Posted noon Monday, April 21, 2025
UWL announces youth programming, new partnerships for 2025
UW-La Crosse Graduate & Extended Learning is making summer education more accessible than ever for area youth, thanks to a series of innovative partnerships and generous community support.
Graduate & Extended Learning (GEL) has teamed up with Northside Elementary School, Erickson Boys & Girls Club, and Mathy Boys & Girls Club to provide transportation and registration assistance for youth participating in UWL’s 2025 summer programs.
The initiative ensures that students enrolling through these community partners can attend programs on the UWL campus, with transportation provided, and receive scholarships that cover the majority of registration fees. Support from Xcel Energy and donations to the UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation have made these scholarships possible.
“These partnerships create shared resources and connections to provide more visibility and access to youth programming,” says KJ Krzyzanowski, youth program specialist with GEL.
GEL’s summer lineup includes a diverse slate of camps designed to foster creativity, curiosity and real-world skills:
- Kids Culinary Academy (June 10-12): Students entering grades 6-8 will explore Midwestern cuisine through hands-on cooking experiences with Chartwells’ chefs and registered dietitian. The camp teaches essential kitchen skills, from safety and etiquette to nutrition and menu planning. (Note: 2025 registration is full.)
- Hands-On Science (June 18-19): In collaboration with the College of Science & Health and the USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, this STEM camp offers interactive labs and activities for middle school students. Campers will engage with UWL faculty and USGS scientists to tackle real-world environmental challenges and take part in guided campus tours. A special thanks to UWL faculty and staff leading sessions in Hands-On Science: Polly Berra, Basudeb Bhattacharyya, Jennifer Docktor, Shrobona Karkun Sen, Sumei Liu and Chrystal Vesperman.
- The Pizza Project (July 28-31): This unique entrepreneurial camp teaches students in grades 8-10 how to build a business — from branding to baking. Over four days, participants will develop their own pizza restaurant concept and serve custom creations in a pop-up dining experience. UWL faculty and staff leading sessions include Kaylie Connaughty, Kenneth Graham, Chloe Hart, KJ Krzyzanowski, Lisa Lenarz and Jake Speer.
- Art Adventures Camp (Aug. 11-13): With guidance from UWL Associate Professor Lisa Lenarz, students in grades 5-8 will explore creative expression through studio-based projects in drawing, sculpture, recycled art and storytelling. (Note: 2025 registration is full.)
All youth are welcome to participate in GEL’s summer programs, and scholarships are available to cover up to 85% of the registration fee. For more details or to register, visit www.uwlax.edu/gel/ypc/summer-youth-programs.
By building connections with local schools and organizations, UWL continues to demonstrate its commitment to enriching the lives of young learners and fostering pathways to higher education.