UC San Diego

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 with industry veterans as their potential mock investors.

Roughly 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by our oceans, of which more than 80% remains unmapped, unobserved, and unexplored. There is a vast and diverse amount of marine life and ecosystems found in our oceans – those both discovered and researched and those still wading in the depths. Summer Springboard’s course in Marine Biology will offer students the opportunity to explore these various marine life and ecosystems, and
more, through quality instruction and hands-on activities. Students will explore the anatomy of select marine life, learn about the different habitats they live in and the ways their ecosystems interact, study various threats facing our oceans and marine life today, and hear from leading experts in the field.

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

This program introduces students to vital techniques that are used by trial lawyers throughout the United States. Real world experts will share their knowledge about Trial Law and students will hear the inside scoop on law school and the admissions process.

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.

Students will study key concepts in animal anatomy, ecology, and the roles animals play within ecosystems, all while learning in a university setting. A highlight of the week is a field trip to the San Diego Zoo, where students will observe exotic species and gain insights into conservation efforts. This course helps to develop critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and teamwork.