Campus Overview

University of Washington is a top research university located in the pacific northwest, in a beautiful urban setting, yet surrounded by Mount Rainier and Lake Washington. UW, is located in the University District of Seattle and is recognized as one of the top public universities in the U.S, especially due to its commitment to research and innovation.

Tuition:

Residential tuition:
$5,698

Commuter Tuition:
$2,998

Dates:

Session 1:
July 27, 2025 August 8, 2025

Location:

University of Washington
Seattle, WA

Testimonials

  • "I enjoyed how meeting new people was encouraged, as well as the balance between education/college preparation and fun activities"

    Asmitha M.

  • "I felt so welcomed by my peers and staff at this program, and I am so excited for a real college experience!"

    Carter G.

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 Seattle 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 Seattle 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.

Aerospace Engineering

Seattle is a wonderful place to launch into the field of Aerospace Engineering due to the Boeing presence in the city, the city’s vast research and innovation, and aerospace manufacturing being the state’s largest export. Join Summer Springboard at University of Washington to learn about the growing field which welcomes numerous academic paths and job opportunities. Throughout the course, students will explore and unpack various aspects of aerospace engineering, including the history of flight, flights mechanics, system engineering, principles of effective design for aircraft and spacecraft, propulsions systems, aircraft performance, and more. Students will understand the key differences between aeronautical and astronautical engineering and use basic orbital mechanics. Students will participate in hands-on practical activities based on the topics they are learning, including designing and manipulating their own basic glider airplane or rocket to test certain flight maneuvers/concepts, and perform within certain parameters.

Previous foundational knowledge in the following classes is either recommended (R) or strongly recommended (SR), but not required: algebra (R), geometry (R), trigonometry (SR), calculus (SR), and physics 1 and 2 (SR).

Guest Speakers and Excursions: Students will have the chance to visit companies or organizations in the aerospace engineering industry, as well as hear from experienced professionals in the field. Although this is a first year program, previous students in the course have heard from guest speakers affiliated with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, The Aerospace Corporation, and more.

 

 

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Foreign Affairs

Foreign affairs will equip students with a broad perspective on international relations and global challenges. Students will be introduced to a range of career paths, be encouraged to engage more actively in discussions, and learn strong research and comprehension skills. U of W is a great place to take this course as Seattle contributes to the foreign affairs agenda of the US due to its economic and cultural ties and its participation in global initiatives.

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Graphic Design

Design plays an integral part of many aspects of modern life including business, marketing, communication, and user experience. Students will leave the course with new hard skills, knowing how to use different applications and create designs and with new softs skills including creativity, adaptability, and attention to detail. The combined skills and foundations learned will make students stronger designers and be able to apply their skills in personal and school projects.

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Pharmaceutical Sciences

Have you ever wondered how the medications we take are developed and what processes ensure their safety and effectiveness? Our Pharmaceutical Sciences course offers you the opportunity to explore one of the most dynamic and impactful fields in healthcare. Over the session, students will dive into the fascinating world of pharmaceutical sciences, gaining a strong foundation in key concepts, participating in hands-on projects, and discovering the limitless potential of this vital discipline.

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Psychology & Neuroscience

Artificial intelligence, processing neurological data, brain

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 in Washington – Students may visits to local medical and research facilities in Seattle.

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Activities & Trips

Students will have great access to trips and opportunities outside of their academic courses on campus due to universities' close proximity to top attractions. Off the beautiful campus, students will have the opportunity to explore the sights of Seattle, the Emerald City.

Pike Place Market

Located in the heart of Seattle, this trip is not only a culinary adventure but also a cultural one. Students will explore local foods, crafts, and street performances, all while taking in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic market. Students will see the famous gum wall, the original Starbucks, and the historic charm of the market.

Wild Waves Theme Park

This family-friendly theme park welcomes everyone, offering the opportunity to enjoy water rides, roller coasters, or simply relax and hang out in the park.

Musuem of Pop Culture

This museum celebrates music, fictional characters, and pop culture with interactive exhibits. Students enjoy starting their Saturday at one of Seattle's top creative attractions.

Ferry Tour

A Seattle ferry tour is a wonderful way to experience the waterfront and enjoy scenic views of the surrounding area. The guide will provide informative narration about the history and culture of the region while the group takes in the of the Seattle skyline, the iconic Space Needle, and the Olympic Mountains in the distance.

Student Life

During the Summer Springboard program, you'll live in residence halls at the University of Washington. One of the most picturesque backdrops in Seattle to live and learn.

Housing

Students will likely be housed in a double suite, sharing a private bathroom with four people. Students are housed by gender, and genders are separated by floor. Dorm rooms contain a Twin XL sized bed, desks, drawers, mirror, and a closet.

Summer Springboard staff, in the form of mentors, live on each floor to create a community, provide support, plan activities, and help students get the most out of their stay on campus. Other members of the Summer Springboard staff also live on campus and are available to support students and address emergencies, 24 hours a day.

Facilities

The university is committed to providing a healthy, smoke-free environment for students, faculty and staff. Accordingly, no smoking or vaping is permitted in student rooms or inside buildings, including lounges and balconies.

Security

All dormitories have 24-hour security and uses electronic keys to enter each building and dorm room. University security is on 24-hour patrol and available to any student that may need assistance during the summer program for high school students.

Dining

Most meals will be in the on-campus dining hall. The dining hall offers a wide selection of food with buffet style. There are ample food options accommodating vegetarian and vegan options, however, no Kosher or Halal options.

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.

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Summer Springboard Pre-College Summer Program