Registration is open for Wisconsin 4-H Summer Academy 2026, where youth in grades 8-11 can explore an expanded 13 tracks to discover fun and exciting pathways to their futures!
During this Career and College Readiness experience, June 14-18 on the UW–Madison campus, young people from across the state will be empowered on their quest to get beyond ready for life and for work. Summer Academy helps youth explore career and hobby pathways hands-on in various fields like agriculture, STEM, leadership, arts and more!
All youth will explore campus, experience life in a residence hall, and earn from experts and professionals at UW–Madison and Madison College. Not to mention making friends with youth from around the state and enjoying Madison!
Wisconsin 4-H Summer Academy activities also include:
- An academy-wide Goosechase virtual scavenger hunt on Monday
- A Makerspace on Thursday morning so youth can share what they’ve learned in their tracks
- Ready for Work and Ready for Life experiences, like financial literacy, UW–Madison DREAMS Lab (focusing on youth sleep and health), and visiting resources spaces on campus
- Inspiring keynote and capnote presenters
Exploratory Tracks
In the four Exploratory Tracks at 4-H Summer Academy, a new addition for younger participants and first-time delegates, youth in grades 8-10 can learn about multiple career pathways and discover new interests with three or more workshops in each track!
In the Exploratory Tracks, each youth will participate in three or more different workshops per track to get a broad taste of what’s available. Workshops are grouped into three career areas so that youth will get a variety of experiences. Exploratory Tracks include workshops led by the Wisconsin 4-H Ag, Art, and Leadership Ambassadors!
Core Tracks
In the eight Core Tracks at 4-H Summer Academy, youth in grades 9-11, youth who have attended before or who are starting to have specific ideas about their future will dig deeper into their fields of interest and work with experts and professionals.
In partnership with UW–Madison, Summer Academy 2026 has two new Core Tracks in AI and Health & Wellness!
Advanced Track
In Summer Academy Advanced Academy Art Track, youth in grade 11 will work in small groups with professionals to develop their creative skills, learn about career options, create a project and build a deeper understanding of some of the applications of or art as a critical part of any culture.
Registration — for just $150 — is open through April 26! Bus transportation routes will be available too. Learn more at go.wisc.edu/4HSummerAcademy!
Adults can still join in the adventure too! Wisconsin 4-H is seeking a few more Adult Advisors volunteers and Young Adult Leaders (including a stipend). You can find out more and apply at the links!
