How the Engineering Summer Program works
Engineering Summer Program (ESP) is a six-week residential program for students who will be high school juniors or seniors in the upcoming school year.
The ESP course curriculum includes math, engineering, science, and technical communications.
Other structured programming such as industry site visits, cultural enrichment activities, and faculty mentoring will help you gain a better understanding of the field of engineering and its disciplines.
Participants
The ESP Program is targeted to high school students from groups traditionally under-represented in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) field. African-American, Native American, Latino/a, Laotian, Vietnamese, Hmong, and Cambodian students are especially encouraged to apply, as are women from all backgrounds.
Requirements
To take part in ESP you must have a strong interest in math and engineering; be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; be entering your junior or senior year for the upcoming school year; have completed at least one year of algebra, geometry, and chemistry by June of the program year; and have a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Benefit
ESP is designed to focus on academic enrichment related to math, science, and engineering; provide an orientation to the UW-Madison environment and collegiate experience; and demonstrate the importance of early preparation for the college-bound student.
Participants will interact with UW faculty/staff, students, program alumni and other talented peers who share the same interest in mathematics, science and engineering.
Housing and Meals
Housing and meals are included as part of the program. While attending ESP, participants will reside in University Housing.
Lodging will be in Kronshage Hall, Conover-Showerman House — a University Housing residence hall conveniently located on campus.
To foster a real sense of community, you will share a room with another program participant.
Each air-conditioned room includes twin beds with bed linens and pillows, minifridges, desks, Internet and cable television connections (via personal laptop) and shared bathroom facilities.
Floor lounges include televisions and telephones with free local calls.
There will be no telephones in individual rooms; therefore, students are encouraged to bring a cell phone.
Calling cards may be purchased at the main dorm desk.
Laundry and vending machines are located in the basement of Kronshage Hall.
Meals will be served three times per day, seven days a week in Carson’s Dining Hall and will provide a variety of youth-friendly and healthy selections, including vegetarian options.
For more information about hall policies and services, please visit
www.housing.wisc.edu/summerprograms.
Supervision
Participants will be supervised by camp counselor staff.
Current undergraduate students are hired and trained to provide supervision daily programming — including weekends.
The counselors live in University Housing on the same floor as participants.
Curriculum
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Introduction to Engineering — Discover the various engineering disciplines through presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.
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Mathematics — Take a placement test to determine the right math course for you.
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Pre-Calculus — Increase your proficiency in algebra to prepare for college-level calculus.
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Calculus — Focus on both conceptual and the computational aspects of calculus.
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Chemistry — Gain an introduction to college-level chemistry, including the use of math as an integral tool.
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Physics — Learn the basic principles of physics as they apply to engineering.
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Technical Communications — Improve your skills in writing, public speaking, and visually presenting technical information.
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Industrial Site Visits — See real engineers in action at Abbott, Rockwell Automation, and other area businesses.
Weekends are full of fun activities and exploration of campus and beyond.
Sample weekday schedule: [PDF] [Accessible text]
