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/organizations listed.
| Fall Semester Schedule at a Glance Campus locations are subject to change |
|
| Saturday, October 25 | Campus Visit: Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) |
| Saturday, November 1 | Campus Visit: Carroll University |
| Saturday, November 8 | Campus Visit: University of WI-Milwaukee (UWM) |
| Saturday, November 15 | Campus Visit: University of WI-Green Bay (UWGB) |
| Saturday, November 22 | Business/Organization Visit: Milwaukee Brewers/American Family Field |
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)
Students attend all five program dates, visiting all colleges/universities/organizations listed
GOALS has reached full enrollment for the Spring Session. We are still accepting applications to be placed on our waitlist. Thank you.
| Spring Semester Schedule at a Glance Campus locations are subject to change |
|
| Saturday, January 31 | Campus Visit: Concordia University |
| Saturday, February 7 | Campus Visit: UW-Madison |
| Saturday, February 14 | Campus Visit: Wisconsin Lutheran College |
| Saturday, February 21 | Campus Visit: Local business/organization |
| Saturday, February 28 | Campus Visit: UW-Whitewater |
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.
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
Precollege Services Manager
414-229-6236
tmpipia@uwm.edu
Quinn McLeese
Precollege Services Advising Specialist
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