Precollege Programs Key to Lifelong Learning at UW-Madison

They catch the eye of a third-grade scientist, spark a lifelong interest in computer graphics or help a middle school soccer ace brush up on healthy eating and other useful information.

The nearly 150 precollege programs at UW–Madison are on the front line of the university’s commitment to lifelong learning. The programs support public schools by providing experiences that go beyond the scope most districts are able to offer and link the university with communities throughout the state. UW–Madison faculty and staff join forces with teachers, administrators, state and local government officials, business and industry representatives, and other community members.

About 12,000 children ranging from preschoolers to high schoolers take part in precollege opportunities, says Christina Gallagher, assistant director of the Office of Precollege and Special Programs in the Division of Continuing Studies, Precollege involvement has been integral to the UW since it first opened its doors in 1849. Then, the UW’s Preparatory Department helped bring up to speed students not ready for the rigors of university work. The modern prototype for precollege programs began with the School of Music’s Summer Music Clinic, instigated in 1929 and in full operation ever since.

Adria Smith recently took regular UW–Madison jazz improvisation and composition classes while a senior at Madison West High School. "It was a chance to step ahead into my career and future," she says.

Kalanisaks Cornelius, a seventh grader from the Oneida Nation Elementary School, visited campus for three days last June as part of a residential Introduction to Nursing program. “The educational workshops were good learning experiences for me,” says Cornelius, who has been giving serious thought to becoming a nurse. Sometimes the programs prove so magnetic that participants choose to enroll in UW–Madison. Ron Smith of Milwaukee, now a junior in molecular biology, took part in the university’s Summer Science Institute, designed to enhance academic skills in the context of scientific research.

“SSI gave me insight into the scientific realm. In addition, the experience also gave me an opportunity to fantasize, dream and to develop a sense of determination” — which has stayed with him, he says.

Gallagher says precollege programs have reached a crossroads. Following a year-long study of 20 major universities and an internal review of the Madison campus programs, program directors, through the Council on Precollege Programs, are calling for closer ties with admissions and financial aid offices, academic departments and K-12 teacher education programs.

“UW-Madison is among the national leaders in precollege programming,” Gallagher says. “It seems clear, as we begin to make plans to celebrate the sesquicentennial, that UW–Madison’s future ultimately depends on what is today the precollege audience. The need to prepare students for higher education is something we can’t afford to ignore.”