Start studying STEM as a high school junior. 
Finish your senior year with a college degree!

Are you considering a career in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM)? Madison College has partnered with area school districts to help you pursue those interests through our STEM Academy.

By allowing you to enroll in college full-time beginning your junior year, this Early College program puts you on the fast track to a STEM degree or career!

three students looking into a microscope
Investigate the natural world through the lens of a microscope.

Apply Your Sophomore Year

Attend Your Junior and Senior Years

Earn College Credit

You can earn up to 60 credits during your junior and senior years, leading to an associate degree through Madison College’s University Transfer – Science, Technology and Math Pre-Major program.

Study Engineering

If you intend to study engineering, you have the option to transition into the University Transfer – Engineering Pre-Major program.

Save Time and Money

By completing your first two years of college with financial support from your school district, you can graduate high school with a technical diploma or associate degree for little to no debt. By the time you receive your high school diploma, you could be halfway to your bachelor’s degree!

faculty and student standing by a yellow robot arm, the arm is drawing.
Program, command, and create with real robotic systems.
stem academy students with engineering equipment
Take a break from textbooks and try out real tools used by land surveyors and engineers.

“Early College STEM Academy gave me a head start on my engineering journey. I was able to shave off a year of college as a result of the program.”

 - Sydney Bruce
2020 STEM Academy Graduate and 2023 UW–Platteville Graduate

Why Study STEM?

In today’s fast-evolving workplace, there is a continuing demand for professionals with expertise in STEM fields. This translates to excellent career opportunities and long-term job growth, plus above-average salaries.

Post-High School Options

After finishing your STEM Academy coursework—or any remaining classes needed to reach 60 credits—you’ll receive your associate degree from Madison College’s University Transfer – Science, Technology and Math Pre-Major or University Transfer – Engineering Pre-Major program. This accomplishment brings you significantly closer to obtaining a bachelor’s degree.

Transfer Your Credits to a 4-Year School

Madison College credits transfer to a wide range of colleges and universities, including the University of Wisconsin, making it easy to continue your education in-state or out-of-state.

How it Works

As a STEM Academy student, you’ll attend Madison College full-time during your junior and senior years of high school. Your classes will typically run from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm, which means you’ll have time to return to your high school to participate in after-school clubs and sports.

If you complete a total of 60 credits during your two years in the STEM Academy, you’ll be able to finish high school with a college degree! 

Stem academy students looking at a machine part
Learn about engines and build a foundation in mechanical systems.

Take the Next Steps

If you’re a high school sophomore in a participating school, apply to attend the STEM Academy during your junior and senior years.

Ready to Apply to the STEM Academy?

  • Contact your high school counselor to learn more about the academy.
  • Confirm your eligibility and application deadlines.
  • Complete and submit your application!

Are you home-schooled, attending a private charter school? Connect with our Early College Team to discuss your options.

"The STEM Academy advisors were so helpful when it came to scheduling classes, college applications or just life advice. I’m still in touch with my classmates and I look back at my time in STEM as my favorite part of high school."
Gabe Murphy
2020 STEM Academy Graduate 2023 Iowa State University Graduate