LEARN.EXPERIENCE.ADVANCE.PARTICIPATE
The LEAP Forward Internship Program is a 6 week paid internship for current MMSD sophomores and juniors 16 years of age or older (Prefence will be given to students in the Health Sciences Pathways but any MMSD student is welcomed and encouraged to apply). It is hosted by UW-Madison in collaboration with the Madison Metropolitan School District & Personalized Pathways efforts. As a LEAP Forward Intern, you will not only gain key practical experiences within the field of Health Sciences, but will also gain exposure to the opportunities which exist for you beyond High School, whether at UW-Madison or elsewhere. Apply Now to become a UW-Madison student for 6 weeks while gaining critical hands-on experience through this LEAP Forward Internship.
What is LEAP Forward?
LEAP Forward is focused on providing an exceptional paid experience not only at the work-site but also while on-campus here at UW-Madison. With host-sites across various UW-Madison colleges and schools, and professionals eager to mentor LEAP Forward Interns, there is a wide net of possible perfect matches for students with any interest in Health Sciences. Each work-site will work directly with the LEAP Forward Intern to develop a work schedule that maximizes the experience and is conscious of the Intern’s work preferences.
In addition to unique work-site experiences, there will also be specific time each week devoted to LEAP Forward Interns learning and growing outside of the work-site. This will include touring campus and various facilities on-campus, participating in workshops, listening to guest speakers, and much more. Interns will also develop a collaborative project based on their unique experiences, which they will present at a banquet at the conclusion of the program.
The following core program components will shape not only the 6-week internship but also provide interns with skills for their future endeavors.
- Learn about oneself and become more self-aware
- Utilize and grow communication and collaboration skills
- Value learning as well as personal and career development
- Understand various cultures and their contributions towards our surroundings
- Develop and practice decision-making skills
- Focus on moving ideas into action
When does LEAP Forward take Place?
The LEAP Forward Internship will begin on June 16th, 2025 and run through August 6th, 2025, for a total of 6 weeks. Interns will have off June 30th-July 4th.
June 16th at 6:00 P.M, there will be a required initial orientation, for all LEAP Forward interns, where there will be team-building as well as general preparation leading up to the June 18th start date.
Where is LEAP Forward Located?
All LEAP Forward Internship work-sites will be located on UW-Madison’s campus. Bus passes will be provided for students to assist them in getting to and around campus. Specific site information is updated below within Internship Opportunities.
Why was LEAP Forward Created?
Central to the LEAP Forward experience is the values of Integrity, Engagement, as well as Connection & Community. This Internship opportunity will not only provide key hands-on experience but also great opportunities to explore potential post-High-school plans and future career options. Whether those post-High-school plans are with UW-Madison or elsewhere, this experience will help prepare each intern to realize their own future success.
In addition, interns can expect the following outcomes:
- MMSD Experiential Learning Credits (.5 credits)
- Receive UW-Madison Independent Study Credit (1 credit)
- Receive a $1000 stipend total for the 6 week internship experience (12 hours a week that each Intern will be working at the internship host sites)
- Be a UW-Madison student for 6 weeks
THE CENTER FOR QUANTITATIVE CELL IMAGING
The Center for Quantitative Cell Imaging is a research lab focused on trying to understand cell division and cell repair. One of the more engaging features of the research is that it involves making live cell movies that students can easily relate to and appreciate.
MORGRIDGE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Morgridge Community Engagement is a joint partnership effort of the Morgridge Institute for Research and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. Morgridge Community Engagement is headquartered in the Discovery Building, they produce a variety of informal science events for the community.
CENTER FOR INTERPROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND EDUCATION (UW CIPE)
UW CIPE is a University Center supported by the UW Provost Office, and the Deans of the four health sciences schools – School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), School of Nursing, School of Pharmacy and School of Veterinary Medicine. The UW CIPE mission is to work collaboratively locally, nationally and globally to champion, integrate, and advance Interprofessional Practice and Education (IPE)
CENTER FOR HEALTHY MINDS
The Center for Healthy Minds does research on mental well-being — what it means for different people and ways to cultivate it. You will work with the CHM Research Support Core, a team that provides the technical foundation for our work.
VETERINARY MEDICINE
UW Veterinary Care is a tertiary care veterinary medical hospital/teaching hospital for the UW School of Veterinary Medicine. They offer over 20 different clinical services, encompassing large and small animal care along with a certified Pharmacy, medical records, and clinical laboratory.
TINY EARTH
Tiny Earth inspires and retains students in the sciences while addressing one of the most pressing global health challenges of our century—the diminishing supply of effective antibiotics.
MCBURNEY DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER
The McBurney Disability Resource Center is a great place to work and gain valuable experience for your future career. The McBurney Center is a team-focused, collaborative environment that provides support services and resources to UW-Madison students with visual, learning, hearing, mobility, mental health, and chronic health disabilities.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
The application will require the three documents below to be submitted. All documents should be submitted electronically with the application (be sure the applicant name is on each document).
- A signed Parent/Guardian Consent Form
- Contact information of 3 references
- Your unofficial high school transcript
Access your transcript via Infinite Campus and follow these instructions to download.
SHORT ANSWER
There will be 3 short-answer questions you should be prepared to answer on the application, those three questions are below:
- Why are you interested in this program?
- Tell us about a time when you had to be a leader, advocate for someone, or stand up for yourself.
- Tell us about a time you encountered a challenge and how you overcame it.
Maximum of 1,000 characters per question
Applications close 11:59pm February 23rd, 2025.
No late applications will be accepted.
