Information Technology Academy (ITA) is a pre-college program transforming the lives of high school students from the Lac du Flambeau, Madison and Oneida communities, through technology education, leadership development and college preparation.
During their time in ITA, our students:
- Explore a breadth of technology issues and topics through hands-on projects
- Cultivate a depth of knowledge in 2-3 areas of technology interest
- Grow into confident leaders who drive positive impact
- Explore emerging professional fields that leverage developing leadership skills and broad IT skills
- Build a supportive and engaging community with peers and professionals to foster collaboration, a sense of belonging, and shared growth
- Develop college readiness to prepare for application to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the transition to college
- Design a technology portfolio that showcases growth and creativity
Upon completion of the ITA program and acceptance to UW–Madison, graduates become PEOPLE Scholars and are eligible to receive a 4-year, undergraduate, tuition-only scholarship to UW–Madison.
While participation in ITA does not guarantee admission to UW-Madison or any post-secondary institution, it provides students with the tools, confidence and preparation needed to pursue their higher education goals.
Summer programs
ITA students kick off each academic year with immersive summer camps designed to build skills, confidence, and community.
- LaunchPad Camp (for rising 9th and 10th graders):
Students develop foundational digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness while building strong peer connections. They also explore creative technologies through hands-on activities that spark curiosity and collaboration. - Future Leaders Camp (for rising 11th graders):
This camp focuses on college and career readiness, including resume building, mock interviews, and ACT preparation, while giving students a deeper connection to campus life. - College Kickstart Camp (for rising 12th graders):
This summer experience supports students as they begin the college application journey. Students dive into leadership development, entrepreneurship, and get a head start on college applications—all while expanding their tech portfolios.
Academic year programs
Throughout the school year, ITA students engage in a mix of virtual and in-person learning that deepens their academic, technical, and leadership skills. They also benefit from tutoring and community events.
- Freshman & Sophomore Years: Students focus on setting academic and personal goals, learning effective study strategies, and exploring creative technologies like graphic design and audio production. They’re introduced to emerging tech like AI and machine learning and begin building a personal website to showcase their work.
- Junior Year: Programming centers on ACT preparation, college and career exploration, and expanding creative tech skills through photography, photo editing, and video production. Students begin refining their personal brand and professional presence.
- Senior Year: Students receive hands-on support with the college application and scholarship process. They strengthen their digital portfolios with self-directed tech projects and gain key life skills in financial literacy and independence to support a successful transition to college.
PEOPLE Scholarship eligibility
Students who successfully complete ITA and have been directly admitted or admitted as transfer students to UW–Madison may be eligible for a four-year Wisconsin resident tuition scholarship through PEOPLE.
To be eligible for the PEOPLE Scholarship:
- ITA students must successfully complete ITA
- Receive approval for instate tuition by the UW–Madison Registrar’s Office
- Complete the FAFSA
- And abide by all academic and non-academic requirements for the University of Wisconsin-Madison and PEOPLE Scholarship
Note that completion of ITA does not guarantee admission or in-state tuition to UW–Madison.
Questions?
Reach out to your case manager or email us at ita@doit.wisc.edu.
