What is the MKE Scholars Summer Experience?

One, week-long enrichment program offered at no cost to students. You will choose one of the week-long options. You are to be available for the full week selected. These one week, in-person sessions run Monday through Thursday from 9:30am-3/3:30pm. (This accounts for in-person workshops, lunch time, co-curricular programming, and service/leadership development.) (Capacity: 25 per week slot)

Monday August 11, 2025 – Thursday August 14, 2025

Please check back for an a Summer 2025 schedule in late May.

Monday June 23, 2025 – Thursday June 26, 2025

Please check back for an a Summer 2025 schedule in late May.

Eligible Participants

Admitted UW-Milwaukee students that have participated in one of the many eligible pre-college programs and schools. Additionally, students participating in SMART START, First Year Forward, Fostering Success are also eligible.

If you have been admitted to UWM through the College of General Studies (CGS) First Year Bridge Program or College of General Studies Pre-Engineering Program unfortunately you are not eligible for the MKE Scholars program. 

Participation in the MKE Scholars Summer Experience 2025 is required to receive academic year benefits. This is a non-binding agreement. If you decide not to participate in the MKE Scholars Program, please do not hesitate to notify our staff at any time prior to the start of your chosen 2025 Summer Experience week.

Please note that housing and parking will not be provided during your Summer Experience Week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who do I contact if I have questions about MKE Scholars or 2025 Summer Experience?

The MKE Scholars Program is run by Associate Director, Ariel Milton-Kern and Student Success Coach, Isabella (Isa) Virrueta. Please contact us at mkescholars-program@uwm.edu  with any questions regarding the program. For more urgent questions or concerns, please contact us directly by email or phone.

With Panther Pride,
Ariel Milton-Kern | Associate Director, MKE Scholars Program | miltona@uwm.edu  | 414.251.6043
Isabella Virrueta | Student Success Coach, MKE Scholars Program | virruet2@uwm.edu  | 414.251.7577

I heard you used to provide housing, why isn’t that an option this summer?

Due to our changing format we will not be providing housing this summer, however we’re happy to provide guidance and support if you are interested in living on-campus.

Do I need to provide my own school supplies to complete coursework?

We will provide necessary materials for the week-long experience. You are welcome to bring your own materials and devices if you so choose.

Are meals provided during the Summer Experience?

Scholars will be provide breakfast and lunch all four days of the program. We will also provide additional light snacks. We will also provide water bottles.  

What if I have a trip planned during the dates of the 2025 Summer Experience Program?

Because this is a one-week program, attendance is mandatory. Please review both options to review if one week works better than the other. Please contact the MKE Scholars team at mkescholars-program@uwm.edu if you have more concerns or if you are not local to the Milwaukee area.

Will there be an option to participate online?

No, this is an in-person experience. We will not be recording workshops and the service event is in-person. 

Is there an attendance policy?

The expectation is that students attend all four days of the Summer Experience. Please plan accordingly. 

What are the proposed hours I should communicate to my job and/or support system that indicate I will be unavailable?

You will be engaged Monday through Thursday from 9:30am-3:30pm during your chosen week (June option or August option). 

Where can I park during the Summer Experience?

Students may utilize surface lots, parking garages, and street parking during the summer experience. Please note that you are responsible for following all parking enforcement rules and regulations. We strongly encourage you to carpool if you have a friend who will also be attending the Summer Experience.

Can I participate in New Student Orientation and the MKE Scholars Summer Experience during the same week?

You cannot participate in New Student Orientation and the MKE Scholars Summer Experience at the same week. Your one-day New Student Orientation program session is an all day experience; as is every day of the MKE Scholars Summer Experience. Please review the two weeks offered (one in June and one in August), select the week that works best for you, and plan your New Student Orientation date accordingly.

Can I do both the SSS and MKE Scholars summer programs?

At this time our dates and times do not conflict for the 2025 SSS summer program so a student may participate in both if they so choose. If you’re unsure about participating in the SSS summer program, we strongly encourage you to participate in the SSS program during the regular academic year (starting in Fall) along with the MKE Scholars Program. Please reach out to SSS programming directly with any questions related to their summer program

Can I work and/or maintain other responsibilities during the 1-week Summer Experience?

Yes, on average more than 50% of our participants maintain part-time employment or external responsibilities while engaged in our summer experience and the regular academic year. Please work with your employer to secure time for this program. 

Can I participate the UR@UWM (Undergraduate Research) Summer Program as well as the MKE Scholars Summer Bridge Program?

At this time dates and times do not conflict for both of these programs. As such, students may be able to participate in both. Please refer to this link for more information regarding the UR@UWM Summer program: https://uwm.edu/our/programs/uruwm/  

What is the financial cost of the MKE Scholars Summer Experience?

Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided during both week-long summer experiences at no cost to the student. Additionally, transportation from campus to service events will be included at no cost to the student.

Please note participants are responsible for covering the cost of parking if they intend to drive their own vehicle to the summer experience. Parking on campus is not free and if you choose make use of the parking garages, surface lots, or street parking please follow all parking rules and regulations. MKE Scholars is not responsible for any parking tickets. Parking prices may vary, please review the UWM parking and transportation page for more information: https://uwm.edu/transportation/parking/

What is the time commitment of the 2025 Summer Experience?

The 2025 summer dates are from Monday June 23rd- Thursday June 26th, 2025 and Monday August 11th-Thursday August 14th, 2025. You are asked to plan for the required engagement: Monday through Thursday from 9:30am-3:30pm. Please remember that you are only required to attend one of the weeks listed. 

Prior to summer starting, you will be reminded of the time commitment for summer. With knowing the time commitment in advance, we ask that you plan accordingly to accommodate your MKE Scholars Program responsibilities, in addition to, any external commitments. This includes commitments related to your familial, home, childcare, spousal/partner, special appointments, summer travel plans, and in case of emergency/unexpected event processes. The expectation is that you will treat this experience as a priority.   

What if I participate in the summer and decide that college is not for me and choose not to return for the Fall term/semester?

Let’s not even worry about this so early! Our team will be there to support and challenge throughout the summer. However, we recognize that you may not be ready to embark on the full college experience post-summer. We will be working with you throughout the week-long summer experience as well as the rest of the summer through 1:1 meetings where we meet with scholars individually to discuss progress and next steps.