Precollege Programs
Build community. Learn about business careers. Gain life skills.
Get an introduction to business
Experience what it’s like to study business at the University of Wisconsin–Madison through precollege programs.
Dive into business
Explore business majors and career pathways.
Build a strong community
Learn and have fun alongside other high school students.
Learn from top faculty
Professional instructors and trained college mentors lead workshops, activities, and discussions.
Develop life skills
Build important skills that you can apply in your future professional life.
Gain a competitive edge
Gain a distinct advantage when applying for college and internship opportunities.
Join us at Grainger Hall
Programs range from one-day workshops to week-long experiences during the summer and throughout the academic year.
1-day workshops
Join us for interactive, business–introduction workshops throughout the school year. Lunch is provided.
Entrepreneurship Boot Camp
Grainger Hall (in person)
9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
- Learn about entrepreneurship concepts and how to be an entrepreneur.
- Participate in an entrepreneurship challenge, led by UW–Madison’s StartUp Learning Community staff.
- Applications are open September 1–October 30, 2026.
Her View, Her Voice: Exploring Business
Grainger Hall (in person)
9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
- All students are welcome to meet female-identifying business students, faculty, staff, alumni, and corporate leaders through a panel discussion and interactive activities.
- Learn from the life experiences of women in business—and use what you learn to guide you as you explore a business career pathway.
- Applications are open December 1, 2026–March 26, 2027.
Summer programs
Join us in June 2027 for the Wisconsin School of Business precollege summer camps.
Business Basics
4–day program, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Grainger Hall (in person)
For rising 9th and 10th grade students
- Develop communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills through a fun, entrepreneurial challenge.
- Participate in hands-on activities that promote community building, personal development, and career exploration.
- Applications are open December 1, 2026–April 30, 2027.
Session 2: June 28–July 1, 2027*
Junior Business Badgers
4–day program, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Grainger Hall (in person), possible offsite travel for job-shadow experiences
For rising 11th and 12th grade students
- Explore different business career pathways and participate in career networking events including field trips to local businesses.
- Learn about business majors and careers from top faculty and instructors.
- Applications are open December 1, 2026–April 30, 2027.
*Sign up for one camp session. A camp session may be canceled if we experience low enrollment.
Program experiences
- Career treks to companies like Epic and Trek Bikes
- Workshops on college essays, networking, and résumé building
- Interactive activities like “BadgerTank” and team-building games
“Junior Business Badgers gave me confidence, community, and a head start on navigating college life.”
“Junior Business Badgers helped me find direction. The writing and application support strengthened my essays, and exploring business majors made the next steps feel clearer. Looking back, JBB was instrumental in building my confidence and shaping my path to WSB, where I am now thriving as a finance major.”
4 pillars for student success
The precollege programs are built upon the following pillars:
Equity through access
Paving pathways for high-promise students
Community and belonging
Providing spaces for connection
Excellence
Fostering academic and personal growth
Confidence
Encouraging building skills and envisioning success
General application information
The WSB precollege programs are open to high school students interested in learning about business. Preference will be given to those who are:
- a first-generation college student (the first person in the family to attend college) and/or
- a low-income student (defined as someone who receives free or reduced lunch)
We still encourage you to apply if you do not meet those preferences. Participants who don’t meet the above preferences may be waitlisted and notified of availability closer to the event day.
Applicants must commit to participating in the entire program activity.
Upon receiving acceptance to a precollege activity, parents/guardians must provide additional student information, sign activity waivers, and provide payment for a nonrefundable enrollment fee. Enrollment fee amount varies for one–day workshops and summer camps. Contact us at wsbprecollege@wsb.wisc.edu to inquire about fees and financial assistance.
Space is limited; applying early for all precollege activities is encouraged. Applications for precollege activities may close when the programs reach enrollment capacity.
Summer camp information
Precollege summer camps are not residential. Students must make their own housing arrangements and secure their own transportation to and from campus during their camp session.
Participation in summer camps does not guarantee direct admission to UW–Madison, the Wisconsin School of Business, or the Business Emerging Leaders (BEL) Scholarship program.
Application timeline:
- December 1–April 30: Submit summer camp application materials, which consist of an online application and short question response. Acceptance is offered on a rolling basis.
- May 15th: This is the deadline to complete student waivers and pay the nonrefundable summer camp enrollment fee.
Upcoming events
Join us to learn about and participate in upcoming Wisconsin School of Business precollege programming.
Virtual Info Session: Wisconsin School of Business Precollege Programs
Virtual Info Session: Wisconsin School of Business Precollege Programs
Precollege Entrepreneurship Boot Camp
Virtual Info Session: Wisconsin School of Business Precollege Programs
Keep in touch
Contact us
Email: wsbprecollege@wsb.wisc.edu
Get the latest program updates
Families and prospective students can send us an email to be put on our contact list.
Learn about WSB Precollege Programs
Youth-serving organizations and school groups can email us to request a 20–30 minute virtual information session.