Summer Scholarships

The Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted (WATG) is proud to offer Summer Scholarships to support gifted students in pursuing enriching educational experiences beyond the traditional classroom. These scholarships provide financial assistance for students to attend summer programs, camps, and other specialized learning opportunities that align with their unique talents and interests. Whether exploring STEM, the arts, leadership, or other advanced studies, our scholarships help ensure that all gifted students have access to meaningful growth experiences. WATG is committed to fostering the potential of Wisconsin's gifted youth by expanding access to high-quality learning opportunities.


Please Note: WATG does not provide summer programs. Families are responsible for selecting a summer program for their child(ren) to attend.

Application Process

As part of the application process, students must complete the application form and upload the required attachments, including either an essay or a video/multimedia presentation, as well as one reference letter from a teacher or non-family member. Additional information about the essay/presentation is provided below.


Click on "Application Link" to Submit:

  • Application Form
  • Essay or Video/Multimedia Presentation 
  • One reference letter from a teacher or non-family member


SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION BY APRIL 1, 2026

Documents


Scholarships will be awarded based on strength of application and funds available. Please refer to the rubric for specifics.

Essay or Video/Multimedia Presentation

For students in Kindergarten through Second Grade, the application must include either a typed essay (up to one page) written by a parent or guardian with the student, or a video or PowerPoint/Google Slides presentation created by the parent/guardian and student together. The submission must include the following information:

  • Personal background and advanced enrichment needs
  • Describe the summer program or class and explain why the student will participate in this program/class
  • Explain why the student deserves this scholarship


For students in Third Grade and Up, the application must include either a typed essay (up to one page) written by the student, or a video or PowerPoint/Google Slides presentation created by the student. The submission must include the following information:

  • Personal background and advanced enrichment needs
  • Describe the summer program or class you want to take and explain why you want to participate in this program/class
  • Explain why you deserve this scholarship

The Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted (WATG) is proud to offer Summer Scholarships to support gifted students in pursuing enriching educational experiences beyond the traditional classroom. These scholarships provide financial assistance for students to attend summer programs, camps, and other specialized learning opportunities that align with their unique talents and interests. Whether exploring STEM, the arts, leadership, or other advanced studies, our scholarships help ensure that all gifted students have access to meaningful growth experiences. WATG is committed to fostering the potential of Wisconsin's gifted youth by expanding access to high-quality learning opportunities.


As part of the application, students must submit either an essay or a video/multimedia presentation, along with one reference letter from a teacher or a non-family member. The essay or presentation should address the following:


  • Personal background and advanced enrichment needs.
  • A description of the summer program or class you wish to attend and the reasons for your interest in it.
  • An explanation of why you believe you are a strong candidate for this scholarship.

Student Summer Scholarships

Logo Contest


Are you looking for ways to keep your gifted learner engaged and challenged this summer? Whether your child is interested in academics, STEM, the arts, leadership, or outdoor adventures, there are a variety of enriching programs available. From scholarships to specialized camps, this comprehensive list offers opportunities for students of all ages to explore their passions, develop new skills, and connect with like-minded peers. Take a look at the diverse options available for Summer 2025 and find the perfect fit for your child’s learning journey!


Thank you to our friends and colleagues in the GDCALN, the Greater Dane County Advanced Learner Network (one of Wisconsin's regional gifted coordinator/teacher groups) for sharing this outstanding list of summer opportunities!


Summer 2025 Opportunities


Scholarships

WATG provides Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award

  • For students in Grades 3-6
  • $250
  • Due: June 14th


WATG provides Summer Program Scholarships

  • For students in Kindergarten and older
  • Application Deadline: April 15th


Wisconsin DPI Pre-college Scholarships

  • For students in Grades 6-12
  • Full and partial scholarships are available



Specialty Camps

Art

Music

Dance

Drama

Outdoor/Nature



Academic and Intellectual Opportunities

UW Madison Pre-College Programs





UW Whitewater


UW Stout: Summer STEAM Experience - Grades 9-12


MAYDM Camps - Maydm provides fun and engaging STEMS programs for students entering grades 6- 12. Scholarships are available.

Camp Invention - Entering grades 1-6 (Click on find a camp near me.)

Concordia Language Villages: Summer Language Immersion Programs - Ages 8-18

Wisconsin Area Health Education Center: Summer Camps - High school students. Upward Bound Summer Camp

Northwestern University Center for Talent Development: Academic Summer Day and Residential Camps - Grades 6-12

Purdue's Gifted Education Research & Resource Institute (GER²I): Residential Summer Camps - Grades 5-12

Stanford Pre-College Summer Institute - Current Grades 8-11

Stanford Summer Humanities Institute - Current Grades 10-11

EAGLE Summer Camps - entering grades 1-9; open to all Madison area gifted, talented, and advanced students; great array of programs for young learners including Arts & Crafts, Chess, Chinese, Spanish, Dungeons & Dragons, Science Olympiad, Speech & Debate, Podcasting, Advanced Music Composition, Musical Theater, and more! 2 weekly session

SOAR Camp - Traditional summer camp for gifted 3-8th graders in northern Wisconsin