out more opportunities for high school students in Madison here.
15 STEM Programs for High School Students in Madison, Wisconsin
1. Madison Metropolitan School District — High School Science Research Internship Program
Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 15–30 students per summer
Dates: 9 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: High school juniors enrolled at an MMSD high school
In this program, you’ll be matched with a UW-Madison researcher and spend 20 to 25 hours each week in a lab for nine weeks. Past students have worked in fields such as ecology, chemistry, astrophysics, botany, pharmacy, neuroscience, psychology, medicine, engineering, food science, geology, and cancer research. You’ll also take part in group seminars on campus, attend a March orientation with a parent or guardian, and complete the requirements for the Wisconsin Youth Leadership Skill Certificate. At the end of the program, you’ll earn a quarter of high school science credit from MMSD, one UW-Madison college credit, and a quarter experiential learning credit for every 45 lab hours.
2. Maydm’s Creators Lab – from Idea to Impact Program
Location: Maydm Office, Madison, WI
Cost/Stipend: $0–$740, depending on the discount codes applied; Discount Codes are available / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Rate not disclosed; typically, 10–15 students per session
Dates: June 15 – August 14
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: 9th–12th grade students
Maydm’s Creators Lab from Idea to Impact program enables high school students to transform their creative ideas into tangible projects, gaining hands-on experience and strengthening problem-solving skills. You’ll get time and support from instructors to dive into a STEM area that interests you and work on your own project throughout the program. You’ll have guided work time to brainstorm ideas, select a final project, and determine the necessary tools and materials. The program includes lessons on time management, budgeting, and resource management, along with time for independent and collaborative work. Strong participants who meet the age requirement may be invited to apply for the Internship Program in future years.
3. Madison Area Technical College’s Career Discovery Youth Camps
Location: Madison Area Technical College, Madison, WI; some camps are offered at the Portage, Reedsburg, Watertown, and Fort Atkinson campuses
Cost: $125–$275, depending on the camp duration and location; a limited number of scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-competitive; 10–14 students per camp
Dates: Several three- to five-day camps run between June and August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; first-come, first-served basis until full
Eligibility: Students in grades 3–12
Madison College’s Career Discovery youth camps are open to students in grades 3 through 12 and focus on hands-on learning that supports both personal and academic growth. High school camps offer many subject options, including STEM and trades, CAD (computer-aided design), rock music, calligraphy, watercolor art, mechanical and electrical engineering, nature sketching, ceramics, baking and dessert decorating, home environment systems, automobiles, welding, healthcare, CAM or computer-aided manufacturing, protective services, CNC or computer numerical control, and more. The camps feature labs, interactive classes, and activities designed specifically for youth. Each camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and some camps include off-site field trips for extra exploration.
4. UW-Madison’s Engineering Summer Program
Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 25–30 students
Dates: July 11 – 31
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors who have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), have completed at least one year of algebra and geometry, and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
In this program, you’ll take college-level classes, live on campus, and get a feel for life as a Badger Engineer. Courses include math such as pre-calculus or calculus, introductory engineering design, chemistry, and physics, all taught by UW-Madison faculty. You’ll also take part in group projects, hands-on workshops, and field trips that will help you develop problem-solving and teamwork skills. Beyond classes, the program includes faculty-led sessions on financial aid, college admissions, and campus life, as well as team-building and professional development activities. You’ll also visit companies like GE Healthcare, Rockwell Automation, and Alliant Energy to learn how engineering is used in real-world settings and meet working engineers.
5. Maydm’s Femme Scholar – Web Development Program
Location: Maydm Madison Truax Campus, Madison, WI
Cost: $0–$365, depending on the discount codes applied
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically 12–20 students
Dates: July 20–31
Application Deadline: July 13
Eligibility: Rising 7th–10th grade female students
Maydm’s Femme Scholar Web Development program is for rising 7th through 10th-grade female students who want to understand how websites and apps work behind the scenes. The program focuses on hands-on STEM learning, including web development, game design, robotics, and AI. You’ll explore how the internet works, from domains and hosting to front-end and back-end development. You’ll learn how to wireframe and plan layouts, try out different coding tools, and experiment with templates, design choices, and accessibility features. The program also looks at how AI can be used as a tool for developers. Along with learning core web development and coding principles, you’ll gain experience with 3D design, printing, and other technical skills.
6. Early College STEM Academy
Location: Madison Area Technical College Goodman South Campus, Madison, WI
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 100–120 students
Dates: The two-year program typically runs from September – May
Application Deadline: January 29
Eligibility: Current 10th graders with a GPA of at least 2.25 and a 90% attendance
This program gives high school students access to college-level STEM courses and the opportunity to earn early college credit. In the first semester, you’ll take courses like Introduction to College Writing, Intermediate Algebra, Modern US History, College Success, a PE class, and one elective. In the second semester, you’ll take English 1 as a cohort and choose your other classes from regular college offerings. A full-time college course load is 12 credits, usually four 3-credit classes per semester. You’ll spend 2 to 4 hours on homework for every hour in class. You’ll receive personalized guidance to help you choose courses that match your academic and career goals.
7. Badger Summer Scholars
Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
Cost: $4,450 (Domestic Students) | $2,600 (Commuter Students) | $4,800 (International Students) + $100 non-refundable application fee; limited financial aid and scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective; 15–20 students per instructor.
Dates: July 19–31
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students finishing grades 9–12
In this program, you’ll take classes taught by UW-Madison instructors and connect with staff and other students. Courses are offered in many areas, including STEM, psychology, veterinary and animal science, entrepreneurship, mathematical sciences, political science, life sciences, computer and physical science pathways, medicine, writing, engineering, and more, helping you start thinking about a future major. Each weekday includes morning and afternoon classes along with a required study period. The program will also help you understand the college application process, financial aid, and campus life. Once a week, you’ll take part in the Jump Forward series focused on admissions and student life.
8. Maydm’s Future Focused – Actually, it is Rocket Science
Location: Maydm Madison Truax Campus, Madison, WI
Cost: $0–$365, depending on the discount codes applied
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically 15–20 students
Dates: June 15 – July 2 (Session 1) | August 3–15 (Session 2)
Application Deadline: June 8 (Session 1) | July 27 (Session 2)
Eligibility: Rising 8th–11th grade students
This program introduces you to aerospace and rocketry through a mix of engineering, design, math, and physics related to flight and rocket propulsion. You’ll build and test your own model rockets as well as learn how engineers approach challenges in aeronautics and space exploration. The rockets you create will include integrated systems such as a payload compartment, recovery system, propulsion system, and guidance system. The program often uses rockets powered by water and pressurized air to help demonstrate key physical laws. Through hands-on experimentation, problem solving, teamwork, and creative thinking, the class will show you how engaging and practical rocket science can be.
9. UW Carbone Cancer Center ARISE Summer Research Internship
Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend of $18/hr
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically, 10–15 students per summer
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: High school students who have completed their sophomore year and are 16 or older at the program’s start
The Carbone Cancer Center High School Cancer Research Internship, in partnership with UW-Madison, provides students with hands-on experience in an active cancer research lab. The program has two parts, lab work and enrichment activities. In the lab, you’ll be paired with a mentor, meet with the principal investigator, support ongoing research, be trained in lab techniques, attend weekly lab meetings, and complete your own project. Outside the lab, you’ll spend 3–5 hours each week on enrichment activities such as workshops on pathology, medical ethics, and science communication, career panels, and social events. You’ll also earn a UW Carbone Cancer Center Science Research Certificate at the end of the program.
10. Maydm’s High School Internships
Location: Various locations across Madison, WI
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 25–35 students
Dates: 8–12 weeks, typically, late May/mid-June – early August
Application Deadline: Typically, in January
Eligibility: Female students and or students of color who are rising juniors, seniors, or graduating seniors, are at least 16 by the start of the internship, and have completed a Maydm immersive program or equivalent experience; the internship is invitation-only, and applicants must also meet any additional requirements set by the host organization
Maydm supports girls and youth of color in grades 6–12 by providing experiences, skills, and connections that help them pursue STEM careers and make an impact in the field. Internships are invitation-only, and eligible students receive an interest form from Maydm staff in December of the internship year, before applications open, and selected students are then invited to apply. Internship placements are available with a range of organizations across Madison. Internship focus areas may include information technology, aviation, health research, engineering, sustainability, media, health equity, cell line development, intellectual property, leadership, pharmacy, gaming, and other related fields.
11. Badger Pre-College Accelerated Learning Program (ALP)
Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
Cost: $4,750 (Domestic Students) | $2,850 (Commuter Students) | $5,100 (International Students) + $100 non-refundable application fee; limited financial aid and scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically 12–18 students
Dates: June 28 – July 17
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students finishing grades 9–12
The Badger Pre-College Accelerated Learning Program is a three-week non-credit course at UW-Madison for high school students who want to focus in depth on one subject. Course options span many areas, including STEM, with subjects such as neuroscience, abnormal psychology, microbiology, medical sciences, forensic science, computer science, engineering fundamentals and design, applied kinematics in physics and engineering, and more. You’ll begin with a pre-assessment and receive support from undergraduate assistants throughout the program. Your schedule includes morning and afternoon classes, a study session, group activities, campus events, and time to explore Madison. The program will help you develop independence and gain confidence in tackling academic challenges.
12. Pharmacy Summer Program for High School Students
Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; around 20–30 students per session
Dates: July 12–16
Application Deadline: Rolling basis until full
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher at the time of application
The Pharmacy Summer Program at UW-Madison’s School of Pharmacy is a five-day residential camp for high school students interested in learning about pharmacy and the PharmD program. You’ll explore different pharmacy career options, hear from practicing pharmacists, current pharmacy students, and admissions staff, and learn about the PharmD admissions process. The program includes hands-on activities that will help you explore the field and what it means to study pharmacy at UW-Madison. You’ll also spend time learning about ways to pay for undergraduate and PharmD programs, getting to know the campus, and understanding what life is like as a Badger pharmacist.
13. Madison Area Technical College’s Youth Enrichment Classes
Location: Madison Area Technical College, Madison, WI
Cost: $27–$215, depending on the selected course
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-competitive; 10–18 students
Dates: Year-round courses are available
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 8–17
Madison Area Technical College’s Youth Enrichment Classes are for students aged 8 to 17 who want to try new hobbies and learn through hands-on activities. STEM options include basic and intermediate welding, covering advanced SMAW stick welding, GMAW MIG welding with thicker materials, multi-pass welds, and more. Additional STEM classes include auto maintenance basics, where you’ll learn about different vehicle systems, and CPR essentials, which will teach you how to help someone who is choking and what to do during severe weather. Other classes explore a wide range of interests, such as pet sitting for extra income, drawing and painting, character design, an introduction to American Sign Language, side-hustle ideas for teens, and more.
14. Madison Area Technical College’s Biotechnology Academy
Location: Madison College Truax Campus, Madison, WI
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically 18–24 students per section
Dates: Academic Year; September – June
Application Deadline: January 29
Eligibility: Current high school juniors with >2.25 GPA and 90% attendance
This program is designed to immerse students in the world of professional biotechnology, providing the foundational expertise. You engage in coursework covering topics like recombinant DNA technology, protein purification, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Hands-on activities are central to the experience; students actively grow bacterial cultures, perform polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, and execute complex chromatography techniques. The curriculum emphasizes regulatory compliance, ensuring graduates understand the strict documentation standards required in professional environments. Ultimately, you develop critical skills in aseptic technique and data analysis, preparing them for immediate success in the field.
15. ACS Center for Innovation in Cancer Research Training (CICRT) at Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $500 taxable stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically 15–25 students per summer session
Dates: July 21 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors who live in Wisconsin and have a strong interest in scientific research, biomedicine, or another cancer-related field
The ACS High School Program is a virtual, multi-institutional program for high school students interested in STEMM fields. The program works with institutions like MCW and provides hands-on cancer research or care experiences guided by experienced investigators. You’ll explore career paths in cancer science, clinical care, and other STEMM areas and receive lab kits to complete program-related experiments. The program focuses on building strong scientific training, mentorship, and access to resources while increasing diversity and addressing cancer disparities in eastern Wisconsin. You’ll take part in hands-on research in lab, clinical, or community settings, as well as professional development workshops and networking events.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – University of Wisconsin-Madison