The Pizza Project
A page within The Pizza Project
The Pizza Project
An immersive, hands-on business building adventure!
For students entering grades 8–10 in the Fall.
July 28–31, 2025
Turn Your Love for Pizza into a Business!
Do you love pizza? Have you ever dreamed of making your own perfect slice—or even selling it? Join The Pizza Project, where you’ll learn how to craft delicious pizzas from scratch and develop the business skills to turn your passion into a money-making venture!
🍕 Mornings: Build Your Business
Start each day by creating a business vision, learning how to market your brand, and developing a winning strategy to grow your idea.
🍕 Afternoons: Master the Art of Pizza
Work alongside an experienced pizza chef as you stretch dough, mix fresh sauce, and top your pies like a pro. You’ll learn the secrets of creating amazing flavors, handling food safely, and running a real kitchen.
🍕 Grand Finale: The Pizza Project Pop-Up
On the final day, put your skills to the test! You’ll make and serve your own pizzas to friends, family, and campus staff in a real pop-up restaurant experience.
🔥 Are you ready to level up your pizza game? Sign up for The Pizza Project today! 🔥
The Pizza Project 2025 Registration Fees
| Registration type | Early discount by May 30 | Register May 31 or later |
| Student participant | $325 | $370 |
| Additional guest ticket adult - two slices | $6 | $6 |
| Additional guest ticket ages 17 and under - one slice | $3 | $3 |
Registration includes: Instruction, lunches, breaks, one guest ticket to the Pizza Project Pop-Up.
Pizza Project Student Participant Cancellation Policy
Substitutions are welcome. Full refund less $25 processing fee two weeks prior to event, no refunds thereafter. Cancellations must be submitted in writing to ex@uwlax.edu.
Pizza Project Pop-Up Ticket Cancellation Policy
Registration is final. Substitutions are welcome. Substitutions should be submitted in writing to ex@uwlax.edu.
Submit one of the following with your scholarship application:
- 300-word letter explaining why the student wishes to attend the selected program
- Student's current grade report showing good academic standing
- School representative letter supporting the student's motivation/rationale for selection as a scholarship recipient
Summer youth program scholarships
Youth scholarships—generously provided by Xcel Energy and other donors—are available for students attending summer youth programs at UW-La Crosse (UWL) through Graduate & Extended Learning. These programs provide young students with hands-on learning experiences in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), art, and culinary skills.
UWL Graduate & Extended Learning scholarship information:
- Apply early as funds are limited
- Application opens February 1, 2025
- Awarded on a first-come, first-served basis
- Decisions will be sent via email 5 business days after receipt
Thanks to Excel Energy for their generous support of Graduate & Extended Learning youth program scholarships.
Youth Health Form:
Required for participation
To ensure the health and safety of all children, each child must submit a health form prior to the event.
- Health forms are available online
- Submit your student's form at least 2 weeks prior to the event start date
- Students who do not submit a form will not be allowed to participate
Location
UWL Student UnionStudent Union
521 East Avenue N
La Crosse, WI 54601
Student drop-off/pick-up |
||
| Description | Time | Location |
| Drop-off | *8:30–9 a.m. | Lot C-12 |
| Pick-up | *3:30–4 p.m. | Lot C-12 |
Meeting location
Participants will meet each morning on the front lawn of the Student Union (grass between Prairie Springs Science Center & the Student Union). There will be sign directing you from Lot C-12.
Parking information
- There is complimentary 30-minute parking July 28–31 during drop-off and pick up times only in Lot C-12.
- The Student Union loading zone on Farwell Street has limited 15-minute parking for drop-off/pick-up.
- If you arrive earlier, stay later, or attend the pop-up lunch on July 31, you must pay for parking.
- The rate is $1/hour and can be paid with the Passport Parking mobile app.
The Pizza Project Safety Policy
- Students will be released at the pick-up time only to the person(s) listed on their health form.
- Any pick-up deviating from this policy must be communicated to Graduate & Extended Learning 48 hours in advance.
- If unforeseen circumstances require your student to be picked-up early from The Pizza Project, you must contact Graduate & Extended Learning at 608.785.6500 to make arrangements.
Kaylie Connaughty
I attended UWL for both my undergraduate degree and my master's degree. I've lived in the area for about 13 years now. I LOVE to cook and especially love pizza (who doesn't?). My favorite pizza is from a restaurant called Gusta Pizza in Florence, Italy.
Nickname: no nicknames sadly
Favorite pizza toppoing: mushrooms
Do you like pineapple on pizza? yes
Which do you like best, Chicago deep-dish or New York thin crust pizza? Thin crust always
Chloe Hart
Chloe is THE social media manager for UWL! She enjoys working with all platforms and letting her creative ideas come to life. When Chloe was in high school, she worked at Punch Pizza, which is still her favorite pizza place today.
Nickname: Chlobo
Favorite pizza toppoing: green olives
Do you like pineapple on pizza? Sometimes!
Which do you like best, Chicago deep-dish or New York thin crust pizza? New York thin crust
KJ Krzyzanowski
KJ Krzyzanowski is the Youth Program Specialist in Graduate & Extended Learning and the self-appointed “Gordon Ramsay of GEL.” His background of over 10 years of direct youth work includes designing and leading programs that provide creative, fun, and inclusive ways for young people to learn about food. His programs always incorporate youth voice and creating a space where young people can share their own skills and knowledge. Past projects with youth include building a Hot Sauce Garden from seed to bottle, weekly Cooking Club meals, a global cultures cooking club, and a Friday night Pizza Farm in the city run by youth. KJ’s philosophy is that young people grow into their best self by collaborating with positive adults and other youth in experiences that challenge and excite them. He also lives by the saying “If you bring food, they will come.”
Nickname: Head Pizza dude
Favorite pizza toppoing: hot honey
Do you like pineapple on pizza? not my jam, bu whatever floats your boat!
Which do you like best, Chicago deep-dish or New York thin crust pizza? NY thin for the win
Lisa Lenarz
I teach art education at UWL but I'm also a serious pizza lover. I've been making my own homemade pizza for over 25 years, trying some unusual toppings combinations. The most unusual is the "shrimpy goat" which combines shrimp and goat cheese. I also love trying different kinds of pizza when I travel.
Nickname: Lisa Pizza (childhood nickname)
Favorite pizza toppoing: mushrooms
Do you like pineapple on pizza? Yes!!
Which do you like best, Chicago deep-dish or New York thin crust pizza? Both!
Jake Speer
I am a web & graphic designer and have created logos and websites for businesses and even a restaurant! I enjoy trying new foods and global flavors and exploring cultures through their cuisine.
Nickname: Nub
Favorite pizza toppoing: mushrooms
Do you like pineapple on pizza? Of course!
Which do you like best, Chicago deep-dish or New York thin crust pizza? Chicago deep-dish
