MADISON, Wis. -- A new science camp in Madison is giving some students exposure to careers in stem cell research.

This week some high school seniors, most from rural areas, were granted special access at the world-renowned stem cell research institute WiCell.

Inside some lab rooms at University Research Park on Rosa Road a first-ever program is teaming University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers and WiCell with curious high school students who have a passion for science.

"We're actually getting to work with stem cells, which is pretty cool," said Erik Siegenthaller of New Glarus High School.

Gabriella Cezar, a UW-Madison assistant professor and stem cell researcher, comma helped educate the students during the camp.

"They are seeing what very few high school students are able to see -- actually executing experiments and doing science with some of the best leaders in the world," Cezar said.

Camp participant Rachel Weeden goes to Marshall High School and said she is thinking about going into physical therapy.

"I've always been interested in science. It's definitely my favorite subject out of everything like math and English. They're not as much fun as getting to do things like this all the time," Weeden said.

The goal of the camp is not just to give students exposure to stem cells but also to increase interest in the burgeoning field and the workforce it needs, WISC-TV reported.

"It's really interesting and there's so much potential and so many different things you can do, and I'm really interested in getting into the subject. It's pretty cool, I'm excited," Siegenthaller said.

This is the first such stem-cell science camp funded by grant money from the UW's research arm, the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation.

WiCell said it hopes to get more grant money to expand the program next year.

Human embryonic stem cell research is a big part of the camp, but it's a smorgasbord of cutting edge science, offering students a taste of everything from nanotechnology to bioengineering.

WiCell already works closely with Madison schools and said the camp is a way to develop relationships in rural areas that could turn into careers for students statewide and get even more young minds thinking about the possibilities of their future.