UWO PreCollege Programs give teens a taste of college classes, dorms and dining – UW Oshkosh Today

The majority of students taking advantage of University of Wisconsin Oshkosh PreCollege Programs are the first in their families to explore college as an option.

Besides taking in courses in mathematics and English, high school students in a recent UWO program completed classes in 3D printing and mechatronics, environmental engineering and water science, and “The Internet of Things.”

“Qualifying students in grades 6-12 are granted scholarships through the Department of Public Instruction—the state agency that advances public education and libraries in Wisconsin. The scholarships allow for students to stay in UW Oshkosh dorms, eat in our dining halls and partake in classes as well as after-school activities at no cost to them or their families,” said Mary Soto, advising specialist with PreCollege Programs at UWO. “The majority are first generation students, so it’s a way for families to start thinking about college as an option after high school.”

Breakfast, lunch and dinner took place at Blackhawk Commons and students were housed in Fletcher Hall, where it was “lights out” at 10 p.m. after several hours of structured free time.

Most of the students for the high school program (grades 10,11 and 12) were from Milwaukee, with several from Oshkosh and Green Bay and others areas of the state.

“We offer 11 PreCollege programs at UW Oshkosh funded by a grant from the Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Our fall and spring programs include ACT Prep programs and campus visits. In the summer we offer seven different residential programs to students in grades 6-12,” said Lisa Arguello, PreCollege coordinator.

PreCollege organizers work with all four colleges on campus to provide instructors, classroom and lab spaces for young students to receive a simulated college experience.

“Students gain an understanding and foundation in the various majors that UW Oshkosh has to offer,” Arguello noted. “This year, we added a new program, ESTEEM, for high school students and collaborated with the UWO engineering department to provide STEM classes for our students.”

ESTEEM-Exploring Science, Technology and Engineering Education Majors

Vijay Hira was among those who worked with high school students on courses that explored STEM fields, but there also are business, nursing and teaching programs that students could investigate. Hira said 19 of the PreCollege students participated in three engineering department classes.

Brad Brooks was instructor of the Internet of Things –focused on physical objects with sensors, processing ability, software and other technologies that connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet or other communications networks. Students assembled simple circuits and studied beginning programming topics.

A fun project took place in Bill Quandt’s class providing hands-on experience: students created Yoda-like figures using 3D printers. Students in his class drew a part at 1/2 scale, showing front, top, side views and an isometric of the part as well as having to show dimensions. In mechatronics instruction, students were showed various sensors, motors, programmable logic controls, control cabinets, robot and conveyor systems.

The PreCollege week included field trips to Fondy Aqua Park, a Timber Rattlers baseball game and Badger Sports Park.

The final day of the schedule included a special graduation ceremony in Reeve Ballroom.

Next month, a group of students entering grades 7-9 will descend on UWO for PreCollege programming. Just like the older students, it’s possible they’ll be inspired to become future Titans.

Above photo: Participants Deisy Mendoza, left, and Raigen Dawson, created figures using 3D printers during a PreCollege ESTEEM program at UWO.

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