Explore Alina’s journey at UW–Madison’s Badger Precollege, where forensic science, independence and friendships have helped prepare her for future success.
Badger Precollege
Badger Precollege offers engaging, hands-on programs for middle and high school students to explore interests like music, art, STEM and more. Students get a taste of college life, connect with top-notch faculty and resources, and build a love for learning.
Who we serve
- Middle school students in grades 5–8
- High school students in grades 9–12
- International students ages 14–18
- Parents
- Campus & community partners
What we do
- Design precollege programs
- Facilitate immersion into UW–Madison
- Prepare students for college admissions
- Provide scholarship opportunities
- Strive to bring underrepresented students to campus
- Community engagement and outreach fairs
Our Team
Carrie Backman
Assistant Director of Badger Precollege Arts Programs/Program Director of Summer Music Clinic
Katie Effertz
Associate Director of Operations and Residential Programs
Jeanne Hammes
Badger Precollege Arts Coordinator
Payton Welling
Summer Special Project Coordinator
Aphra Mednick
Associate Dean
Lauren Oldenburg
Badger Precollege Program Manager
Danny Puser
Badger Precollege Project Coordinator
Kate Ryan
Badger Precollege Program Manager
Olha Skyba
Badger Precollege Director
Tracy Spraetz
Summer Academic Program Manager
Read Badger Precollege stories
Badger Precollege launched UW–Madison senior Nathan Wagner’s journey from early STEM curiosity to physics research, college success and the Astronaut Scholarship.
For high schoolers across the globe, studying in the U.S. may seem like a faraway dream. Thanks to the Wisconsin International Precollege Academy (WIPA), WIPA Online and other programs for international students through UW–Madison’s Badger Precollege, that dream feels closer than ever.
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