Education Outreach and Partnerships in the School of Education provides educational experiences to a broad range of diverse students. Through innovative and culturally relevant academic programming, Precollege OPTIONS supports each student’s needs, enriches the learning experience, nurtures success and motivates students to pursue post-secondary education.
College for Kids is an active learning experience in partnership with area school districts that aims to develop and challenge the gifts and talents of rising 6th grade students, and has been developed as an academic enrichment experience for highly motivated students. This three-week summer program includes courses, demonstrations, tours and discussions in a wide variety of academic areas.
College for Kids II builds on the success of the middle school years as students transition into high school. This one-week program takes place on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Rising 9th-grade students will choose one academic area of study for the week with additional exposure to other academic areas and college preparation. Presentations, discussions, and tours expose students to the college experience.
Movin’ Minds is a unique partnership between Olympian runner Suzy Favor Hamilton (’91) and Precollege OPTIONS. Movin’ Minds exposes students to two challenging academic areas while promoting healthy bodies and healthy minds. Special presentations include motivation, leadership, nutrition, healthy lifestyles and how to achieve their personal best. Favor Hamilton won nine NCAA national track championships and became the winningest female athlete in the history of the NCAA during her time as a Badger student athlete.
Saturday Enrichment Program provides a student-centered environment to explore a wide range of interests and new academic areas to empower students to ask and learn about career options, interests and choices during the academic year. The Latino Youth Summit: On My Way to College is a partnership between Centro Hispano of Dane County and Precollege OPTIONS. The Latino Youth Summit provides cultural development activities and in-depth academic workshops to prepare Latino youth for high school and college. The theme of the summit, “On My Way to College,” encourages students to consider their personal responsibility as an important step for finishing high school and pursuing a college degree.
Science on Wheels is an intensive academic and leadership program for youth in the spring and summer before their 9th grade. This hands-on, interdisciplinary program explores topics ranging from botany and limnology to learning styles and leadership. This program is designed to help students who are bright but not yet achieving to their potential. Science on Wheels is the perfect transition to high school, helping students make better personal and academic choices.
Technology & Arts is a full-day, full-week program that integrates technology and arts, with exploration in the areas of architecture, performance, visual arts, digital photography, computer design, and more. Middle school students participate in multi-disciplinary courses that challenge and inspire growth.
