Program Overview
Summer 2025 Program Dates: June 15th–June 28th, 2025
The UW–Madison School of Education is home to a wide range of undergraduate majors for students pursuing careers in the arts, health, and education professions. The College Access Program in Education (CAPE) is a two-week summer collegiate experience for rising high school seniors interested in academic majors/fields within the School of Education. CAPE students reside on the UW–Madison campus and take a two-credit course taught by faculty and staff in the School of Education. Much like first-year college students at UW–Madison, CAPE students engage in coursework that explores their academic and career interests.
During the summer program, CAPE students
- Explore their interests in the arts, health, or education
- Gain exposure to cutting-edge research
- Grow their academic skills
- Get support preparing for college
- Earn college credits for free
Participants who demonstrate strong desire and potential for their selected School of Education major will be highly competitive for admission to UW–Madison. If admitted, CAPE participants will be considered for a number of scholarships in the School of Education. CAPE is affiliated with the School of Education’s Office of Equity Diversity and Inclusion.
What to Expect
CAPE students live as enrolled students on the UW–Madison campus and experience student life by engaging in hands-on academic and social activities in and out of the classroom. Activities include taking part in expert speaker talks and professional workshops.
CAPE students have a full schedule, spending their days learning about their academic interests and how to navigate college life. Along with coursework, students have opportunities to participate in various extracurricular activities during the weekend, such as attending on-campus events, visiting recreational facilities, or exploring downtown Madison.
Daily Schedule
| 7:30 – 8:15 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. | College Prep seminar |
| 10:15 – 11:45 a.m. | Discussion and study lab |
| 12:00 – 1:15 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:30 – 5:00 p.m. | Academic course in the arts, health, or education |
| 5:15 – 6:30 p.m. | Dinner |
| 6:30 – 7:00 p.m. | Break |
| 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Study hall or free time |
| 10:00 p.m. | Nightly check-in |
Curriculum
The CAPE curriculum prepares students for college, allowing them to engage in courses that nurture academic interests and skills, while earning college credits.
CAPE offers three different two-credit college courses that introduce some of our exciting academic majors within the School of Education. Each participant will choose an academic course that matches their interests. Summer 2025 courses will allow students to explore special topics in Performing Arts, Elementary Education and Special Education, and Health Promotion and Health Equity. In these classes, students will visit cutting-edge research labs, exhibits, and performance studios within the School of Education.
CAPE Courses
| Course | Description | Major Explored | Who would enjoy this course |
| Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education 405
Special Topics in Disability & Society |
This course explores the lived experiences of people with disabilities in society, focusing on definitions of disability, the perspectives of people with disabilities, ableism, and equity and inclusion for people with disabilities. | Elementary Education | Students interested in K-12 education and administration, student support services, and teaching |
| Theatre & Drama 219
Special Topics & Intro to Acting |
This course is focused on the practical application of the art and craft of acting, with emphasis on the body, voice, and actor’s imagination. The course provides the beginning student with basic techniques and vocabulary through exercises, monologues, and scene work. | Theatre & Drama | Students interested in the performing arts, theater, acting, or dance. |
| Kinesiology 508
Special Topics in Health Promotion & Health Equity |
In this course, students engage with researchers in health promotion, movement, and sports sciences. Students will learn what is behind the science and evidence that guides the creation of effective health promotion programs. | Health Promotion & Health Equity | Students interested in health services and operations, community health, fitness and wellness, mental health, and health education. |
Academic Study Skills Discussion: CAPE students participate in a discussion section on study skills that will be integrated into their courses. In this discussion section, CAPE students learn how to apply study strategies to manage the academic demands of college life effectively.
College Prep Seminar: CAPE students also take a college preparatory seminar that will include workshops on transitioning to college. Topics include the college application process, scholarships/financial aid, and various support resources that help students navigate and prepare for college life.
CAPE student testimonials
All participants agreed that CAPE was instrumental in helping them explore their career and academic interests.
An overwhelming 92 percent of CAPE participants expressed heightened confidence in their ability to be successful in college as a result of the program.
“CAPE gave me a new perspective on future careers and interests.”
— Sophia Contreras education student
“In the CAPE College Prep class, I learned about the different majors, study abroad, and financial aid, which helped me tremendously.”
— Jimena Ramirez-Gonzalez, health student
“CAPE helped skyrocket my interests in theatre.”
— Jenny Duarte-Castillo theatre student
“I felt welcomed and safe to be my true self. Everyone made me feel like I was at home.”
— Ash Anderson, education student
“CAPE helped me gather information that helped me make decisions about my college experience.”
— Iyana Benson, health student
Got Questions?
Please contact us with any questions you might have via email at oedi@education.wisc.edu or by phone at 608-263-2912.