UC Berkeley
Summer Springboard program for high school students on the campus of UC Berkeley
Campus Overview
• Visit some of the most dynamic and innovative companies and organizations in Silicon Valley and across the Bay Area, such as Apple, Stanford University, and other institutions.
• Explore some of the most famous landmarks in San Francisco: The Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, Fisherman's Wharf, and more!
• Cheer on the San Francisco Giants baseball team and enjoy America's favorite summer pastime.
• Have fun at California's Great America amusement park featuring Gold Striker, a top-ranked wooden roller coaster.
Residential Tuition:
$5,798
Commuter Tuition:
$3,198
Session 1:
June 16, 2024
June 28, 2024
(classes will be held on Juneteenth)
Session 2:
June 23, 2024
July 5, 2024
(classes will be held on July 4th)
Session 3:
June 30, 2024
July 12, 2024
(classes will be held on July 4th)
Session 4:
July 7, 2024
July 19, 2024
Session 5:
July 14, 2024
July 26, 2024
Session 6:
July 21, 2024
August 2, 2024
University of California at Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
Testimonials
Academic Courses
At Summer Springboard we believe learning should be inspiring and interactive. We have worked hard to design courses, field trips and guest lectures that reflect the resources of the Berkeley area. Whenever possible, classes are held outdoors, on-site or in a lab-type setting to allow students as many ’hands on’ opportunities as possible. Field trips and guest speakers take the learning experience beyond the classroom and leverage all that the Bay Area has to offer.
In addition to our academic morning courses, students spend the afternoon either in electives (i.e. College Admissions, Digital Marketing, Athletics, Life Skills and Community Service) or doing our True You program which explores elements of one's real self including strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities.
3D CAD Design & Rapid Prototyping

This course will introduce students to 3D CAD design and fast prototyping using a 3D printer that they will make to take home with them. Students will learn how to design products using Autodesk Fusion360 and then build a Creality Ender Pro V2 3D printer. They will also learn how to use the 3D printer for fast prototyping, review, and improvements of their designs. The course will cover the principles of 3D CAD design, including design methodology, geometric modeling, and assembly modeling. Students will also learn the fundamentals of 3D printing, including how to select and maintain a 3D printer, materials, and printing techniques.
Advanced Engineering and IoT

Every “thing” around us is getting smarter because of the exploding field of the Internet of Things, also known as IoT. This technology brings people, processes, data and things together to make networked connections to everything. Smart thermostats, doorbells, refrigerators, cars, and more are connecting to the Internet and fueling this fast-growing industry. In this course, students will experience hands-on learning and work with many IoT projects and devices. Students will get an introduction to the various applications for IoT and the processes involved with developing products using IoT. They will learn about sensors, wireless communication, scripting, and security. Go beyond the fundamentals of engineering and work on real-world projects in this fascinating field.
Architecture

Are you considering a career in architecture or design? Are you working on your college application and portfolio? Or are you simply curious about what it is like to be an architect?
The Summer Springboard architecture course for high school students introduces architectural ideas, design principles, and methods of exploring problems of the built environment in a collaborative studio setting. While working on a design project you will learn about the academic path to an architectural degree, the day-to-day work of an architect, and the career opportunities.
Excursions at UC Berkeley – Students in this program have had the opportunity to visit some of San Francisco’s top architectural firms including: Studio Sarah Wilmer, Aidlin Darling Design, and Studio O+A. Students have also had the opportunity to explore the concept of mimetic design with a culminating project that was set in the natural beauty of Inspiration Point in the Tilden Regional Park.
Biology

Are you curious about the life sciences and different branches of biology? This course will immerse students in the study of the building blocks of life – cells! You will explore the mysteries of genetics and DNA while investigating the intricate relationship between organisms and their environments. Your instructor will guide you through how to collect data, learn about conservation, and experience hands-on learning and research using the scientific method.
In this course, students will gain an overview of biology and its branches of study. Students will participate in hands-on activities that will demonstrate cell structure and function, and microscopy techniques. They will explore cell biology, genetics and DNA, evolution and adaptation, and have an introduction to microbiology through the study of microorganisms, bacteria and microbes. Students will be exposed to professionals in the industry in order to explore academic majors and career pathways in this exciting field.
Biotechnology

Are you interested in medicine, science and technology? Is your goal to create a life saving drug? This is a unique opportunity for high school students to gain real exposure and hands-on experience working in a state-of-the-art science lab utilizing advanced equipment. The goal of this program is to provide students intensive laboratory experience relevant to the biotechnology field, and to understand fundamental chemical processes common in prokaryotic and eukaryotic biology, and classical and molecular genetics with an emphasis on gene expression and genetic engineering.
Your lab time will take place at a brand new science center equipped with the latest technology and equipment, so you’ll be among the first to have hands-on experience working with these cutting-edge instruments in a laboratory environment.
Business & Entrepreneurship

Students will learn firsthand from business veterans about starting and running a business. Over the course of the program, they will develop a plan for a new venture and pitch their idea to real world investors. Along the way, meet with leaders from different areas of business and finance.
Excursions at UC Berkeley – Excursions at UC Berkeley – Students in this program have visited the Salesforce Tower, Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, and Bay Area start up businesses such as trustlab, an online safety and compliance solution, and Circuit Launch, a shared electronic and prototype lab for startups. In past years, students have visited Facebook, the Better Business Bureau, The Cheese Board Collective and other businesses.
Computer Science

This program challenges students to think critically and creatively about today’s most pressing technology-related questions. Students will be exposed to the whole cycle of product development from database architecture and APIs to debugging. The curriculum is tailor-made to the skills of each individual student so beginner, intermediate, and advanced students are all welcome.
Excursions at UC Berkeley – Last year, students got the opportunity to visit technology companies such as Thunkable and Google Geo Education. Thunkable staff members described their scholastic and career journeys and the different responsibilities that they have with the team. Nearly all of the employees are graduate and undergraduate students at MIT and worked on the original MIT App Inventor project. Students also got a behind the scenes tour of Google, where they heard an insightful talk from the Google Earth Education Team.
Fundamentals of Engineering

Engineering is one of the top desired careers in many companies. These businesses are always in need of creative minds that can problem solve on their feet and help the company save money, solve issues, and expand their reach. If you are considering a career in Engineering, this course will help you explore what it takes to be an engineer. We will explore facets of mechanical, structural, civil, and electrical engineering in a hands-on, minds-on approach.
Excursions at UC Berkeley – Students in this program have visited Circuit Launch, an innovative shared electronic and prototype lab, woodshop and additive manufacturing facility, the Chabot Space Center/NASA Ames Visitor Center, and Intel headquarters.
Ecology & Environmental Studies at UC Berkeley

Our program in Ecology & Environmental Science offers an interdisciplinary look at issues pertaining to ecology and sustainability, without focusing on the scientific side. Focusing on how humans impact the environment, this course gives students the tools to gain a broader understanding of the growing number of issues that affect our environment. Blessed with miles of coastline, students will also have the unique opportunity to study the Bay Area’s diverse ecosystems. Showing various career paths, from environmental science to ecological agriculture, this course gives students a better understanding of the science, management, and policy of environmental conservation.
Economics

Discover how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions about the use of scarce resources in a world of unlimited wants and needs, and what implications economic issues can cause, such as tax and inflation, interest rates and wealth, inequality and emerging markets, and energy and the environment. The Economics course will provide the structure required to understand the way our world operates, from the choices we make in our everyday lives to how businesses or governments achieve their desired objectives.
Emergency Medicine

Our summer medical program for high school students gives you a 360 degree view of the medical and healthcare field, as well as immersive learning through hands-on projects and simulations.
Excursions at UC Berkeley – In past years, students went to the KANBAR Simulation Center, which supports UCSF’s educational mission of teaching, learning, and assessment through simulation recreating routine and complex situations. Additionally, students received a behind the scenes tour of Berkeley Fire Department #3 and met with their EMT staff who shared about career opportunities in emergency response and provided a tour of an ambulance. All of the students also receive the requirements to receive their Red Cross Adult CPR certification.
Math for Machine Learning

Students in this course will be introduced to the fundamental mathematical concepts that underpin machine learning. They will learn how to use math to design algorithms and select parameters, as well as the use of data analytics to analyze, visualize and interpret data.
Some prior coding experience would be helpful.
Psychology & Neuroscience

Through psychology simulations and hands-on neurology workshops, you will explore the relationships between the brain and human behavior. Whether you are interested in the physical aspect of the brain and central nervous system or more intrigued by human behavior and thought processes, connect with professionals that have a background in both psychology and neuroscience.
Excursions at UC Berkeley – students will visit the Action & Consciousness Lab and other labs at SFSU.
Pre-Med

Are you considering a future in medicine, but unsure about your specific path? Dive into an engaging program designed to help you explore the diverse options within the medical field. Throughout this course, students will gain firsthand exposure to a range of medical specialties, including cardiology, radiology, orthopedics, and more. You’ll also hear about the intricacies of entering medical school, preparing for entrance exams, planning your medical residency, and the vital role of scientific inquiry and curiosity in your journey to becoming a medical professional. Interact with experienced doctors, medical students, and residents while immersing yourself in the multifaceted world of medicine.
Physics & Quantum Computing at Berkeley

Quantum computing is going to revolutionize the field of technology over the next decade. What is quantum computing? It is a rapidly-emerging technology that harnesses the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that are too complex for classical computers. The tools being used in this field were just imagination three decades ago. Superconducting quantum processors are being designed by companies like IBM to build superconducting quantum processors that will supply quantum computing speed and capacity that will change the world. This course will help prepare the next generation of students with the quantum knowledge and skills. This course will introduce key quantum computing concepts, like superposition and entanglement. Students will also explore quantum phenomena and applications. They will learn from curriculum designed by leading experts in academia and the quantum computing industry.
Middle School Business

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. The program culminates in a Shark Tank-style pitch presentation with industry veterans as their potential mock investors.
Middle School Coding

This program will introduce students to computer programming and develop foundational coding skills. Students will apply fundamental building blocks of programming languages including, variables/arrays, conditionals, loops, and functions to solve problems and create algorithms.
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.
Excursions at UC Berkeley – All students visit the UCSF KANBAR simulation center for hands-on practice in stitching, suturing, intubation, and BLS skills led by leading medical trainers. In addition to being CPR certified, students in this program have also had either the opportunity to meet the Emergency Response team at Berkeley Fire Dept #3 for an ambulance tour or have access to an Anatomage Table, the most technologically advanced 3D anatomy visualization and virtual dissection tool for anatomy and physiology education.
Middle School Psychology

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.
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 staff.
Berkeley, California
As is true in most college towns, UC Berkeley is the community's arts and culture center. During your 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.
California's Great America
California's Great America is a 100-acre amusement park located in Santa Clara. The park has appeared in 1994 films Beverly Hills Cop III and Getting Even with Dad. One of its most notable attractions, Gold Striker, has been featured as a top-ranked wooden roller coaster in Amusement Today's annual Golden Ticket Awards publication.
San Francisco & Golden Gate Bridge
What better way to explore a city than a scavenger hunt around San Francisco. As students travel through the city, they are tasked to take photos and some famous landmarks: Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square, Ghirardelli Square, and a cable car!
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: Google, Facebook, Intel, Salesforce Tower, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, UCSF KANBAR Simulation Center and more.
Student Life
Your home with Summer Springboard @ Berkeley will be actual university dormitories located on the edge of this vibrant and beautiful campus.
Housing
Just like a college student at UC Berkeley, 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 at Berkeley. 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. Cal security is on 24-hour patrol and available to any student that may need assistance during the Berkeley 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 university 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.
Breakfast
Academic Course
Lunch
Free Time/Bus Loading
Recreational Activity or Academic Excursion
Enrichment Elective
Free Time
Commuter Students Depart
Dinner
Evening Activities
Free Time
Dorm Checks
Note: Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners. Universities and their affiliated departments are not responsible for the Summer Springboard program in any way.