The Mini-Courses Panther Prep Summer Camp is designed for rising 9th and 10th grade students, providing them with a three-day, two-night residential experience on the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) campus. This immersive program aims to help students explore university life, gain academic insights, and develop essential skills for postsecondary enrollment. 

During the camp, students will stay overnight in campus dormitories, giving them a taste of independent living and a deeper understanding of student life. The program includes hands-on experiences led by university faculty and staff. Students will engage in a variety of academic and on-campus programs, exploring different disciplines and understanding college coursework expectations.  

A unique feature of the camp is the “My Panther Story” project. Throughout the program, students will document their personal learning moments, identify their goals, and record reflections on their experiences. This multimedia project will culminate in a final showcase event where students present their “My Panther Story” to peers, families and staff highlighting their journey and growth during the camp.  

Program Dates

2026

July 7th- July 9th, Tuesday-Thursday; Two-night Residential Experience.

  • The program begins at 9:00am July 7th and ends at 3:00pm on July 9th. 
  • The showcase will take place on Thursday, July 9th from 2:00pm-3:00pm.

Eligibility

Students must be in grades 9-10 (2026-27 academic year) and must have a minimum core GPA of 2.0.  

Registration

Contact Mini-Courses directly to request registration materials at: minicourses@uwm.edu 

Policies & Fees

Cost

The cost for the Panther Prep program is $350.

Scholarships

DPI Precollege Scholarships are available for students who are eligible for free or reduced lunch. The DPI Precollege Scholarship is included in the application. Students may receive a maximum of three DPI Precollege Scholarships per year. 

Payments

Mini-Courses can only accept payments of cash or check/money order (made payable to UW-Milwaukee Mini-Course Program) by mail. Credit card/over the phone payments are not available. If you prefer to make payment in person, please contact Mini-Courses Staff. 

Payment Address

UWM Mini-Courses
P.O. Box 413
Milwaukee, WI 53201