WISE GISE is a summer day camp for rising 7th and 8th grade students for a hands-on STEM experience that is both fun and challenging. 

Camp will be in person for summer 2024. Camp is June 17-21, 2024. Applications will open February 15 and close on May 1.

Enjoy a week in some of the most advanced labs in the world learning from our world-class students and faculty. Campers choose a “major” to focus on in the mornings and spend afternoons exploring other disciplines. Campers will have lots of fun exploring the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor!

Camp Majors

The Science of Stuff

What is all this stuff??? If you’re an inventor at heart, curiosity about the components of the world around you is the first step in innovation. The Science of Stuff will feature hands on experiments and lab work exploring how materials scientists come up with completely new kinds of stuff, how chemists come up with new ways to make stuff, and how engineers invent new uses for the stuff we already have.

Lab Trek

For our future PhDs who want to spend their time in a lab coat, gloves, and safety goggles getting things done, we have the Lab Trek! This camp will focus on the skills and techniques needed to do real research in the lab, with opportunities to try bench science in biology, chemistry, physics, and more. Prepare to get your gloves dirty, because we will be working hard at advanced experiments in real state of the art labs all across campus.

Wild Wonders

If you love nature, join us on this frolic through the science of plants and animals! We’ll work with the different departments at Michigan that study nature to try hands on the many ways we study the wild world around us. From dissections to genetics, field research to bench work, machine learning to VR, experience the cutting edge of how some of the best scientists in the world study our environment.

Going Places in Engineering

Embark on an enriching journey at the College of Engineering! Professors at the Marine Hydrodynamic Laboratory will ignite passion and confidence in future engineers, encouraging them to explore the dynamic fields of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. Experience the thrill of hands-on learning as participants construct offshore wind turbines on floating platforms, engaging in a collaborative engineering process that fosters creativity and problem-solving skills. Faculty at Aerospace Engineering will get students hands on experience will everything that flies, including drone races and a field trip to DTW. You’ll try autonomous cars, see North America’s largest laser, learn about the future of Nuclear Engineering, and more!

FAQs

When and Where is It?

GISE will be held on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor from Monday June 17 through Friday June 21, 2024, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Early drop-off and late pick-up is available for free.

Students attending the program will meet each morning on the UM Central Campus. Throughout the day, campers move with their UM student leaders to different instructional settings around the central, north, and medical school campuses.

How Much Does it Cost?

GISE costs $475 for a five-day session. This tuition includes five full days of program activities from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. There is not an overnight option. Lunch is not provided. Students should bring a bag lunch every day. All instructional costs, supplies, and equipment are included.

Need based scholarships are available. Please see information below.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

You are eligible to apply for WISE GISE if:

• You will complete the 6th or 7th grade in 2024
• You have an interest in science, mathematics, or engineering
• You want to learn how you can support diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM.
• You submit a complete application no later than May 1, 2024

We welcome campers of any gender identity. No previous experience in science or engineering is necessary. Come curious and ready for fun!

Can My Older/Younger Child Apply?

Maybe. We sometimes accept 6th graders if there is room and they feel comfortable with the other campers being older. Email umwisegise@umich.edu directly to ask. You can also check out Engineering OnRamp and YouthHub for UM summer experiences for other age groups.

Can My Child Who is Home Schooled/Following an Alternative Program Apply?

Yes! If your student is in an ungraded program, or working ahead, we will consider their age instead of grade. If you are uncertain if your child is eligible, please email umwisegise@umich.edu.

How Can we Ensure We Get a Spot?

Apply early. We review applications as they come in. When camp is full, we will add you to the waitlist.

Can I be in the Same Major as My Friend?

Probably! Friends who want to be together should indicate it on their application and choose the same major. Please double check with your friend what major they chose!

How Will I Be Notified of Acceptance?

All applicants will receive an email by May 1 to let them know if they have been accepted.  Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so you will receive a decision much earlier if you apply early.

When Do I Pay?

Please do not send money with your application.  Accepted students will be asked to send a non-refundable tuition payment of $475 by June 1 through check or credit card. If you have circumstances that require delaying payment, please email umwisegise@umich.edu.

Are Scholarships Available?

Yes! Need-based scholarships are available. The need-based scholarship form is included in the application. Accepted students will be contacted about their financial aid as soon as they are admitted to the camp. Aid is also available through the Center for Educational Outreach’s Watson Young scholarship on YouthHub.

Cancellation Policy

If you are unable to attend camp, we will offer a full refund up through June 1. After June 1, we will charge a $100 penalty for giving up your place in the program. If you have special circumstances, please email umwisegise@umich.edu.

If WISE is forced to cancel summer programming (due to public health concerns), you will receive a full refund, processed within 2 weeks.

For More Information or Questions, Please Contact:

Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Program
University of Michigan

Phone: (734) 615-4455

Email:  umwisegise@umich.edu