Launch Your Polytechnic Education!
Focused on applied and career-related experiences, UW-Stout's Polytechnic Launch Program introduces you to what it means to be part of a polytechnic university through hands-on learning, career exploration, and meaningful connections. You will explore campus, meet peers, and engage with industry professionals.
Polytechnic Launch is a one-week early experience program designed to support incoming first-year students as they transition to college life while beginning their career exploration journey before the school year starts. Additionally, the program continues with engagement and support throughout the student’s first year.
Participants are encouraged to live in the Polytechnic Launch Living Community in CKTO Hall.
Apply Now. Space Is Limited!
The Early Experience Programs have participant caps, which are met on a first-come, first-served basis until filled. We encourage you to apply early. When completing your application, select Polytechnic Launch as your first preference!
Application Deadline: April 1
- Must be admitted to UW-Stout as an incoming first-year student
- Must be enrolled or planning to enroll for the upcoming fall semester
- Commit to early move-in and actively participate in the one-week early start experience and academic year support*
- Interest in connecting with peers and campus resources
- Desire to learn about different and diverse backgrounds, cultures, experiences and student organizations
*Local commuter students who live within 40 miles of campus are eligible to apply.
- Connect with peers and explore career pathways.
- Build confidence in your academic, career, and networking skills.
- Participate in interactive and hands-on learning.
- Meet industry professionals and visit local businesses.
- Access career resources and employer networks early in your college experience.
Polytechnic Launch program is grounded in Stout's Polytechnic tenets of Applied Learning & Research, Business & Industry Collaboration, and Career-Focused Experiences.
Applied Learning & Research
Get hands-on learning right away! You will engage in interactive, lab-based environments and project-based learning during the program. It’s all about learning by doing and having fun while you do it.
Business & Industry Collaboration
Meet industry professionals and tour local businesses. You’ll start seeing how your interests connect to the world beyond campus and how UW-Stout helps you get there.
Career-Focused Experiences
Start shaping your career journey early. You’ll explore majors and career paths, connect with advisors, peer leaders, and learn about internships and co-ops. Plus, you’ll get introduced to UW-Stout’s career resources and employer network early on.
Polytechnic Launch program invites you to partner with us on an innovative early-start experience for incoming first-year students.
Grounded in UW-Stout’s polytechnic tenets of applied learning, business and industry collaboration, and career-focused education, Polytechnic Launch introduces students to the connections between their academic interests and real-world careers through hands-on experiences and direct interaction with industry professionals.
The Polytechnic Advantage
Partnering with Polytechnic Launch gives your organization the unique opportunity to connect with UW–Stout students at the beginning of their college career. Through real‑world industry interaction, you’ll introduce students to your field and build connections long before internships or job searches begin.
By engaging with this motivated group of first‑year students, your organization helps shape future professionals skilled in applied learning, problem‑solving, collaboration, and innovation. Polytechnic Launch students are curious, driven, and eager to explore emerging career pathways.
Ways to Get Involved
- Provide site tours & engagement
- Serve as guest speaker, panelist or other interactions
- Engagement/facilitation of interactive workshops or activities
Your involvement helps students see what is possible and helps build a stronger, more connected workforce for our region and beyond.