Berkeley
Summer Springboard program for high school students in Berkeley
Campus Overview
• Visit some of the most dynamic and innovative companies and organizations in Silicon Valley and across the Bay Area, such as Google, Tesla, Netflix, 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!
• Take the Blue & Gold Ferry across the San Francisco Bay to the historic SF Ferry Building along the beautiful Embarcadero.
• Have fun at California's Great America amusement park featuring Gold Striker, a top-ranked wooden roller coaster.
Residential Tuition:
$5,998
Commuter Tuition:
$3,298
Session 1:
June 15, 2025
June 27, 2025
(classes will be held on Juneteenth)
Session 2:
June 22, 2025
July 4, 2025
Session 3:
June 29, 2025
July 11, 2025
(classes will be held on July 4th)
Session 4:
July 6, 2025
July 18, 2025
Session 5:
July 13, 2025
July 25, 2025
Session 6:
July 20, 2025
August 1, 2025
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 College Readiness Workshops (Speaking with Confidence, Finance 101, Leadership and College Admissions ), participating in academic excursions or doing our True You program which explores elements of one's real self including strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities.
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 – 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.
Biotechnology at Berkeley
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.
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 – Last summer in Berkeley, students had the opportunity to visit Bay Area businesses like Netflix, Autodesk Gallery, Maker Nexus, Planet Renu, Shuggie’s Trash Pie, and Pet Experts. Students were also treated to an inspiring and informative career panel of CEOs, producers, and entrepreneur consultants who provided invaluable insights on the journey to becoming an entrepreneur in a wide variety of industries.
Chemical Engineering
According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, chemical engineering is poised for faster than average growth. Chemical engineering integrates and synthesizes knowledge from multiple disciplines like chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics and engineering to solve complex problems in a broad array of industries such as, energy, environment, and consumer products. For this reason, students interested in pursuing this field are actively sought by industrial enterprises, governmental agencies, and academic institutions. Students in this program will explore the complex processes involved with chemical transformations and separations. They will evaluate chemical reactions, process design, energy systems, and environmental engineering. Through a blend of lectures, hands-on experiments, industry visits and/or a guest speaker, and team-based projects, students will gain insight into this exciting field of study.
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 – 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.
Design Thinking & 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.
Ecology & Environmental Studies in Berkeley
The Ecology & Environmental Science course integrates knowledge and methodologies from various biophysical and social science disciplines to understand and address complex environmental issues. With the recognition that environmental science is inherently interdisciplinary, the course will draw upon biology, chemistry, physics, and ecology, as well as psychology, communications, education, economics, and policy studies to understand humanity’s impact on the environment and the complexity that goes into developing truly sustainable solutions. This interdisciplinary approach is crucial for comprehensively studying and tackling the intricate web of interconnected environmental challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, which require a holistic understanding that transcends the boundaries of individual scientific fields.
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 – 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 complete the requirements to receive their Red Cross Adult & Child CPR certification.
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 – 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.
Neurobiology
This course offers students a comprehensive introduction and exploration of neurobiology and the fascinating interdisciplinary study of neuroscience, the brain and nervous system. Students will explore “normal behavior” by dissecting the precise mechanisms the nervous system orchestrates thought, action, and emotion. Through a combination of lectures, interactive discussions, and hands-on activities, students will delve into the intricate world of molecules, cells, and the circuits that shape human behavior. From understanding developmental processes to examing the impacts of brain injury and disease, students will gain a holistic understanding of neurobiological principles while fostering a broader perspective on this fascinating field of research. Students will also explore the wide range of job prospects in neurobiology across many sectors including academic research, biotechology, drug discovery, clinical and medical settings, biomedical engineering, neuroinformatics and more.
Nursing at Berkeley
Nursing is the largest, the most diverse, and one of the most respected of all healthcare professions. Nursing employment is expected to increase by 9% by 2030, post-pandemic, progressively more students have been considering this career path. Nurses are responsible for providing primary health care and specialty services to individuals, families, and communities. Discover the diverse career opportunities and what a day in the life of a nurse looks like. During the program, students will learn the fundamental concepts of caring and gain an interesting perspective on how patient care is provided.
Pediatrics
Does your budding physician have an interest in diagnosing, treating, and caring for adolescents, children, and infants? Pediatricians are trained to diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries for children from infancy to young adulthood. While they perform many similar tasks to that of a general physician, pediatricians are specially trained in diagnosing and treating problems specific to young patients. In this program, students will explore the specialty field of pediatric medicine. They will practice conducting patient physcial examinations, triaging pediatric emergency and hospital medicine cases, taking patient histories, and get infant and adolescent CPR/AED certified.
Physics & Quantum Computing
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.
Pre-Med at Berkeley
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.
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 – students will visit the Coginitive Psychophysiology Lab at SFSU, and hear from a distinguished guest speaker in the psychology profession.
Robotics
This intensive robotics program offers students a well-rounded introduction to robotics, covering everything from basic electronics and programming to advanced topics like computer vision and artificial intelligence. The program will also include meeting with professionals in the robust robotics industry in the Bay Area and Silicon Valley, giving students real-world exposure to robotics applications. Each day of the program builds upon the previous one, starting with foundational concepts and progressing to more complex topics. Students will have a series of hands on projects that are integrated throughout the course to reinforce learning and further develop practical skills.
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, 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, Tesla Fremont Factor, Intel, Thermo Fisher Scientific, UC Davis Simulation & Skills Lab, UCSF KANBAR Simulation Center, Netflix, 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, 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.
Breakfast
Academic Course
Lunch
Recreational Activity or Academic Excursion
College Readiness Workshop or True You
Commuter Students Depart/Break Time
Dinner
Clubs
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.