CU Rising Scholars Program

Saturday, July 26 - Friday, August 1, 2025

The CU Rising Scholars Program is a residential, week-long summer program. It gives high school students an opportunity to explore university life and gain academic, social and life skills that will help them succeed in a college setting. Program participants spend the week experiencing mock classes, working with current Carroll students and taking college preparatory workshops all while staying overnight in our residence halls and enjoying fun activities each evening.

Program Requirements

In order to qualify for the program, students must:

• Be in grades 9-12 in the 2025-2026 school year
• Be a student in the state of Wisconsin
• Qualify for free or reduced lunch
• Have interest in attending a four-year institution

The deadline for CU Rising Scholars applications is Saturday, May 17th, 2025, but students are encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible. The application must be completed in its entirety to be considered for the program. We will prioritize applications received by deadline, but will still be accepting application until final review, May 31^st, 2025. Participants should expect a program decision in the week of June 2^nd – 6^th, 2025. Please direct questions to precollege@xyschool.net or 262.524.7665.

*Please note that applications with missing or incomplete paperwork will not be considered. Ensure that you review your answers to the questions on the application, as you will not be able to return to the application once submitted.  

How to Apply

Application Deadline: Saturday, May 17, 2025

The CU Rising Scholars Program application has four parts:

1. Essay questions
2. Department of Public Instruction Summer Scholarship Application Form
3. Recent Grade Report
4. Online Student Application Form

1. Essay Questions

Please answer all three questions to the best of your ability. Answers must be written in paragraph format. A one-paragraph response per question is sufficient. Upload your answers in PDF format only.

1. Successful scholars often work collaboratively. Share an experience where you worked effectively in a team. How do you believe the collaborative nature of CU Rising Scholars will enhance your ability to work with others?
2. Share your aspirations for leadership roles in the future. How does attending CU Rising Scholars align with your leadership goals and the skills you believe are essential for effective leadership?
3. Intrinsic motivation is the drive to pursue goals based on personal satisfaction and a passion for growth. What motivates you to succeed academically and personally? How do you think CU Rising Scholars will support and strengthen your intrinsic motivation?

2. Department of Public Instruction Summer Scholarship Application Form

Download, print and complete the DPI Scholarship form (including parent signature and signature from school official). You may submit either the English or Spanish version.

• Student Pre-College Scholarship Application Form (English Version)
• Student Pre-College Scholarship Application Form (Spanish Version)

3. Recent Grade Report

Submit a copy or screenshot of a recent grade report (report card, online grade report, etc.). This report must include students’ cumulative high school GPA and GPA for 2025.

4. Student Application

Complete ALL parts of the application and submit it by Saturday, May 17th, 2025.

Apply Now