Each summer, University Lake School students go beyond the classroom and immerse themselves in pre-college experiences across the country. This year, students took part in a wide variety of enrichment programs, ranging from biomedical research and engineering to psychology, neuroscience, and leadership development.
These programs, which often take place on university campuses, give students the chance to dive deeper into academic interests, explore potential career paths, and gain a firsthand look at college life.
Highlights from this summer’s experiences include:
- Badger Boys State at UW–Eau Claire, where students participated in a hands-on civics simulation, creating their own mock government to learn how city, county, and state systems function.
- BioMedical Bootcamp at MDI Biological Laboratory in Maine, where students practiced advanced lab techniques, explored current research, and conducted their own experiments in a small-group setting.
- Michigan Tech Summer Experience, a six-day residential program that introduced students to finance, economics, and investment concepts through simulations in the MTU Trading Room.
- MSOE Biomedical Engineering, a focused program for students interested in the intersection of medicine and technology.
- MSOE Explore Summer Program, where students stayed in residence halls while exploring a variety of engineering disciplines through hands-on sessions.
- National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) on Biotechnology at American University, an immersive program taught by university faculty and industry professionals.
"Throughout the 9 day biotechnology course with NSLC, I learned so much! From using a micropipette to handling E. Coli to finding biotech to be a possible career choice, this camp was awesome. To be able to attend guest lectures daily, use that knowledge immediately in a laboratory setting, and then expanding that into the real world was a unique and exiting experience. Having the opportunity to work with students from around the world provided diverse perspectives and one-of-a-kind connections."
- Jack W., on attending the NSLC Biotechnology Program at American University
- National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) on Psychology & Neuroscience at Northwestern University, offering hands-on learning in neuroscience and psychology.
- Stanford University’s Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience, focusing on topics in neuroscience, psychiatry and psychology.
- Vanderbilt University’s Clinical Psychology Summer Program, which examined cognitive-behavioral theory and the science behind mental health disorders.
- Wisconsin Leadership Seminar (WILS) at Carroll University, a three-day conference focused on leadership development through workshops, dynamic speakers, and campus life.
Through these experiences, students deepened their academic passions, built valuable skills, and connected with peers from across the country.
ULS' College Counseling program plays a key role in identifying and curating these opportunities, helping students align their summer experiences with their academic interests and college goals. To learn more about how ULS' College Counseling supports students year-round, visit: https://www.universitylake.org/academics/college-counseling
