This program is for students entering 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade in the 2025-2026 school year. This program is a full day (9:00 - 4:00), one day program.

This event is presented by Milwaukee School of Engineering's User Experience program and Northwestern Mutual.

Are you passionate about technical and digital innovations? Is your superpower being creative and solving messy problems? Do you like drawing and doodling? Do you want to learn to know how to influence alien (or human) behavior?

Learn about the quickly growing field of User Experience (UX) by focusing on creating products in alien-centered and human-centered ways. Over the course of the day, you will work on a design challenge to help aliens learn about humans. You will learn about design techniques and tricks used by technology companies, networking and streaming services like Google, Netflix, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok to attract and engage users. You will need to stay on your toes to keep up with the fast-paced, interactive activities that will leave you with multiple artifacts to show in your portfolio for applying to the top intergalactic consulting agencies and top universities. Last but not least, you will play Xbox and experience virtual reality with Oculus during breaks and lunch.

PREREQUISITES

MSOE summer programs are unique in that the duration of the program is almost entirely spent in a classroom-style environment. Snack breaks (all programs) and lunch breaks (full day programs only) will include some free time, but otherwise, camp time is spent working on STEM labs, activities, and projects. Most programs utilize technology which may involve sitting on a computer for extended durations doing coding or design work.

Students do not need to have prior STEM experience but will be most successful if they have an interest in learning more about the topic explored during their program.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarship applications are open now and are due March 19th, 2025. Only one application is required per student and applications allow families to list all of the programs they are interested in.

Click here to access our scholarship application, including FAQ's specific to scholarships.

PAYMENT PLANS

Afterpay is available for all summer programs. This option will be available at checkout and is managed directly between the purchaser and Afterpay.

FAQs

We're still scheduling our summer but want to register now. Can I get a refund if my plans change?

Refunds are only available if we can fill your seat. Please contact us at stem@msoe.edu if you no longer can attend. We will contact waitlisted students to try and fill your seat.

Is lunch included in my registration fee?

Lunch is included in full day programs. Students will eat lunch at the campus dining commons. Students are welcome to bring a cold lunch if they prefer. All programs include light snacks.

Do you offer before or after care?

We do not. Students attending programs cannot be dropped off more than 10 minutes before program start and must be picked up within 10 minutes of the program end time.

May I drop my student off from the street / sidewalk near the Center?

Families should walk-in to check-in their students at our front desk. Students cannot be dropped off more than 10 minutes before program start and must be picked up within 10 minutes of the program end time. Students are not in the care of MSOE until this time window AND until they are in our facility.

How do I get to your facility?

We are located at 1444 N Water Street on the MSOE campus. A map and parking information will be sent to all families at least one week prior to your program start date.

Can I sit with or watch my student in your program?

During summer programs, the Center will not have available space for parents and guardians to wait for their student. Families should plan to drop off their student and return during the pick-up window.

My student is an advanced learner – can I enroll them in a higher grade level program?

Please enroll your student in the grade level program that corresponds with their current grade. Our instructors are able to adjust the difficulty of any activity to accommodate a spectrum of learners.

My student has accommodations I'd like to discuss - who do I contact?

Please e-mail stem@msoe.edu if your student has any physical, mental or emotional accommodations that our team should be aware of prior to the program to help us ensure your student has a great experience at MSOE!

We do not have staffing to offer 1:1 student support during a program. If your student requires assistance at all times, please reach out as soon as possible to help us better understand if we can ensure your student has a great learning experience.