The Wisconsin Rural Scholars Program brings rising high school seniors and their teachers to campus for a summer pre-college experience. This four-day residential program highlights College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) academic programs, cutting-edge research and the undergraduate student experience. Participants will gain insights on college and connect with faculty, staff and students from across the college.
For many rural school districts, college planning resources and on-campus experiences are limited by factors like cost and distance. The Wisconsin Rural Scholars Program connects talented students and their dedicated teachers to the breadth of programs and opportunities available in CALS.
This program is completely free for participants; teachers also receive a stipend for their attendance. The Wisconsin Rural Scholars Program is funded by the Wisconsin Rural Partnerships Institute, which is part of the USDA NIFA Institute for Rural Partnerships and aims to provide opportunities for rural communities throughout Wisconsin.
2025 Program Info
The Wisconsin Rural Scholars Program is seeking rural Wisconsin school districts for its inaugural summer 2025 cohort.
During this four-day residential program participants will gain insights on college and connect with faculty, staff and students from across the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
What to Expect
- Discover the breadth of CALS programs and campus opportunities
- Engage in hands-on academic and career planning
- Explore science through the lens of the Wisconsin Idea
- Gain practical information, tools and skills to navigate college
- Experience the residence halls and life on-campus
Dates/Location
Monday, June 16 – Thursday, June 19, 2025
This is a residential program hosted by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) at University of Wisconsin-Madison. Activities will be held on campus and participants (students and teachers) will stay in on-campus residence halls.
Participants
Selected school districts will send a cohort of rising seniors and a teacher/staff chaperone to attend the 2025 Wisconsin Rural Scholars Program. Participants should have an interest in one or more of CALS’ focus areas:
- Health and nutrition
- Food and agriculture
- Biological sciences
- Sustainability, natural resources and the environment
- Business, communication and society
Cost
There is no cost to participants; all meals, fees, and lodging costs are covered. Teachers receive a stipend for their attendance.
Transportation
School districts/chaperones will provide student transportation to/from campus. No transportation is needed during the program. Chaperones will be provided with on-campus parking permits.
How to Apply
School districts interested in participating in the 2025 Wisconsin Rural Scholars Program should email Tanya Cutsforth, Program Director, at tcutsforth@wisc.edu
The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) at UW-Madison helps their students discover how the living world works and how they can improve it.
Find more information about CALS on the college’s website.