The Wisconsin 4-H Summer Academy welcomed high school students in grades 8–11 to the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus for a dynamic, five-day career and college readiness experience. Operating under the theme “The Quest,” this Positive Youth Development program provided participants with an immersive look into independent life, complete with staying in campus residence halls and learning directly from university faculty, Madison College instructors, and industry professionals. The academy offered an expanded curriculum featuring 12 unique tracks tailored to different experience levels—ranging from broad exploratory workshops for first-time attendees to deep-dive core tracks in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades.
Beyond the classroom and lab sessions, the academy emphasized networking, personal growth, and community building among peers from every corner of the state. Attendees participated in a wide array of interactive events, including an academy-wide Goosechase campus scavenger hunt, financial literacy seminars, a collaborative Makerspace showcase, and inspiring keynote presentations. By combining hands-on technical training with essential life skills, the event successfully empowered young leaders to discover their “sparks,” build statewide friendships, and take confident steps toward their post-secondary education and future workforce goals.
