Summer Springboard
ON THE CAMPUS OF
University of Washington
Middle School
PICK A 1-WEEK MIDDLE SCHOOL COURSE OF YOUR CHOICE; OR PICK MORE COURSES FOR A LONGER SUMMER EXPERIENCE.
Program Highlights
- Live on University of Washington’s campus and experience true college-style dorm life.
- Participate in engaging, hands-on activities that foster creativity and collaboration.
- Enjoy supervised free time, games and evening social events with peers.
- Explore Seattle through educational excursions and local cultural experiences.
- Build independence, confidence, and teamwork in a structured summer environment.
- Make lasting friendships with students from across the country and around the world.
Summer Springboard on the campus of
University of Washington - Middle School
Campus Overview
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 unique resources of the University of Washington campus and the vibrant city of Seattle.
Whenever possible, classes are held outdoors, on-site or in lab-style settings to provide students with as many hands-on opportunities as possible. Field trips and guest speakers take the learning experience beyond the classroom and make the most of everything Seattle has to offer.
In addition to our morning academic courses, students spend the afternoons in skill labs working on hands-on projects or attending academic excursions that connect them with real-world professionals in their fields of interest. Students also participate in recreational activities, fostering a supportive, fun, and enriching summer experience.
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 Call
Click here to request our catalog to learn more about our campuses and courses.
Schedule a Call
Click here to schedule a call with our Admissions Team during a day and time that is most convenient for you.
Summer Springboard on the campus of
University of Washington - Middle School
Dates & Tuition
| 2026 Dates |
|---|
| Session 1: June 28 – July 3, 2026 |
Click here to enroll in this program using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition |
|---|
| Residential Tuition: $2,698 |
| Commuter Tuition: $1,298 |
| Application Fee: $99+ |
Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.
| Location |
|---|
| City: Seattle |
| State: Washington |
| Campus: University of Washington |
*Learn more about our campus partners and their relationship to our programs.
One-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 the Medicine and Aerospace Engineering courses
Summer Springboard on the campus of
University of Washington - Middle School
Academic Courses
Middle School Aerospace Engineering
Ever wonder how rockets reach space or how airplanes stay in the air? This course turns those questions into fun, interactive projects. Students design, build, and launch their own gliders and model rockets while learning the principles of flight and space travel. Along the way, they’ll meet aerospace engineers, hear from guest speakers, and take field trips that bring engineering to life, no advanced math or science experience required, just curiosity and imagination!
Middle School Business & Entrepreneurship
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.
Middle School Game Design
Students work in teams to design and present an original game concept, creating a pitch deck with a title, story, characters, levels and sound samples. Using digital tools, they’ll explore how creativity and technology combine in game development while gaining insight into careers in animation, design and interactive media. The program culminates in a professional-style showcase where teams present their final game ideas.
Middle School Medicine
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.
Summer Springboard on the campus of
University of Washington - Middle School
Activities & Trips
Learning goes well beyond the classroom in this program! Students take part in academic excursions that link classroom lessons to real-world professionals, workplaces and industries that define Seattle and the University of Washington. Students also get the chance for some fun in University of Washington’s own student union with access to games and lounges to enjoy with new friends.
Husky Hub
Residential and commuter students will enjoy an afternoon at UW’s student union, playing games, bowling, and spending time with their new friends.
Campus Tour
All students will go on a tour of the University of Washington campus, learning from current students and getting a feel for college life.
Track-Specific Excursions
In order to take full advantage of everything the Seattle Area offers, each academic program may also take subject matter specific excursions to help round out the student experience.
Summer Springboard on the campus of
University of Washington - Middle School
Student Life
Get an early start on your academic and college journey by diving into the exciting student experience at the University of Washington during your Summer Springboard program. From enjoying meals in the dining hall to settling into your university dormitory, you’ll get a real taste of campus life. Explore UW’s beautiful campus, create relationships with new students, staff, and instructors and soak up the lively energy of a diverse community.
Whether you’re a residential student enjoying evening activities or a commuter joining daily campus adventures, your Summer Springboard experience will be full of fun, engaging, and memorable moments. Both options give you the chance to try new things, build skills that will last long after summer ends, and make new friends Get ready for a summer of discovery, learning, and unforgettable experiences at UW!
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 University of Washington, 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.
3:30pm Academic Skills Lab
Students will participate in academic skill labs, where they’ll have extra time to develop their final projects. Whether preparing for a mock trial or refining their business pitches, this dedicated time allows them to collaborate and bring their ideas to life.
5:00pm Free Time
Students enjoy structured free time between Academic Skills Lab and dinner, with opportunities to relax, play games, or socialize with friends.
6:00pm 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 Evening Actvities for Residential Students
In the evenings, residential students participate in fun, supervised activities such as talent shows, trivia nights, and karaoke. These activities build community, encourage teamwork, and give students a chance to relax after a full day.
8:30pm Back in the Dorm
All students return to the dorms by 8:30pm to wind down and prepare for the next day.
9:30pm Mentor Check-In 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 likely be housed in a double suite, sharing a private bathroom with four people in Spratlen Hall. 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 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.
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 middle school students.
Facilities
Your dormitory is on UW’s North Campus, which includes the surrounding area with the dorm, dining hall, and green spaces. Each building has laundry facilities, lounges, and 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 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 certified Kosher or Halal options.
Summer Springboard on the campus of
University of Washington - Middle School
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.
“”This program was a really great way to gain exposure to actual college experience and help prep for applications. It helped me become more sure about what I want out of college and university.”
“I had a great time meeting new people and having great experiences whether it be with the instructors, colleagues or in the class!”
“This experience was highly renewing for me in my journey of self-discovery. Here I learned how to openly make friends, learn from my mistakes, and grow to realize my potential and future career. Overall, this course was eye-opening and exhilarating.”
*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.