Summer Springboard
ON THE CAMPUS OF
Berkeley
Middle School
A PRE-COLLEGE SUMMER PROGRAM FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS ON THE CAMPUS OF BERKELEY
Program Highlights
- Live on the UC Berkeley campus and experience real college dorm life.
- Explore diverse academic tracks designed just for middle schoolers, from Medicine to Business and beyond.
- Gain hands-on skills through labs, projects, and interactive activities.
- Explore Bay Area attractions with educational excursions and cultural outings.
- Pitch ideas, design projects, or conduct experiments with expert guidance.
- Build confidence, independence, and friendships in a supportive middle school community.
Summer Springboard on the campus of
Berkeley - Middle School
Campus Overview
At Summer Springboard, we believe learning should be inspiring and interactive. We have carefully designed courses, field trips and guest lectures that harness the rich resources of the Berkeley area.
Whenever possible, we hold classes outdoors, on-site or in a lab-type setting to provide students with abundant ’hands on’ learning opportunities. Our field trips and guest speakers take the learning experience beyond traditional classrooms, leveraging everything the Bay Area has to offer.
Students begin their days with engaging academic courses, then spend their afternoons in many enriching activities: academic skills labs, off-site excursions to the Lawrence Hall of Science, Berkeley campus tours, and our Middle School “True You” program.
This signature program helps students explore their authentic selves through guided discovery of their strengths, values, and interests. In the evenings, students develop socially and bond through engaging group activities like: cupcake social, team flag painting, scavenger hunts, Kahoot competitions, karaoke sessions, Jackbox games, talent show performances, game nights, and more.
RESOURCES
Apply Now
Click here to begin your application for this campus-based program.
Download Infosheet
Click here to view or download the printable infosheet for this campus.
Request a Catalog
Click here to request our catalog to learn more about our campuses and courses.
Schedule a Call
Click here to schedule a call with our Admissions Team during a day and time that is most convenient for you.
View Campus Brochure
Click here to check out the digital brochure for this campus and find out everything this location has to offer.
Watch Campus Video
Click here to navigate to YouTube and watch our short video detailing our summer program on this campus for teens.
Summer Springboard on the campus of
Berkeley - Middle School
Dates & Tuition
| 2025 Dates |
|---|
| Session 1: July 6 – July 11, 2025 |
| Session 2: July 13 – July 18, 2025 |
| Session 3: July 20 – July 25, 2025 |
| Session 3: July 27 – August 1, 2025 |
Click here to enroll in this program using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition |
|---|
| Residential Tuition: $2,898 |
| Commuter Tuition: $1,498 |
| Application Fee: $99+ |
Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.
| Location |
|---|
| City: Berkeley |
| State: California |
| Campus: UC Berkeley |
*Learn more about our campus partners and their relationship to our programs.
One-Week Summer Program
Residential Students
- Includes: all meals, lodging, excursions, academic course, weekend excursions
- Excludes: optional airport pickup and drop-off service (available for an additional fee)
Commuter Students
- Includes: lunch, academic course, excursions, programming from 9am to 5pm, Monday-Friday
- Excludes: lodging, breakfast, dinner, weekend excursions (can be added on for $125 per day)
Supplements
- $250 tuition extra (mandatory) for the Medicine course
Summer Springboard on the campus of
Berkeley - Middle School
Academic Courses
Middle School Architecture
Students in this program will be introduced to the creative world of architecture through Berkeley’s rich architectural tapestry, where every building tells a story.
Budding architects will explore design principles, sustainability, and the relationship between buildings and community. With sketchpad in hand, students take on a design project of their own while practicing field drawing and quick sketching. They’ll develop spatial thinking, creative problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of the built environment. The program supports all skill levels, fostering growth and encouraging each student’s unique architectural vision.
Middle School Astronomy: Space Explorers
Journey through the cosmos in this program that explores the wonders of astronomy and develops an understanding of our solar system. The program integrates mathematics, physics, and planetary geology while students learn about orbital mechanics, study astronomical distances, and investigate the conditions necessary for extraterrestrial life.
Young astronomers will strengthen their scientific reasoning through studies of plantary atmospheres, meteor composition, and the effects of solar wind on our planet’s magnetic field. Come learn about space exploration and astronomical phenomena through curated activities and a visit to the local planetarium and NASA Ames Visitor Center.
Middle School Business & Entrepreneurship
Students in this program will become part of a new company they devise and will work in teams on various aspects of the new business. They will dive into the world of business and learn how companies work.
Students will explore the secrets of making things, telling people about them, and selling them. They will get a chance to hear stories from entrepreneurs who have started small and made it big. The program culminates in a Shark Tank-style pitch presentation.
Middle School Medicine
This program provides middle school students interested in pursuing medicine with real hands-on experience where they can build a set of medical skills at an early age.
Imagine being able to set a splint, stop a bleed, and perform CPR as a middle school student! Students will learn medical techniques through age-appropriate simulations and guided lessons. In addition, they’ll work with small groups to research a patient’s history and symptoms, create a diagnosis based on findings, and develop a treatment plan.
Middle School Psychology & Neuroscience
This program is a jam-packed week for middle school students interested in being introduced to the field of psychology.
This program offers students who are interested in pursuing a career in psychology and neuroscience an exploration of how psychologists study and understand how people work.
Students will explore social dynamics, emotions, personality, the nature of beliefs and the relationship between the mind, brain and body.
Summer Springboard on the campus of
Berkeley - Middle School
Activities & Trips
Since we are based in Berkeley, San Francisco and Silicon Valley are also at our doorstep. We will explore the world-class resources of the entire region to expose you to one of the most innovative and exciting areas in the entire world.
Additionally, we’ll enjoy the fun attractions in the vicinity. All excursions are fully supervised by Summer Springboard Middle School program staff.
Berkeley, California
As is true in most college towns, Berkeley is the East Bay community’s arts and culture center. During free time, you’ll have time to explore the area around downtown Berkeley. Enjoy locally-sourced inspiration wherever you turn: scenic parks, famous stages, and renowned restaurants, including the very popular, Cream Berkeley, for delicious, handcrafted ice cream!
Track-Specific Excursions
In order to take full advantage of everything the Bay Area offers, each academic program may also take subject matter specific excursions to help round out the student experience. Previous visits have included some of the most dynamic and innovative companies and organizations in Silicon Valley and across the Bay Area, such as UCSF KANBAR Center for Simulation and Clinical Skills, Boichik Bagel Factory, Chabot Space & Science Center, NASA Ames Visitor Center, Exploratorium, Jelly Belly Factory, Berkeley Fire Department #3, and other institutions.
Summer Springboard on the campus of
Berkeley - Middle School
Student Life
Get a head start on college life by immersing yourself in the vibrant student experience at Berkeley during your Summer Springboard program. From enjoying delicious meals in the dining hall to settling into your university dormitory, you’ll get an authentic taste of campus living. Explore Berkeley’s picturesque grounds, meet fellow students, and soak up the inspiring energy of this diverse and dynamic community.
Whether you’re a residential student enjoying evening events or a commuter taking part in daily campus activities and social gatherings, your Summer Springboard experience will be full of fun and memorable moments. Both options offer unique chances to connect, grow, and build lasting friendships. Get ready to create your own unforgettable college story at Berkeley!
TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE
8:00am Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast with your fellow students as you get ready to start your day on-program. Most meals will be in the on-campus dining hall.
9:00am Academic Course
Take part in your selected academic course. This college-style learning experience is designed to give high school students hands-on exposure to a specific field of study.
12:00pm Lunch
Enjoy lunch in the campus dining hall, which offers a wide variety of fresh and flavorful options. The menu is designed to accommodate all kinds of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, and common food allergies—ensuring every student can find something satisfying and safe to eat while connecting with friends over a great meal.
1:30pm Recreational Activity or Academic Excursion
At Summer Springboard at Berkeley, academic excursions are off-campus field trips that connect directly to each course, giving students real-world insight into their chosen field. Recreational activities offer fun and social ways to unwind, explore the area, and build friendships through beach outings, campus games, local attractions, and more. Together, these experiences enrich both learning and student life in a vibrant, hands-on way.
3:30pm Academic Skills Lab
Students will participate in academic skill labs, where they’ll have extra time to develop their final projects. Whether preparing for a mock trial or refining their business pitches, this dedicated time allows them to collaborate and bring their ideas to life.
5:00pm Free Time
Students enjoy structured free time between Academic Skills Lab and dinner, with opportunities to relax, play games, or socialize with friends.
6:00pm Commuter Students Depart
For those students that have selected the commuter option, they will depart campus for the day while residential students prepare for dinner and evening activities.
6:00pm Dinner
It’s been a long, eventful day! It’s time to head to the dining hall or other dining location and eat well to restore your energy reserves before taking part in clubs or other nighttime activities.
7:00pm Evening Actvities for Residential Students
In the evenings, residential students participate in fun, supervised activities such as talent shows, trivia nights, and karaoke. These activities build community, encourage teamwork, and give students a chance to relax after a full day.
8:30pm Back in the Dorm
All students return to the dorms by 8:30pm to wind down and prepare for the next day.
9:30pm Mentor Check-In for Residential Students
Residential students will turn in for the night to rest in their dorm rooms and get ready for the big day ahead tomorrow.
Housing
Just like a college student, students share a dorm room with roommates and use a common bathroom. Floors are gender-segregated and rooms contain an extra-long twin size bed, desks, drawers, mirror and a closet.
Your Summer Springboard staff (mentor) will live on your hall floor to create a community, provide support, plan activities and help you get the most out of your stay. Other members of the Summer Springboard staff also live on campus and are available to support students and tackle emergencies, 24 hours a day.
Security
All dormitories have 24-hour security and use electronic keys to enter each building and dorm room. Security is on 24-hour patrol and available to any student that may need assistance during the summer program for high school students.
Facilities
Your dormitory is part of a complex of buildings around a courtyard. Each building has laundry facilities, lounges and high speed wireless internet throughout.
The program is committed to providing a healthy, smoke-free environment for students, faculty and staff. Accordingly, no smoking is permitted in student rooms or inside buildings, including lounges and balconies.
Dining
Most meals on campus will be at the local dining hall, conveniently located near our dormitory. We can accommodate diets such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, or specific food allergies.
Summer Springboard on the campus of
Berkeley - Middle School
Testimonials
Please note that activities, courses and other items on the itinerary for this program are subject to change. This video may reflect an older version of this program. Please refer to the program infosheet and this website page for the most up-to-date information on this campus-based program.
“The experience was very fun. The classes were well prepared and organized. The excursions planned were cool as well. Overall, the experience of this camp was amazing!”
– Alexis W. | Alumni Student
“It was fun to have independence and explore Berkeley. I enjoyed the food, learning about health and medicine, meeting new people, and exploring different career options. It was long but time always flew by extremely fast. I 10/10 would recommend!”
– Lelu S. | Alumni Student
“It was a nice experience and the excursion to the Kanbar center was definitely the best excursion. The teachers were great and I got a good insight into cpr and emergency medicine.”
– Medha A. | Alumni Student
*Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners (with the exception of Cal Poly and NYSID which are run in partnership with SSB). Universities and their affiliated departments and partners do not control and are not responsible or liable in any manner for any part of the Summer Springboard program.