Mini-Courses GOALS program

Mini-Courses GOALS (Go Out And Learn Something) Program serves current 9th and 10th grade students on five Saturdays each semester. GOALS provides first-hand experiences in college preparation and career options through college campus visits, workshops, and an educational field trip to a business/organization.

The semester includes visits to four accredited postsecondary institutions in Wisconsin to expose students to different degree options and campus settings. Through campus visits facilitated by host faculty/staff, students will gain insights from various departments, including but not limited to, admissions, financial aid, campus resources, student organizations, and advising. Workshop topics will include postsecondary education options, college majors, financial aid, applying to college, campus life, and career exploration. GOALS will include one educational field trip to a business/organization to gain insight into careers that require post-secondary education. Students will have the opportunity to explore majors and careers, employer expectations, study skills and work habits.

By the end of the semester, students will have compiled a portfolio designed to strengthen knowledge in postsecondary education options, highlight all college material collected during program sessions, identify goals and record reflections of their campus visit experiences.

GOALS has 30 openings per semester for students currently in the 9th and 10th grade. Parents and students will attend an orientation prior to the start of the program. Program fee is $230 for the session. DPI Pre-College Scholarships are available to students who are eligible for free/reduced lunch.

Fall 2025 Program Dates

GOALS will take place on Saturdays from 9:00am-2:00pm .

Transportation to all campus visits will depart from/return to UWM (lunch is provided)

Students attend all five program dates, visiting all colleges/universities listed.  

(Registration will open late spring 2025)  

Fall Semester Schedule at a Glance
Campus locations are subject to change
Saturday, October 25 Campus Visit:  to be determined
Saturday, November 1 Campus Visit:  to be determined
Saturday, November 8 Campus Visit:  to be determined
Saturday, November 15 Campus Visit:  to be determined
Saturday, November 22 Campus Visit:  to be determined

Spring 2026 Program Dates

GOALS will take place on select Saturdays from 9:00am-2:00pm

Transportation to all campus visits will depart from/return to UWM (lunch is provided)

(Registration will open November 2025)  

Spring Semester Schedule at a Glance
Campus locations are subject to change
Saturday, January 31 Campus Visit: to be determined
Saturday, February 7 Campus Visit: to be determined
Saturday, February 14 Campus Visit: to be determined
Saturday, February 21 Campus Visit: to be determined
Saturday, February 28 Campus Visit: to be determined

Eligibility

Students must be in grades 9-10 (2025-26 academic year).

Students eligible for free or reduced lunch may apply for the DPI Precollege Scholarship that is included in the GOALS brochure/application. You may receive a maximum of three DPI Precollege Scholarships per year.

How to Register

Please submit the GOALS application by applying online. If you have any questions please contact Mini-Courses at 414-229-6236 or by email at minicourses@uwm.edu.

Apply for GOALS

Program Flyer

View the Program Flyer

Policies and Fees

The cost for the Fall and Spring GOALS program is $230 each session

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

We accept check or money order made payable to the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee/Mini Courses. Please mail payments to Mini-Courses at the address listed below. If you would prefer to make payment in person, please contact Mini-Courses staff. Thank you.

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

Staff

Tricia Maldonado
Pre College Services Manager
414-229-6236
tmpipia@uwm.edu

Quinn McLeese
Pre College Services Advisor
414-251-9301
mcleese@uwm.edu

Contact Us

Email: minicourses@uwm.edu
Telephone: 414-229-6236

Office Location

Mitchell Hall, Room 177
3203 N Downer Ave. Milwaukee WI 53211

Mailing Address

Mini Courses –
University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
P.O. Box 413
Milwaukee WI 53201-0413