By the Wisconsin 4-H State COMM (Communications, Marketing, and Media) Team
Photos by the COMM Team and Summer Academy Adult Advisors
Summer Academy is a Wisconsin 4-H Positive Youth Development experience that helps youth grades 8-11 explore career pathways in agriculture and animal sciences, baking and decorating, civic engagement and local leadership, performing arts, skilled construction trades, transportation, visual arts, and waterways research. This summer, the youth had the opportunity to build friendships and networks with people from across the state, broadening their horizons and possibilities for their future. Youth worked with 4-H adult volunteers and UW-Madison and Madison College professors and employees to pursue their sparks and to learn more about the workforce and post-secondary education.
Summer Academy 2025 at UW-Madison provided a vibrant and diverse community filled with professional learning opportunities for the youth to experience life after high school. In this inclusive, challenge-by-choice environment, youth experienced a variety of track-based activities, seminars, campus tours, performances, and hands-on experiences. They also had the opportunity to hear from motivational speakers who inspired youth to do more and help others, they watched a performance from the 4-H Drama Company, and participated in a variety of fun hands-on activities where everyone found something they love.
sparking interests and building new friendships with people who are similar to them.
including paddling on Lake Mendota, which provides an amazing opportunity to reconnect with nature and escape the busy city.
Career and College Tracks at Summer Academy
Agriculture and Animal Sciences Track
In the Agriculture and Animal Sciences Track, youth had the opportunity to tour various facilities and have hands-on experience in dairy, livestock, meat science, food science, veterinary science, plants, and more. From live cattle to processed meats, they saw everything it takes, from raising animals to getting them ready for their dinner plates.
Baking and Decorating Track
In the Baking and Decorating Track, youth learned everything they needed from reading a recipe to preparing ingredients to making a finished product. They gained confidence, which will help them explore career opportunities in baking and decorating.
Civic Engagement & Local Leadership
In the Civic Engagement and Local Leadership Track, youth reimagined their communities and worked to develop a plan that could build their communities. They weren’t just imagining themselves in local leadership, but were provided with the tools so they could make it happen.
Performing Arts Track
In the Performing Arts Track, youth channeled their expression in acting and performing. They got creative while developing their performance skills through sessions in disciplines like theater, dance, and music.
Skilled Construction Trades Track
In the Skilled Construction Trades, youth explored rewarding careers in the skilled construction trades with this hands-on educational opportunity. They gained experience in carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work through interactive activities led by industry professionals. They also learned about registered apprenticeship programs, the most common form of training in the skilled trades industry.
The Transportation Experience
In the Transportation Track, youth worked with technical college staff and industry professionals to practice industry repairs and experienced the transportation industry with some fun competition along the way. They learned about various systems with hands-on activities, including creating electrical circuits, using power tools to disassemble and reassemble components, and learned about components of a variety of vehicles.
Visual Arts Track
In the Visual Arts Track, youth had the opportunity to work with artists to develop their creative skills and build a deeper understanding of some of the applications of art as a critical part of any culture. They created original pieces while being inspired by the work of others.
The Water Quest
On the Water Quest Track, youth explored how researchers study the health of Wisconsin waterways using analytical methods and observation. They studied invasive species detection methods, understood the importance of healthy waterways, and were exposed to careers in the field.
