Apply to ITA

Priority is given to students that qualify for free/reduced lunch programs or are potential first generation college students. Applicants should have a minimum 2.75 GPA and enroll in Algebra or advanced math their freshman year.

Students planning to attend a Madison Metropolitan School District public high school are invited to apply to the ITA – Madison program while they are in the 8th grade.

Students in Oneida communities are invited to apply to the ITA – Oneida program while they are in the 9th grade.

Students in Lac du Flambeau communities are invited to apply to the ITA – Lac du Flambeau program while they are in the 9th grade.

What is the Information Technology Academy (ITA)? Does this count toward high school graduation?

ITA supports high school students in building the skills and experiences needed for admission to UW–Madison and other colleges through technology exploration, leadership development, and college preparation. ITA supplements high school coursework and does not count toward high school graduation requirements.

Does participation in ITA guarantee admission to UW–Madison?

No. Participation in ITA does not guarantee admission to UW–Madison. Students must successfully graduate from high school and meet UW–Madison’s admission requirements.

What are the benefits of joining ITA?

Students gain college readiness skills, exposure to technology fields, academic support, tutoring, mentoring, campus experiences, and a strong peer and support network.

Do students need to have Tribal affiliation to be eligible for ITA?

No. Tribal affiliation is not required to participate in ITA. Students from all backgrounds who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply.

Who can apply to the program?

Students currently enrolled in 8th grade in MMSD or 9th grade in the Lac du Flambeau or Oneida areas who have an interest in technology and are planning to pursue a college education are welcome to apply.
ITA highly encourages students who are first-generation college-bound and income-eligible (free or reduced-price lunch) to apply. At minimum, applicants should have a 2.75 GPA, plan to take Algebra during their freshman year, and attend a high school in the Lac du Flambeau/Lakeland area, Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD), or a school within one hour of the Oneida Nation.

What level of technical experience is needed to be in ITA?

No prior technical experience is required. ITA is designed for students with a wide range of experience, from beginners to those with some exposure to technology.

How do I apply to ITA, and what does the application include?

Students apply to ITA online during the application window using a Google Form, which can be accessed at ita.wisc.edu/apply-to-ita . The application includes short essay responses, academic transcripts, and a teacher or counselor recommendation. Applicants can preview the essay questions on the ITA website.

When is the application window?

January 15 to February 15, 2026.

Is there a cost to apply to ITA?

No. There is no cost to apply to ITA.

Will I have to interview when applying to ITA?

Yes. After applications are reviewed, selected students will be notified if they move forward as semi-finalists. Semi-finalists are required to participate in a 20-minute virtual interview with ITA staff. A parent or guardian is required to attend the interview with the student.

Is ITA a multi-year program?

Yes. ITA is a cohort-based, multi-year program designed to support students throughout high school. Students join a cohort and progress together, building skills over time through academic-year programming, in-person seminars, and summer experiences.

Can I take a break (a semester or a year) and come back to ITA?

Breaks are generally discouraged because ITA is a cohort-based, multi-year program designed for students to progress together. However, we understand that unexpected circumstances can arise. Families are encouraged to communicate with ITA staff to discuss special situations and determine whether a temporary break may be possible.

Can I participate in extracurricular activities at school or in my community?

Yes. Many ITA students successfully balance the program with sports, clubs, jobs, and community activities. ITA is designed to complement students’ school and extracurricular commitments while supporting their academic and college preparation goals.

What do students learn in ITA, and how is instruction delivered?

Students engage in technology exploration, college readiness activities, leadership development, and skill-building through a hybrid learning model. Instruction includes a combination of in-person and virtual learning experiences, hands-on activities, workshops, group projects, and guided practice, allowing students to apply skills in supportive and collaborative settings.

Do students get high school credit for participating in ITA?

No. ITA does not provide high school credit.

Do students earn college credit for participating in ITA?

No. ITA is a precollege enrichment program and does not award college credit.

Are instructors professors from the university? If student instructors, how are they trained?

Instruction is provided by a mix of professional staff, instructors, and trained student staff. All instructors receive training aligned with ITA goals, youth protection policies, and instructional expectations.

What academic support does ITA provide?

ITA provides a range of academic supports to help students succeed. These include academic guidance, tutoring services, and structured support with college and financial aid applications. ITA staff work closely with students to help them stay on track academically while preparing for college and postsecondary opportunities.

My child has an IEP—will that carry over to ITA?

ITA is designed to complement, not replace, a student’s school. While ITA provides academic guidance and enrichment, it does not offer the same individualized support systems as a school. Families are encouraged to share relevant information so staff can explore whether appropriate support or accommodations are available.

How can parents or guardians stay involved in ITA?

ITA encourages family engagement throughout the program. Parents and guardians can stay involved through Parent Circles, which provide opportunities to receive program updates, ask questions, connect with ITA community, and engage proactively in their student’s college preparation journey. Additional communications and events help families stay informed and connected over time.

Is there a cost to participate in ITA?

No. ITA is offered at no cost to students and families. Program-related expenses – including meals provided during ITA activities, lodging, and required travel for program events – are covered by the program. ITA is committed to minimizing financial barriers so students can fully participate.

Can I be in both PEOPLE High School and ITA? If accepted to both, can I switch programs?

Students may not participate in both programs at the same time. If accepted to both, families will be asked to select one program.

I love PEOPLE and ITA programs, but how do I decide which is best for me?

Choosing between PEOPLE and ITA depends on your interests, goals, and learning style. Both programs support college preparation, but they offer different experiences. ITA focuses on technology exploration, skill-building, and leadership development alongside college readiness, while PEOPLE emphasizes academic preparation and long-term college access support. Students and families are encouraged to review each program’s focus, expectations, and time commitment, and to talk with program staff to determine which option is the best fit.

If I’m in ITA, how do I become part of the PEOPLE College Program?

Students who successfully complete ITA and are admitted to UW–Madison, either directly from high school or as a transfer student, become PEOPLE Scholars and may be eligible for a tuition scholarship through the PEOPLE College Program.