Why Take Summer Classes at Southwest Tech?

  • Graduate Sooner! Earn credits now so you can lighten your load next semester or even graduate early. Summer classes help you stay ahead in your program!
  • Boost Your GPA! Smaller class sizes mean more one-on-one time with your instructor. Take advantage of personalized attention to improve your grades and master challenging subjects.
  • Flexible Learning Options! Busy with work, travel, or other commitments? Many courses are available online or in hybrid formats, so you can study when and where it works best for you.
  • Affordable & Cost-Saving! Get ahead for less! Summer courses can help you save on tuition costs and reduce the number of credits you need at a four-year institution.

    • Ready to Enroll? Explore available courses below!

Course offerings include:

  • General Education Courses

  • This summer, Southwest Tech is offering a focused set of university transfer courses designed to help students stay on track, explore majors, and save on tuition.
    All courses are aligned for transfer to UW System and many private universities. Students are encouraged to confirm transfer plans with their advisor.

    Health & Science Pathways

    (Ideal for nursing, pre-health, biology, and science majors)

    Face-to-Face


    Online


    Communication & Humanities

    (Core requirements at most four-year universities)


    Social & Behavioral Sciences

    (Common general education courses)


    Summer Session Schedule

    Dates: June 1 – August 1, 2026
    Break: No classes July 6 - 10

    Planning to Transfer?

    To ensure your credits apply to your intended major or university, we recommend connecting with an advisor before registering.
    Transferability can vary by institution and program.

    Have Questions about Classes or Registration?

    Email an Advisor

    Our advising team is happy to help you explore options, build your schedule, and confirm transfer pathways.

  • Welding Academy

  • Southwest Tech Summer Welding Academy – 2026

    The Summer Welding Academy provides fast, affordable, hands-on training for adults who want to enter or advance in the welding field. In just eight weeks, students gain in-demand skills, earn college credit, and connect with career opportunities. Thanks to workforce and state funding, most students qualify for significant tuition assistance.

    Ready to get started?

    Complete the Summer Welding Academy Pre-Qualification Form to explore your funding options.

    Not sure if this is right for you? Completing the form does not commit you to enrolling—it simply starts a conversation with your team.

    What is the Welding Academy?

    Southwest Tech’s Summer Welding Academy allows students to complete courses from the first two semesters of the Welding program, preparing them for multiple career pathways.

    Career Pathways

    • Workforce Entry: Begin working as an entry-level GMAW welder in regional manufacturing.
    • Further Education: Continue into Southwest Tech’s Welding Technical Diploma program.
    • Additional Credentials: Strengthen other technical programs such as Ag Power or Electro-Mechanical Technology with welding skills.

    Who Is This Program For?

    This academy is designed especially for adults who are:
    • Unemployed or underemployed
    • Changing careers
    • Recently laid off
    • Veterans
    • Looking for fast, affordable job training
    • Unable to attend a traditional semester program

    No prior welding experience is required.
    Others are welcome to apply even if they do not meet the criteria for funding. There are no eligibility requirements to take these classes.

    Program Overview

    • Dates: June 1 – July 30, 2026 (no classes July 6 - 9)
    • Length: 8 weeks
    • Credits Earned: 6 college credits
    • Format: In-person, hands-on instruction
    • Enrollment Cap: 14 students
    • Instructor: Gary Bakken
    • Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

    Courses

    June

    • Equipment Safety (31-442-310)
    • GMAW – Equipment (31-442-327)
    • Blueprint Reading – Welding 1 (32-442-308)

    July

    • GMAW – Carbon Steel (31-442-328)
    • Plasma Cutting and Gouging (31-442-313)
    • Fabricating (31-457-318)

    Students are encouraged to complete all six courses, but part-time enrollment is allowed.

    Worried About the Cost? We’re Here to Help.

    Thanks to workforce funding, students who complete the full academy receive 50% off all six classes. Some students who qualify may receive additional financial support that can cover the remaining cost.
    This additional support is often available to students who are:
    • Recently unemployed or laid off
    • Working but earning a low income
    • Veterans
    • Receiving public assistance
    • Changing careers after time in the workforce

    If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply early. Our team will work with you one-on-one to help you understand your options and find the support that fits your situation.

    Early Application Deadline: Friday, March 27, 2026

    Why the March 27 Deadline Matters

    Students who apply by March 27 can be reviewed for additional funding that may cover more of their tuition.
    Applying by this deadline allows our team time to:
    • Review your eligibility for extra financial support
    • Connect you with workforce partners
    • Help you apply for available funding
    • Answer your questions before classes begin

    Students who apply after March 27 will still receive 50% off tuition for the full academy, but additional funding opportunities may be limited.

    Industry & Career Connections

    Students receive career advising and job readiness support, including:
    • Resume and interview preparation
    • Connections to regional manufacturing employers
    • Assistance with job searches and placement

    What Students Receive

    Participants receive:
    • Professional welding instruction
    • Embedded adult education support
    • Career advising
    • Access to welding helmets, jackets, and gloves
    • Support with workforce funding applications

    Career Outcomes

    Graduates of the Summer Welding Academy are prepared for entry-level welding positions in regional manufacturing, including roles such as:
    • Production Welder
    • Fabrication Welder
    • MIG Welder

    Many students continue into Southwest Tech’s full Welding Technical Diploma to increase earning potential.

    Important Dates

    • Registration Opens: March 17, 2026
    • Early Sign-Up Deadline: Friday, March 27, 2026 (Required for full funding consideration)
    • Early Orientation: Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 8 a.m. - Noon
    • Regular Sign-Up Deadline: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
    • Regular Orientation: Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | 8 a.m. - Noon
    • Registration Closes: May 22, 2026

    Orientation attendance is required for enrollment.

    How to get started

    Step 1: Complete the Pre-Qualification Form
    This short form helps determine your eligibility for tuition assistance and workforce funding.
    Step 2: Watch for an Email with Next Steps
    After reviewing your form, our team will contact you with instructions to:
    • Apply to Southwest Tech
    • Schedule an advising appointment
    • Prepare for orientation
    Step 3: Meet with Your Advisor
    Your advisor will help you:
    • Finalize registration
    • Review funding options
    • Prepare for your first day
    • Answer your questions
    Step 4: Attend Orientation (Required)
    All students must attend one required orientation session before enrolling.

    Fill Out the Pre-Qualification Form Now

    Seats are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
    Early application is strongly encouraged.

    Apply with the Pre-Qualification Form.

  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

  • Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in just a few weeks!

    • Fast-track your entry into healthcare
    • Hands-on training with experienced instructors
    • High job demand in hospitals, clinics, and care facilities

    Start your healthcare journey now!

    Learn more at: www.swtc.edu/gocna

    Apply at: www.swtc.edu/apply

  • Summer English Language Learning Pre-College Program

  • Dates: June 15 – June 18

    Location: Southwest Tech

    Who's it for?
    High school and incoming college students

    What's it about?
    This program is designed to help students improve their English language skills before starting college. It includes 16 hours of ELL instruction aimed at providing learners with the tools they need to succeed in college and beyond. Participants will also enjoy fun activities planned throughout the week.

    Why attend?
    The faculty and staff at Southwest Tech are committed to helping students succeed. By attending this program, students can better prepare themselves for success in both college and their future careers.


    Interested in attending or know someone who is?

    Contact Chantel Hampton at 608-822-2658 or champton@swc.edu for more information

    Para hablar con alguien sobre el programa en español, contacte Danielle Carlson, 608-822-2325, dcarlson@swtc.edu.

  • 200-Hour Jail Academy, Wisconsin DOJ Certification

  • Launch your career in corrections this summer!

    • Meets Wisconsin Jail Officer Certification requirements
    • 160-hour academy taught by experienced instructors
    • Prepares you for immediate employment in county jails

    Start your healthcare journey now!

    Learn more at: 200-Hour Jail Academy

    Apply at: www.swtc.edu/apply

Housing

Housing options are available for General Education Courses, Welding Pathway Certificate, and Summer English Learning Pre-College Program.
For more information please Email Housing