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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, designed for diverse students who have strong academic records.

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Dive into business

Explore business majors and discover business career pathways.

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Build a strong community

Participate in workshops and activities alongside other high school students from across the region.

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Learn from top faculty

Professional instructors and trained college mentors lead workshops, activities, and discussions.

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Develop important life skills

Develop important skills that you can apply in your future professional life.

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Gain a competitive advantage

Gain a distinct competitive advantage when applying for college and internship opportunities.

Grainger Hall

Join us at Grainger Hall

Programs range from one-day workshops to week-long experiences during the summer and throughout the academic year.

One-Day Workshops

Join us for interactive, business introduction workshops throughout the school year. There is no cost to attend. Lunch will be provided.

A woman standing in front of a group of sitting students in a classroom
November 2, 2024

Entrepreneurship Boot Camp

10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. in person at Grainger Hall

  • 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 closed.
Six women standing in a classroom talking.
April 5, 2025

Girls Exploring Business

10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. in person at Grainger Hall

  • 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 the business world—and use what you learn to guide you as you continue exploring a business career pathway.
  • Applications open in late August.

Precollege Summer Programs

Join us in June 2025 for the Wisconsin School of Business precollege summer camps. There is no cost to attend.

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June 9, 2025–June 13, 2025

Business Basics

8 a.m.–4 p.m. in person, daily at Grainger Hall

For 8th and 9th grade students

  • Learn about the undergraduate programs offered at the Wisconsin School of Business.
  • Develop communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills through a fun, entrepreneurial challenge.
  • Meet professors and staff from WSB departments.
  • Participate in hands-on activities that promote community building, personal development, and career exploration.
  • Applications open on October 1.
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June 16, 2025–June 20, 2025 | June 23, 2025–June 27, 2025*

Junior Business Badgers

8 a.m.–4 p.m. in person, daily at Grainger Hall, possible offsite travel for job-shadow experiences

For 10th and 11th grade students

  • Explore different business career pathways and your identity through a personal essay workshop.
  • Participate in career networking events including field trips to local businesses.
  • Learn about career development services offered at the Wisconsin School of Business.
  • Applications open on October 1.

*Sign up for one camp session. A camp session may be canceled if we experience low enrollment.

Precollege Program Registration Requirements

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 week.

Applications for the precollege summer camps open October 1st and close April 30th, or when we meet enrollment capacity.

Space is limited and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Application will close when the programs reach enrollment capacity.

Upcoming Events

Join us to learn about and participate in upcoming Wisconsin School of Business Precollege programming.

Jan 16

Precollege and BEL Scholarship: Virtual Info Session 

Thursday January 16, 2025 | 5:00pm6:00pm
Feb 13

Precollege and BEL Scholarship: Virtual Info Session

Thursday February 13, 2025 | 5:00pm6:00pm
Mar 13

Precollege and BEL Scholarship: Virtual Info Session 

Thursday March 13, 2025 | 5:00pm6:00pm
Apr 5

Precollege Girls Exploring Business

Saturday April 5, 2025 | 10:00am3:00pm
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Business Emerging Leaders (BEL)

The BEL Scholarship Program is a competitive merit-based scholarship program for diverse students who have strong academic records, leadership skills, and are enrolled in the Wisconsin School of Business undergraduate program.

Keep in Touch

Contact Us

Get the latest WSB Precollege updates

Families and prospective students can send us an email to be put on our contact list.

Join our contact list