Discover the spirit of Buckeye Nation with a tour of The Ohio State University in Columbus, which boasts a first-class business school and legendary football program.
ACA COMBO PROGRAM @
Michigan + Wisconsin
Join ACA for the Summer-of-a-Lifetime!
Welcome to ACA @ Michigan + Wisconsin
Get ready for an unforgettable summer at two of the nation’s most prestigious universities!
Ann Arbor, Michigan and Madison, Wisconsin are vibrant college towns with welcoming, energetic atmospheres. Michigan and Wisconsin represent the very best the Big Ten have to offer, excelling in academics, research, innovation, and athletics. World-class facilities, spirited traditions, and engaging campus environments create an ideal setting for students seeking the full experience of top-tier college life.
- 2 Enrichment Electives Daily
- Exciting Afternoon & Evening Activities
- Weekend Adventures Are Always Included!
- Big 10 College Tour + Chicago
- Iconic College Towns
- Upscale Residence Halls complete with A/C
- 10:1 Student-to-Staff Ratio
- Local Private Transportation for ACA Students and Staff Only
2026 Dates & Tuition
Transportation is not included in tuition.
Weekday Schedule
-
8:30 am - 9:15 am
Breakfast -
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Elective 1 -
11:15 am - 12:45 pm
Elective 2 -
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Lunch -
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Chill -
3:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Afternoon Activities
(Choice of Several Options) -
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Shower, Change, Relax -
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Dinner -
8:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Evening Activities
(Choice of Several Options) -
11:00 pm - 12:00 am
Residence Hall (Social Time) -
12:00 am
Goodnight (Individual Suites)
Classes run Monday through Friday.
Safety
ACA has always been committed to absolute safety for every student. We maintain a ten-to-one student-to-staff ratio – one of the lowest in the industry – to ensure everyone gets the unmatched attention and unique personalized programs they deserve.
As part of our commitment to student safety, ACA staff members live on student-occupied floors, accompany students on all activities and excursions. ACA takes care to use private transportation for our weekday activities and weekend adventure trips – never public transportation. Parents will be reassured to know that Ann Arbor and Madison are friendly college towns.
Travel to the Program*
We recommend that students fly nonstop to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). There they will be met by ACA staff members, who will escort them to comfortable, air-conditioned shuttles for the short drive to Ann Arbor. We will provide designated times that you should fly into DTW where ACA staff will meet you at baggage claim.
Students will return home on July 31 from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD). Staff members will escort students in comfortable, air-conditioned shuttles for the two-hour drive from Madison. We will have designated outbound flight times for you to schedule. ACA staff will help you with check-in and stay at the airport until your flight takes off.
Of course, parents are also welcome to drive students to ACA directly. Contact our office for further information on any of these travel options.
*Transportation is not included in tuition.
ACA Electives
ACA’s signature Michigan + Wisconsin Combo Program offers the kind of personal enrichment electives that build confidence for college while also giving you the chance to grow academically and intellectually.
The ACA experience gives you a welcome preview of college life, and still delivers plenty of opportunities to enhance your knowledge and pursue your interests. Pursue a new passion, explore your inner creativity, practice a sport. Do it all in an amazing summer setting, surrounded by new friends and without the pressure of grades!
The academic portion of ACA’s program consists of college-style courses.
ACA classes are graded on a “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory” basis, and all students receive an ACA “Certificate of Achievement” upon successful completion of each course.
Classes are held Monday through Friday, and are taught by distinguished members of the university faculty, graduate students, secondary school instructors or Ann Arbor and Madison-area professionals. Instructors teach in an interactive, seminar style, creating a supportive environment that encourages you to actively participate in each class.
ACA fills courses on a first-come, first-served basis, so we strongly recommend enrolling in the program early to better ensure the availability of your desired courses.
Elective Options:
You will be able to choose two of the following options for your stay:
Students can choose up to 4 electives (2 in Michigan and 2 in Wisconsin running from from 9:30-11:00 and 11:15-12:45):
From sports stars selling SUVs to pop singers selling soda, advertising and marketing is a huge part of our culture. Sure, it is essential to business, but it also reflects our society. How do advertisers and marketers determine the best way to influence consumers? What campaigns are the most effective? What new trends is technology creating? If you’re planning on influencing others through advertising, public relations or marketing, understanding these concepts will be essential. Get a head start!
The past decade witnessed one of history’s most successful stock market runs – followed by one of its most devastating declines. What caused this incredible rise and major fall? What do mortgage defaults and taxpayer bailouts mean to your future investment opportunities? Are banks really too big to fail, or should they take their hits in the free market like any business? You’ll examine these tough questions, plus get the chance to create and manage your own investment portfolio! See you on Wall Street!
From professional teams packing stadiums to global brands sponsoring athletes, sports are big business. Behind every game, there’s strategy, leadership, and organization that keep it all running smoothly. How do managers build winning teams on and off the field? What role does media, sponsorship, and fan engagement play? And how is technology changing the way we experience sports? If you’re interested in the fast-paced world where athletics meets business, understanding sports management is essential. Get in the game early!
Students will learn key marketing strategies, digital media tools, and event promotion techniques used by college sports programs to boost visibility and drive fan engagement. They’ll also explore the business side of college athletics, including fundraising, licensing, and creating partnerships with local and national companies.
By the end of the course, students will have a strong foundation in sports marketing and a practical understanding of how to build and promote sports brands, making them well-equipped for future careers in sports management, marketing, and communications.
An introduction to the fields of mass communication and group and interpersonal communication. Everyone knows that we live in a fast-paced, information-dependent culture – and we need skilled, entertaining personalities to provide us with what we need to know. Whether it’s serious news served up CNN style or a lighthearted late-night talk show, anchors, hosts and reporters have worked hard to ask compelling questions and create engaging interview styles and stories. You’ll study classic ways to cover a story, interview a celebrity and interact with an audience. In addition we will focus on media including newspapers, magazines, books, radio, television, film and advertising. Stick with it and you could become one of the trusted faces we see on TV every night or the one who goes behind the scenes to get the next big scoop!
These days everything — and everyone — is online. This course explains how social media has not only revolutionized the social fabric, but also how to create a one-of-a-kind social media experience. Explore how individuals and companies use social media to increase their fame, following and value. Examine the business plans of the major social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Tik Tok. This class will also explore how individuals and companies build successful brands across various platforms and the big question – what makes a post go viral?
The mind is a limitless frontier. What do we know about its inner workings? You will get insight into what makes people tick in this popular introductory course. You’ll study personality and psychological development, attitudes, cognition and intelligence. And you will learn a bit about how you think and feel yourself.
Looking to be accepted at your dream school and then survive there? This class gives you intensive work on the college entrance application and tips to survive freshman year while keeping your sanity. This course focuses on writing effective admissions essays, getting noticed during interviews, mastering study success in a college environment, library research and winning test strategies. Teachers will keep you on your toes as you navigate this comprehensive course.
Mock Trial: Order in the Court is an exciting, hands-on course that introduces students to the world of law, courtroom procedures, and legal arguments. Through immersive role-playing, ACA students will take on the roles of attorneys, witnesses, and jurors, working together to prepare and present a mock trial. Students will learn how to build a case, present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and deliver persuasive and powerful arguments in a courtroom setting.
The course focuses on developing critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork skills while providing a deeper understanding of the justice system. Students will gain practical experience in legal research, persuasive communication, and the ethics of law, all while engaging in a fun and competitive environment.
Perfect for students interested in law, debate, or leadership, this course will prepare students to think critically and speak with conviction—skills that are valuable for any future endeavor.
World of Current Politics is a dynamic course that introduces ACA students to the key political issues shaping the world today. Through engaging discussions, case studies, and analysis of global events, students will gain a deeper understanding of how politics, government policies, and international relations impact societies and individuals globally..
Students will explore topics such as democracy, human rights, climate policy, global conflicts, and economic inequality, while learning to critically assess news sources and understand different political ideologies.
By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to engage in informed political debates, make thoughtful decisions, and actively participate in the political processes that shape their futures.
“Only a life lived in the service to others is worth living.” ACA’s Service Learning course embodies this Albert Einstein quote providing, rewarding opportunities to spend time helping to make Madison or Ann Arbor an even better place for its citizens and visitors. Our goal is to encourage our students to realize the power they have to grow as individuals while contributing to an environment of cultural understanding and mutual respect.
Earn up to 45 hours of community service! Upon completion, every participant receives a certificate highlighting the total number of hours volunteered and projects completed.
Past ACA Service Partners & Projects Include:
- Food Pantry
- River Clean Ups
- Gardening
- Habitat for Humanity
- Make-A-Wish Foundation
- Support Our Troops
Successful CSI requires hands-on training and a step-by-step process in the discovery, preservation, and collection of physical evidence. In this course, you will examine the techniques CSI’s collect and preserve evidence from delicate crime scenes. Learn about crime scene management; diagramming and sketching; photography; fingerprint, bloodstain pattern analysis. The instructor will create a mock crime scene and you will collect and interpret the evidence. Prepare to experience what you see on CSI!
Want to be the next controversial radio talk-show or podcast host? Perhaps you want to be a radio news or sports reporter! Learn how you can use your personality to convey excitement to your listeners. You’ll get experience in both live and pre-taped environments, learning how to sweeten sound, mix voices and music, and perform in front of the microphone with a smooth, assured voice.
Ready to showcase your entrepreneurial skills on Shark Tank? Launching your own company isn’t for everyone. Only the most daring, determined types need apply, but if you have what it takes, you’ll be in the same league as Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, or Google guys Larry Page and Sergey Brin. If you’re ready to develop your own startup, this course could be your first step on the road to success! You’ll create a business plan, hoping to cash in on your innovation and creativity. Research your market, work up a template to put your plan into action, and let your inner entrepreneur take command.
You and your peers are divided into groups each holding a different role representing your tech start up from the CEO to CFO, COO to customer service and consumers. Each team is responsible for designing a new product, taking into account its user-friendly features and breakthrough potential. Teams are required to develop marketing strategies including doing research about competitive products, determining the sale price and advertising campaigns along with the profitability of your products. This program will help you think like an innovator, test your ability to work with a team, and push you to develop your leadership capabilities.
ACA’s Global Leadership elective is an interactive, dynamic course designed to help young individuals develop the essential skills and mindset to become effective, confident leaders. Through a combination of discussions, hands-on exercises, and real-world case studies, students will explore key leadership concepts such as communication, teamwork, decision-making, and conflict resolution.
ACA students will engage in activities that challenge them to think critically, collaborate with peers, and lead with empathy and integrity. The forum will also delve into the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and resilience in leadership roles. By the completion of the program, students will have developed a personalized leadership style and the confidence to take on leadership opportunities in school, extracurricular activities, communities and beyond.
From skyscrapers downtown to the homes in your neighborhood, real estate drives our cities and communities. But what does it take to succeed in buying, selling, and managing property? Explore how real estate professionals evaluate markets, negotiate deals, and invest wisely to grow wealth. You’ll also learn about trends in housing, commercial property, and technology that’s reshaping the industry. If you’re curious about business, finance, and the power of property, this course will give you a firsthand look at the world of real estate. Start building your foundation today!
ACA’s Debate & Public Speaking elective is an engaging seminar-style course designed to help students build confidence and master the art of persuasive communication. Through structured debates, speech practice, and interactive exercises, students will develop the skills to speak clearly, argue effectively, and present their ideas with impact and conviction.
ACA students will learn key debate strategies, speechwriting techniques, and how to engage an audience, all while refining their critical thinking, listening, and teamwork abilities. Whether preparing for a debate competition or delivering a speech in front of a crowd, this course equips students with the tools they need to communicate persuasively and confidently.
From surgeons in the operating room to researchers developing life-saving treatments, the medical field offers endless possibilities. But what does it really take to work in healthcare? How do doctors, nurses, and specialists train for their roles, and what new frontiers are being shaped by technology and innovation? This elective will explore current hot topics including medical ethics, health care costs, health disparities, biomedical research, and the importance of maintaining personal wellness and mental health. If you’re curious about helping people, solving complex problems, and making an impact on the future of health, this elective will give you a firsthand look into the wide world of medicine. Start exploring your path today!
From towering skyscrapers to cozy homes, architecture shapes the spaces where we live, work, and play. But what makes a building more than just walls and a roof? Explore how architects combine creativity, engineering, and design to turn ideas into real-world structures. You’ll learn about design principles, sustainable building practices, and the role of technology in modern architecture. If you’re curious about creating spaces that inspire and function, this course will give you a hands-on look at the art and science of architecture. Start building your vision today!
Everyone knows that a good diet and plenty of exercise are the keys to good health, but what’s going to work best for you? Are you a vegetarian yogi or a protein-pounding weight lifter? Whatever your well-being interest, this course will help you balance mind, body and spirit, discussing progressive fitness techniques and intelligent approaches to nutrition.
Or choose up to 2 electives running from 9:30am - 12:45pm
Get ready for an action-packed course full of adventure, exploration, and staying active! Set against the scenic backdrop of Ann Arbor or Madison’s historic waterfront, parks, and nearby trails, this course gives students the chance to dive into thrilling outdoor activities while building leadership and teamwork skills. Whether you’re paddling a canoe, kayaking down the river, or testing your rock-climbing skills, this course is perfect for any outdoor enthusiast ready to take on new challenges and make the most of the great outdoors..
These intensive course builds the skills you need to improve your college admissions test scores. Offering complete diagnostic evaluations each week, students will get the practice they need to prepare for either of these challenging exams. Intensive classroom instruction will help students prepare for all test sections, which can be the key to decreasing test anxiety, increasing test preparedness and maximizing test performance. The full ACT review includes all books, diagnostic exams and classroom materials.
This course focuses on the skills you need to improve your SAT score. Offering three complete SAT diagnostic exams, students will receive the practice they need to prepare for this challenging exam. In addition to practice tests, intensive classroom instruction will focus on helping students tackle all three sections of the test (math, reading and writing). This complete SAT review includes all books, diagnostic exams and classroom materials. It can be the key to your best SAT performance! Supplemental fee: $795
* A supplemental supply or lab fee will apply.
Your Home in Ann Arbor and Madison
With ACA, you stay in style, enjoying the finest residence accommodations of any pre-college summer program. ACA’s residence hall features deluxe rooms complete with wifi, linen service and, of course, air conditioning! You’ll also like the state-of-the- art workout facility. Plus, their lounge areas and study rooms make it easy and fun to hang out with friends. And rest easy, because the front-desk staff and ACA office is on-site to ensure your safety 24 hours a day.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the on-campus dining facility feature a wonderful choice of kitchen-fresh entrees, a selection of side dishes, fruit, vegetables, salad bar, beverage bar, desserts, and fresh-baked breads and pastries. On weekends and occasional weeknights, you’ll be able to take advantage of ACA’s exclusive Dining-on-the-Town-Plan. It lets you choose great dining-out options at a variety of ACA-selected restaurants – and it’s included in your tuition! Your tuition includes includes three meals Monday to Friday and brunch & dinner on weekends.
Around Town & Beyond
- Shop along Main Street and State Street, home to unique boutiques, quirky shops, and local favorites.
- Take in the beauty of the Wisconsin State Capitol with panoramic views of the city.
- Catch a Madison Mallards baseball games
- Foodies will love sampling Madison’s diverse dining scene, from farm-to-table restaurants to quirky food carts.
- Stroll along the Huron River and Lake Mendota, enjoy the scenic views, or kayak or paddleboard for a summer adventure.
- End the day with a sweet treat from Blank Slate Creamery, famous for their cookies and pastries.
- Grab lunch at Zingerman’s, one of Ann Arbor’s most iconic spots famous for its freshly baked bread and gourmet sandwiches.
- Experience the creativity and energy of the Ann Arbor Art Fair, one of the largest and most celebrated art fairs in the country.
- Catch the excitement of a Detroit Tigers game at Comerica Park!
- Play a game of Ultimate Frisbee or relax in the sun at Madison’s Memorial Union Terrace, complete with its famous colorful chairs and lakeside views and at Ann Arbor’s Nichols Arboretum (“The Arb”).
- For science-lovers, explore the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History or the Museum of Natural History planetarium for hands-on exhibits.
- Take in the campus atmosphere by walking through Central Campus, visiting landmarks like The Diag, or enjoying the vibrant student life and outdoor art installations around town.
- Try your hand at adventure with laser tag, bowling, mini golf, or escape rooms around Ann Arbor.
- Sunset hikes, karaoke nights, bowling, laser tag, mini golf, ultimate Frisbee, bonfires and more exciting activities and events are all part of your summer with ACA!
Staying in Shape
You’ll have access to state-of-the-art athletic facilities including the fitness center, weight rooms, running tracks, basketball courts, outdoor playing fields, and more.
If you’d prefer some fresh air, the campus is surrounded by scenic running and cycling paths. Outdoor tennis courts, volleyball courts and plenty of other options are sure to keep you busy. Of course, a game of touch football or a little Frisbee is always a campus classic. Just make sure to pack your workout gear!
Weekend Adventures
Complete your experience with exciting weekend adventures with ACA!
July 11 & 12 Weekend: Big 10 College Tour
Indiana University
Get an extended taste of Big 10 campus life, spending one night IU! You’ll get a great sense of what daily life is like on this powerhouse campus, from academic aspects and athletic pride to student diversions and social events.
Ohio State University
Cedar Point Amusement Park
Check out The Roller-Coaster Capital of the World! We’re not kidding – this is the world’s largest amusement ride park. And when it comes to satisfying roller-coaster fans, this place is the best – featuring 15 serious scream machines! Got a queasy stomach? Don’t worry, there are plenty of rides designed for people who prefer to go slower.
July 18 & 19 Weekend: Travel to Madison
Milwaukee
Soak up the sun at Bradford Beach — perfect for swimming, volleyball, or just hanging out by Lake Michigan. Then head to the Milwaukee Public Market to grab tasty eats, sweet treats, and check out all the cool local vendors. It’s the ultimate combo of beach vibes and city fun!
Wisconsin Dells
Dive into the fun at the Wisconsin Dells, the ultimate summer hotspot for teens! Known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” the Dells is packed with epic water slides, lazy rivers, and giant wave pools — perfect for an all-day adventure with friends. When you’re ready for a break from the water, you can hit up go-karts, mini golf, roller coasters, and tons of arcades. Add in the awesome downtown vibe with candy shops and souvenir stores, and the Dells is the perfect mix of thrills, laughs, and summer memories.
July 25 & 26 Weekend: Windy City Weekend In Chicago
Northwestern University
Enjoy a full tour of this beautiful Big 10 campus, situated on the shores of Lake Michigan.
The Bean
Snap the ultimate selfie at The Bean in Chicago! This giant, shiny sculpture reflects the city skyline and everyone around it — making it one of the coolest photo ops in the world. Hang out with friends, capture some awesome pics for your feed, and soak in the vibes of Millennium Park.
Art Institute or Shedd Aquarium
Based on your interest, you’ll either take in the world-renowned collection at the famed Art Institute or enjoy the depth of aquatic life showcased at the Shedd Aquarium.
Michigan Avenue/Oak Street
Niketown, Bloomingdale’s, Aritzia, Zara, Reformation – all the finest shops are right here on Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile.
Chicago River Architecture Tour
See Chicago from a whole new angle on a Chicago River Architecture Tour! Cruise along the river and take in the city’s most iconic skyscrapers while learning the stories behind their design. With open-air decks perfect for photos, these tours mix history, architecture, and stunning skyline views — all from the water.
Navy Pier
Eat, shop and play at this modern mall and entertainment complex – built right on a genuine Chicago landmark (which happens to be out in the water). Make sure you check out the awesome Omnimax Theater for a 360-degree cinematic experience!
Chicago-style Pizza Dinner
This deep-dish style is famous the world over. Get ready to chow down with your new friends! If pizza is not your bag, don’t be concerned – we also offer an all-you-can-eat soup and salad bar.
Weekend Adventures are weather and schedule permitting.
Program Specifics
Program start: Fly to Michigan
We recommend that students fly nonstop to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). There they will be met by ACA staff members, who will escort them to comfortable, air-conditioned shuttles for the short drive to Ann Arbor. We will provide designated times that you should fly into DTW where ACA staff will meet you at baggage claim.
Of course, parents are also welcome to drive students to ACA directly.
Please contact the ACA office for further information on any of these travel options.
Fly from Detroit to Madison
Students and staff members will fly from Detroit to Madison on Friday, July 17. This transportation is included in your tuition.
Return Home from Madison
Students will return home on July 31 from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD). Staff members will escort students in comfortable, air-conditioned shuttles for the two-hour drive from Madison. We will have designated outbound flight times for you to schedule. ACA staff will help you with check-in and stay at the airport until your flight takes off.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and select dinners at the on-campus dining facility feature a wonderful choice of kitchen-fresh entrees, a selection of side dishes, fruit, vegetables, salad bar, beverage bar, desserts, and fresh-baked breads and pastries. On weekends and occasional weeknights, you’ll be able to take advantage of ACA’s exclusive Dining-on-the-Town-Plan. It lets you choose great dining-out options at a variety of ACA-selected restaurants – and it’s included in your tuition! Your tuition includes includes three meals Monday to Friday and brunch & dinner on weekends.
With many options each day, we are able to accommodate most special dietary requests along with picky eaters. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you prior to program departure.
Roommates & Accommodations
Your home in Michigan is on-campus in the residence halls featuring en suite bathrooms. There are two students to a room and four students to a suite. All students fill out a detailed roommate questionnaire. Roommates are matched based on age and common interests. Of course, if you are traveling with a friend, you are able to room with each other.
Laundry
Each week, you will have the option to do self-service laundry at the residence hall or to utilize our laundry service.
What's Included
Your program tuition is all inclusive of lodging, breakfast, lunch and dinner during the week, breakfast and dinner on the weekend, 2 electives, activities as listed, and transportation from Ann Arbor to Madison. Not included is lunches on the weekend, snacks, personal spending money for souvenirs, laundry, airport transfers, and transportation to and from the program.
We also offer travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
We allow students to bring their cell phones. Please contact your cell carrier to set up an international plan which will enable calling and data plans when not on WiFi. The use of cellphones and other messaging devices are not allowed during classes.
Students will choose their electives as part of their pre-program kit in the spring.
ACA students are always within minutes of world-class medical services should an emergency occur. In the case of any accident or illness, ACA staff members accompany students to appropriate medical facilities and immediately notify parents or guardians. For non-emergencies, local doctors make house-calls to the hotels we stay at. The program director has each student’s medical history on file. We will contact parents when a doctor’s visit is necessary. Staff collect all prescription medication and will administer it to the students as prescribed.
All of our directors and counselors are at least 21 years of age. Having worked extensively with high school and middle school students in the past, they genuinely look forward to their summers with ACA. All staff go through in-depth training on ACA’s philosophy, policies, safety protocols, and procedures.
Each member of our team works tirelessly throughout the program, serving as a mentor, advisor and friend to all of our students. We work hard to create a warm, supportive family atmosphere, one in which ACA students are treated as young adults whose opinions and concerns truly matter.
Highlights
Photos
TestimonialS
What Alumni are Saying
"I had an awesome time on the program. The counselors were unbelievable, and the activities were amazing. The dorms were like hotel rooms. I met so many new people and had an excellent time. I couldn't have asked for a better summer!"
Ethan U.
New York
"The program far exceeded our son's expectations. He made wonderful friends, experienced living on a college campus, and had the time of his life. He can't wait to join ACA again next summer! Thank you!”
Beth and Richard S.
New York
"The best summer of my life was hands down ACA! I made friends of a lifetime and learned more than I could of imagined. I am not worried about my transition to college one bit, and I have ACA to thank for that.”
Alex G.
Florida
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