Summer Springboard
ON THE CAMPUS OF
UC San Diego
PICK A 2-WEEK PRE-COLLEGE COURSE OF YOUR CHOICE; OR PICK TWO COURSES FOR A 4-WEEK EXPERIENCE.
Program Highlights
- Enjoy one of the most beautiful locations in California, situated on UC San Diego’s campus in America’s Finest City
- Experience a top-tier institution up close: Students benefit from UCSD’s renowned status as a top 10 U.S. public university
- Engage in diverse after-class enrichment: Join college prep workshops, academic excursions, and the True You personal development program
- Visit local attractions like Balboa Park, Old Town, Little Italy’s Mercato, Belmont Park, Coronado Beach and the San Diego Zoo
- Stay in modern campus housing: Students live in UCSD’s suite-style dorms equipped with communal kitchens and common areas
- Take courses outdoors, on-site or in a lab-type setting that allows students as many hands-on opportunities as possible
Summer Springboard on the campus of
UC San Diego
Campus Overview
Dubbed “America’s Finest City”, and for good reason, San Diego offers it all – amazing Southern California beaches, natural beauty, a variety of parks and attractions, and near-perfect climate year-round.
These are just a few reasons that make hosting our Summer Springboard program on the campus of UC San Diego that much better!
Home to the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, UCSD is one of the premier leaders in earth science research and education, and ranked among the top 10 public universities in the U.S. according to U.S. News and World Report.
RESOURCES
Apply Now
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Download Infosheet
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Schedule a Call
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View Campus Brochure
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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
UC San Diego
Dates & Tuition
| 2026 Dates |
|---|
| Session 1: June 28 – July 10, 2026 |
| Session 2: July 12 – July 24, 2026 |
| Session 3: July 26 – August 7, 2026 |
Click here to enroll in this program using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition |
|---|
| Residential Tuition: $5,898 |
| Commuter Tuition: $3,298 |
| Application Fee: $99+ |
Apply by November 30 to lock in the lowest prices of the year. Tuition increases on December 1.
Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.
| Location |
|---|
| City: San Diego |
| State: California |
| Campus: UC San Diego |
*Learn more about our campus partners and their relationship to our programs.
Two-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 Biotechnology, Environmental Engineering, Fundamentals of Engineering, Marine Biology and Pre-Med courses.
Summer Springboard on the campus of
UC San Diego
Academic Courses
Biotechnology
Are you passionate about medicine, science, or biotech innovation? This program offers high school students a rare chance to work hands-on in a professional biotechnology lab, using cutting-edge tools to explore real-world applications—perfect for those dreaming of developing life-saving treatments.
Students go beyond the classroom with immersive experiences in San Diego’s biotech scene. They’ve toured top incubators like JLabs and connected with industry leaders, including scientists from pioneering companies like Aivo Code, gaining firsthand insights into the future of biomedical technology.
Business & Entrepreneurship
Summer Springboard’s Business & Entrepreneurship program at UC San Diego immerses students in the core principles of launching and growing a business—from ideation and planning to marketing and financial analysis. Participants gain a practical understanding of key business functions like product design, customer engagement, HR, and more.
Working in teams, students develop their own startup concepts and bring them to life through the entrepreneurial process. The course culminates in a dynamic pitch session, where students present their ideas to a panel in a real-world, Shark Tank-style setting.
Environmental Engineering
This course offers an engaging introduction to the field of environmental engineering, exploring how engineers address today’s most pressing environmental challenges such as clean water, renewable energy, waste reduction, air quality, and sustainable urban development. Through hands-on experiments, team-based design challenges, and field-based learning, students will gain a solid foundation in core engineering principles while developing critical thinking and collaboration skills. The course culminates in a final project where students design and prototype a sustainable solution to an environmental issue of their choice, gaining a deeper understanding of how environmental engineers contribute to building a more sustainable future.
Fundamentals of Engineering
Engineering is at the heart of innovation, and this dynamic course gives students a hands-on introduction to what it truly means to be an engineer. Through interactive projects in mechanical, structural, civil, and electrical engineering, students will tackle real-world challenges while developing problem-solving, design, and technical skills that are crucial to the profession.
To deepen their understanding, students will step beyond the classroom and into the field, touring engineering firms and active project sites across San Diego. They’ll meet professionals, gain insider knowledge, and get an inspiring glimpse into the future they could help build.
Kinesiology & Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a powerful, non-invasive approach to restoring movement, relieving pain, and improving quality of life. In this immersive program, students explore human anatomy, biomechanics, and exercise science through engaging lab work and hands-on clinical experiences, gaining a solid foundation in how physical therapists help people heal and thrive.
Beyond the basics, students will discover the diverse career paths within physical therapy and what it takes to enter this rewarding field. With a focus on both physical and mental wellness, the course empowers students to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Marine Biology
There’s no better place to study marine biology than UC San Diego, located in the heart of one of the nation’s top hubs for ocean research. With world-class institutions like Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Birch Aquarium, and La Jolla’s tide pools just minutes away, students gain unparalleled access to hands-on, real-world learning environments.
This program immerses students in the dynamic world of marine science, surrounded by the very ecosystems they study. It’s an ideal setting to spark curiosity, build foundational skills, and explore careers in ocean and environmental science.
Pre-Med
If you’re considering a future in medicine but unsure of your path, this immersive program offers a hands-on exploration of diverse medical specialties like cardiology, radiology, and orthopedics. You’ll gain firsthand experience through clinical rotations, simulation labs, and hospital tours, while also earning CPR certification and engaging in research projects. Along the way, interact with doctors, residents, and medical students to learn about medical school, residency planning, and the critical role of curiosity and inquiry in a medical career, helping you discover where your interests may lead in the world of medicine.
Psychology & Neuroscience
Despite weighing just three pounds and comprising less than 2% of body weight, the human brain defines who we are. It shapes our thoughts, memories, behaviors, and personalities. What makes one person empathetic and another impulsive? Why do we dream, feel, or forget? Few mysteries are as profound—or as captivating—as the human mind.
In the Psychology & Neuroscience course at UC San Diego, students dive into brain anatomy and function, linking biology to behavior. They’ll design and conduct their own experiments, explore mental health, and analyze how emotions, cognition, and personality all stem from this powerful organ.
Spatial Computing
Spatial Computing is no longer the future; it is the present. Encompassing technologies like AR, VR, and MR, it is transforming industries from gaming to healthcare, education, and automotive design. As Extended Reality (XR) tools rapidly integrate into daily life, demand for developers, designers, and creative technologists is skyrocketing. Summer Springboard’s course at UC San Diego places students at the forefront of this tech revolution, offering the perfect launchpad for those ready to dive into a high-growth, high-impact field.
Held in a cutting-edge XR studio, this hands-on course gives students the chance to design and build their own immersive virtual environments while learning real-world development pipelines. No prior experience is needed, just curiosity and a laptop. By the end, students will walk away with a portfolio-ready project and foundational skills in one of today’s most exciting tech frontiers.
Trial Law
The Trial Law program at UCSD offers aspiring lawyers a powerful introduction to the legal world. Students dive into key areas like US Constitutional law, contracts, criminal law, torts, and legal writing, gaining a solid foundation in the principles that shape our justice system.
The experience goes beyond the classroom with an eye-opening visit to Cal Western School of Law to explore what it takes academically to become a lawyer. The program culminates in an exciting mock trial at the San Diego Superior Court, where students step into the courtroom and practice law like the professionals.
Summer Springboard on the campus of
UC San Diego
Activities & Trips
Soak up the sunshine of Southern California with numerous outdoor activities. We’ll step off-campus to explore a variety of what America’s Finest City has to offer!
Get ready for unforgettable adventures that will bring the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of San Diego to life.
Here are just a few examples of what our students will get to see and explore.
Old Town San Diego
Explore the historic marketplace with shops and carts offering locally made gift items, plus live entertainment.
Little Italy & Mercato Farmers' Market
There’ll be no shortage of options when it comes time for lunch! Little Italy is a lively neighborhood filled with patio cafe’s, restaurants, and more. It also encompasses the Mercato Farmers’ Market – San Diego’s largest, filling six city blocks – and offers a wide variety of produce, prepared foods, and more from local vendors. There’s also the Street Food Market nestled across the street from the San Diego Bay waterfront!
Balboa Park
Where culture, science, and nature collide, Balboa Park is home to more than 16 museums, lovely gardens, trails, and other recreational attractions, including the San Diego Zoo. With a variety of cultural institutions among its 1,200 acres, there is something for everyone.
Belmont Park
Belmont Park is San Diego’s beachfront amusement park and boardwalk offering something for everyone since 1925. You’ll have a blast whether it’s filled with adventure-packed activities on the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster or laid-back beachfront eating with friends.
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo retains its iconic status as arguably one of the best zoos in the United States. Explore this 100-acre wildlife park that’s home to over 4,000 rare and endangered animals, representing more than 800 species and subspecies. The Zoo is also an accredited botanical garden, caring for more than 700,000 individual plants. Walk, ride the hop-on/hop-off bus tour, or take in the views from atop via the “Skyfari”, as you explore and view as much as you can!
Coronado Beach
Soak up the sun and take a dip in the 1.5 mile long, wide sandy beach set against the backdrop of the iconic Hotel del Coronado.
Course-Specific Excursions
Each academic program may also take subject matter specific excursions to help round out the student experience.
Summer Springboard on the campus of
UC San Diego
Student Life
Get a head start on college life by diving into the vibrant student experience at UCSD during your Summer Springboard program. From enjoying delicious meals in the dining hall to settling into your university dormitory, you’ll get a real taste of campus living. Wander through UCSD’s beautiful grounds, meet fellow students, and soak up the exciting energy that comes with being part of a dynamic, diverse community.
Whether you’re a residential student enjoying evening hangouts or a commuter making the most of daily campus activities and social events, your Summer Springboard experience will be packed with fun and memorable moments. Both options offer unique opportunities to connect, grow, and build friendships that will last long after summer ends. Get ready to create your own unforgettable college story!
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 UC San Diego, academic excursions are off-campus field trips that connect directly to each course—such as visiting biotech labs, courtrooms, or marine reserves—giving students real-world insight into their chosen field. Recreational activities offer fun and social ways to unwind, explore San Diego, 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.
3:00pm College Readiness Workshop or True You
At Summer Springboard at UC San Diego, College Readiness Workshops help students prepare for life after high school with practical tools for navigating the college admissions process—covering topics like essay writing, interview skills, and application strategy. The True You curriculum focuses on self-discovery and personal growth, encouraging students to explore their strengths, values, and goals. Together, these sessions empower students to make confident, informed decisions about their future—academically, professionally, and personally.
5:00pm 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 Clubs for Residential Students
Residential students will participate in clubs or other evening activities based on the specific itinerary for the day. It’s a great way to cap off another exciting day with Summer Springboard at UCSD!
10:30pm Dorm Checks 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
At UCSD, Summer Springboard students are housed in suites. They’ll share a room with another person, in a suite that contains 3-6 other rooms. Each suite has 2-4 bathrooms, depending on the number of rooms in the suite, as well as a common living room area. Suites are separated by gender.
On each floor, there is a full kitchen, with a stovetop, oven, microwave, fridge, etc. Basic linens are provided in the form of a flat sheet, blanket, pillow, pillowcase, and towel.
Summer Springboard staff live on each floor to create a community, provide support, plan activities, and help students get the most out of their program.
Other members of the Summer Springboard staff, including the Campus Director, Assistant Campus Director, and other staff also reside within the dorms during the course of the program and are available to support students and address emergencies, 24 hours a day.
Security
The dorms are access-controlled, and students need their individual access-cards to get into the residence hall and their suite. Hard-keys are issued to the students as well, and are used to access their specific room within their suite.
UCSD Police operates 24/7 and makes regular patrols of the campus and residence halls. Students are also required to be in their rooms past 10PM for safety and accountability purposes.
Facilities
Each dormitory has laundry facilities, lounges, and WiFi throughout. There is also a water filtration station, and students are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle and hydrate regularly.
Dining
Most meals will be in the on-campus dining hall. The dining hall offers a wide selection of food, accommodating a variety of diets – including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, and specific food allergies.
Summer Springboard on the campus of
UC San Diego
Video & 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.
“I thought that this program was very fun. The class was informative and engaging as discussions were encouraged. The excursions were lots of fun and I loved being able to enjoy San Diego. I also loved getting to meet new people and learn from my mentors about their journey through college.”
– Zoe C. | Alumni Student
“Summer Springboard was an amazing experience, and I’m so glad I chose to do this program. It taught me so much about what I want to pursue in the future, because I loved learning about all things medicine.”
– Taliha B. | Alumni Student
“The academic courses taught me an incredible amount. And the hands-on experiences we had were amazing and informative. The social aspect of the program was also very fun and I met lots of very friendly people.”
– Lauren L. | Alumni Student
*Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners (with the exception of Cal Poly, NYSID and UW Foster 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.