Program Date: June 18–30, 2023
Your path to college and your career is your own unique journey, and the College Access Program in Education is excited to help you explore! 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 2-week summer collegiate experience for rising high school seniors interested in academic majors/fields within the School of Education. CAPE students reside on the UWMadison campus and take a 2-credit course taught by award-winning faculty and staff in the School of Education. Much like a first-year college student at UW–Madison, CAPE students engage in coursework that explores their academic and career interests.
The Experience
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. The College Access Program in Education (CAPE) is affiliated with the School of Education’s Office of Equity Diversity & Inclusion.
CAPE is FREE. There is no cost required to participate in the program
Who is eligible to participate?
To be eligible for CAPE, prospective students must meet ALL the following criteria:
- Have a strong interest in one of the following: education, health, and the arts
- Be a U.S citizen or permanent resident
- Be a rising high school senior who has completed 11th grade
- In addition, students must also meet a minimum of one of the criteria outlined below:
- Socioeconomically disadvantaged*
- First-generation (first in the family to attend college)
- Member of traditionally underrepresented groups: African American, Hispanic/Latinx, American Indian, and Southeast Asian (i.e., Cambodian, Hmong, Laotian, Vietnamese)
*The term “socioeconomically disadvantaged” refers to educational or social disadvantage, such as coming from a low-income family, an underserved rural or farming community, attending a school with a limited college preparatory curriculum, or other family circumstances that have impacted your educational opportunities.
What to Expect
CAPE students live as enrolled students on the UW–Madison campus and experience student life first-hand by engaging in hands-on social, cultural, and academic activities in and out of the classroom. Activities include taking part in expert speaker talks, site visits, professional workshops.
CAPE students have a full course schedule, spending their days learning about their academic interests and how to navigate college life.
Along with coursework, students participate in extracurricular activities focused on team building, leadership, and personal development on weekends.
The Curriculum
The CAPE curriculum prepares students for college, allowing them to engage in courses that nurture academic interests and skills while earning college credits.
2-Credit Core Academic Courses: CAPE offers three different 2-credit college courses that introduce some of our exciting academic majors within the School of Education. Each student will choose an academic course that matches their interests. Summer 2023 courses will allow students to explore special topics in Theater and Drama; Elementary Education and Special Education; and Health Promotion and Health Equity. In classes, students visit cutting-edge research labs, exhibits, and performance studios within the School of Education.
CAPE Courses
| Course | Description | Major Explored | Instructor | Who would enjoy this course |
| Rehab Psych & Special Ed 401-405
Disability & Society |
This course explores the lived experiences of persons with disabilities in society, focusing on definitions of disability, the perspectives of people with disabilities, ableism, and equity and inclusion for people with disability. | Elementary Education & Special Education | Hailey Love | Students interested in teaching, working with children/youth and/or adults with disabilities |
| Theatre & Drama 219
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 | Baron Kelly
(Awarded for excellence in undergraduate training in acting) |
Students interested in the performing arts, theater, or acting. |
| Health Promotion & Health Equity 508
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 | Gui de Cellio Martins | Students interested in health professions, policy, and health sciences |
Academic Study Skills Discussion: CAPE students participate in a discussion section focused on study skills that will be integrated with their course courses. In this discussion section, CAPE students learn how to apply study strategies to effectively manage the academic demands of college life.
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 support resources that help students navigate and prepare for college life.
Application and Admission
- If you are interested in participating in CAPE for the summer of 2023, the CAPE online application opens on Feb. 15 and closes on April 15 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.
- Applicants must provide the following materials to be evaluated for admission to the program:
- Student information
- Parent/Guardian information
- Educational information
- Upload: high school transcripts (unofficial transcripts as accepted)
- Short Essay (500 words Max)
- Students interested in Theatre and Drama must also submit a 90-second monologue video
Got Questions?
Please contact The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion with any questions you have oedi@education.wisc.edu; 608-263-2912.