Summer Springboard
ON THE CAMPUS OF
UC Santa Barbara
A PRE-COLLEGE SUMMER PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ON THE CAMPUS OF UC SANTA BARBARA
Program Highlights
- Explore career paths through hands-on academic courses and real-world field trips.
- Live in dorms on UCSB’s stunning campus, situated close to the Pacific Ocean.
- Join college prep workshops covering applications, essays, and financial aid basics.
- Connect with peers nationwide during social events and leadership activities.
- Learn from industry professionals and expert faculty in immersive classes.
- Discover Santa Barbara’s culture through curated local excursions and adventures.
Summer Springboard on the campus of
UC Santa Barbara
Campus Overview
UCSB offers globally recognized academic programs in a collaborative, dynamic atmosphere. UCSB is more than a place to obtain a degree—it’s a top 10 public university in one of the most beautiful places on Earth where you can carve your own path towards an impactful future.
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
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Schedule a Call
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View Campus Brochure
Click here to check out the digital brochure for this campus and find out everything this location has to offer.
Summer Springboard on the campus of
UC Santa Barbara
Dates & Tuition
| 2026 Dates |
|---|
| Session 1: July 19 – July 31, 2026 |
Click here to enroll in this program using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition |
|---|
| Residential Tuition: $5,698 |
| Commuter Tuition: $3,298 |
| Application Fee: $99+ |
Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.
| Location |
|---|
| City: Santa Barbara |
| State: California |
| Campus: UC Santa Barbara |
*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)
Summer Springboard on the campus of
UC Santa Barbara
Academic Courses
Behavioral Neuroscience
Have you ever wondered why people behave and act the way they do? Does the nature vs nurture conversation intrigue you? Are you fascinated by a person who can be highly detailed and organized in work but struggles to clean their personal space? Or perhaps wonder why some excel at test taking without trying or others lack discipline despite their best efforts? Are you curious about your physical reaction to a smell or taste?
Welcome to the world of behavioral neuroscience, or biological psychology; the study of the various ways the brain and neural pathways impact behavior as well as how behavior impacts the brain.
Business, Strategy & Decision Making
Do you wonder how successful companies make strategic decisions and build their business? Through interactive activities and discussions, students will explore key concepts in business strategy and learn how to create effective plans.
The course will emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving skills, enabling students to make informed decisions in real-world scenarios. Students will engage with one another and their instructor to understand the dynamics of successful business operations. This course is valuable for any major or career path, as these skills are essential in today’s job market.
Marine Science & Ecology
Roughly 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by our oceans, of which more than 80% remain 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 Science and Ecology will offer students the opportunity to explore these various marine life and ecosystems.
Students will explore 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.
Summer Springboard on the campus of
UC Santa Barbara
Activities & Trips
From rugged mountains to pacific coastline, there is no denying the beauty and charm of Santa Barbara.
Students will experience the full vibe, from the Santa Barbara boardwalk, farmer’s market and Stearn’s Wharf to downtown’s popular State Street and ecclectic Funk Zone.
They will also visit the Santa Barbara Zoo and participate in Adventure Programs.
Santa Barbara
Students will have the incredible opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty and charm of the Santa Barbara area. From scenic coastal views to vibrant local attractions, they’ll experience all that this stunning region has to offer!
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 Santa Barbara
Student Life
Get a head start on college life by immersing yourself in the vibrant student experience at UC Santa Barbara during your Summer Springboard program. From enjoying meals in ocean-view dining halls to settling into your blufftop dormitory, you’ll get an authentic taste of campus living. Explore UCSB’s beautiful coastal campus, meet fellow students, and soak up the energy of this dynamic, welcoming community.
Whether you’re a residential student enjoying evening events or a commuter joining daily campus activities, your Summer Springboard experience will be full of fun and meaningful moments. Both options offer unique chances to connect, grow, and build lasting friendships. Get ready to start your unforgettable UCSB college journey!
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 Santa Barbara, 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.
3:00pm College Readiness Workshop or True You
At Summer Springboard at UC Santa Barbara, 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 UCSB!
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
Students will stay at Manzanita Village Residence Hall situated on the bluffs above the Pacific Ocean and campus lagoon. Each residence hall is equipped with a laundry/vending room, a lounge with a terrace, a study room, and an outdoor space.
Students will be assigned to double/triple rooms. Each floor has several bathrooms shared by 4-5 students. Summers are typically mild with nice breeze on the bluff. Rooms do not have AC, but small fans are acceptable if students prefer to bring one.
Security
The Manzanita exterior doors are locked 24/7. Students will have an e-key that grants them access to their assigned building and a hard key that accesses their bedroom. Student Safety Partners do rounds of our residence halls at night, and UCPD is on campus.
Dining
Students will have meals in Carrillo Dining Commons. Carrillo Dining Commons offers comfortable indoor and patio dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Platform stations like The Town Grill and Hot Cuisine feature a range of styles, from international cuisine to comfort foods, including plant-based dishes that bring together bold flavors and sustainability. Carrillo’s top-notch bakery prepares a variety of breads, rolls, cookies, cakes, pies and bars every day of the week. Known for creating delicious and educational theme meals that focus on authentic international dishes, Carrillo is a campus favorite.
Summer Springboard on the campus of
UC Santa Barbara
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 mentors and other staff here were amazing. Really helpful and made the activities fun and engaging. It definitely helped me feel more prepared for college and my future.”
– Claire F. | Alumni Student
“The academic courses taught me an incredible amount and the hands on experiences we had were amazing and very informative. The social aspect of it was also very fun and I met lots of very friendly people. The activities offered through the program were also very fun.”
– Lauren L. | Alumni Student
“Summer Springboard was truly the best way to experience a college lifestyle without actually being in college. The mentors were extremely kind and the courses themselves were beyond interesting. I met great people, and would do it all over again if I could!”
– Amanda M. | 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.