Summer Springboard
On the Campus of UC San Diego
PRE-COLLEGE SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR TEENS
Fill out this form to get your
free program catalog!
Summer Springboard
@ UC San Diego
Students will dive deep into a specific subject area on-program on the campus of UC San Diego this summer with creative, dynamic instructors, engaging professors and professional experts.
Experience one of California’s most stunning destinations on UC San Diego’s vibrant campus, located in the heart of America’s Finest City. As a top-10 U.S. public university, UCSD gives students an up-close look at a world-class institution while offering opportunities to grow through college prep workshops, academic excursions, and the True You personal development program.
Beyond the classroom, students explore San Diego’s iconic attractions such as Balboa Park, Old Town, Little Italy’s Mercato, Belmont Park, Coronado Beach, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. They will live in modern suite-style dorms with kitchens and common areas, and take courses in dynamic settings including outdoors, on-site, and in lab-style classrooms designed to maximize hands-on learning.
No matter whether you’re local to San Diego and the greater Southern California region, or are located elsewhere in the United States or abroad, you’ll experience the city through the eyes of a college student for the first time, even though you’re still in high school!
You can attend this our program on-campus this summer as either a commuter or residential student:
Session 1:
June 28 – July 10, 2026
Session 2:
July 12 – July 24, 2026
Session 3:
July 26 – August 7, 2026
Click Here for More Options...
Summer Springboard
Schedule a Call with Us
Summer Springboard’s expert Admissions Team is here to help you plan your summer program every step of the way.
Our Program on the Campus of UC San Diego
At the heart of your Summer Springboard program is the academic track you choose. Depending on your field of interest, you will take a course, led by an expert instructor, that is designed to give you a taste of the real-world college experience at a competitive university.
Each course is designed by educators and real world experts to allow high school students to quickly grasp core concepts in an easy and enjoyable way.
Courses at this Campus
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 San Diego area. Choose from these courses at UC San Diego:
• Biotechnology
• Business & Entrepreneurship
• Environmental Engineering
• Fundamentals of Engineering
• Kinesiology & Physical Therapy
• Marine Biology
• Pre-Med
• Psychology & Neuroscience
• Spatial Computing
• Trial Law
Campus Overview
Nicknamed “America’s Finest City” for good reason, San Diego truly has it all: stunning Southern California beaches, breathtaking natural beauty, a wealth of parks and attractions, and near-perfect weather year-round. These are just a few of the reasons why UC San Diego is the ideal setting for our Summer Springboard program. Home to the renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD stands as a global leader in earth science research and education. Consistently ranked among the top 10 public universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, it offers students the chance to experience excellence in an inspiring coastal environment.
Weekend Excursions
From the historic charm of Old Town’s marketplace and the vibrant flavors of Little Italy’s Mercato Farmers’ Market to the cultural treasures of Balboa Park, San Diego offers endless ways to explore. Students can ride the Giant Dipper at Belmont Park, discover rare wildlife at the world-famous San Diego Zoo, or soak up the sun at Coronado Beach beside the iconic Hotel del Coronado—all experiences that capture the city’s unique energy and coastal beauty.
Summer Springboard
Get Your Free Program Catalog
The Summer Springboard program catalog is your best go-to resource for exploring programs by campus, course and more. We’ll send you one at no cost!
About Summer Springboard
On a Summer Springboard pre-college academic program, teens are invited to explore a major and find a future career path, on elite university campuses in the United States and abroad.
We are proud to host our programs at some of the nation’s – and world’s – leading colleges and universities to offer students a rich taste of life on a major campus.
Each campus has been selected for our programs based on outstanding academic excellence and rigor, reputation for safety and comfort, and capacity to inspire students to reach their full potential. With an outstanding university as your home and real-world classroom for two weeks, you’ll experience a true taste of college student life.
Each instructor has been chosen for their expertise in their field of study, their academic achievement, and their exceptional ability to teach and connect with high-achieving, college-bound high school students. Whether you’re working with a professor from the university, a scientist who runs their own lab, or any other number of extremely qualified instructors, this is a learning experience not to be missed.
Hands-on Learning
Dive deep into our academic immersion courses taught by industry professionals. Imagine learning Law from someone who argued before the Supreme Court or writing under the guidance of a published author.
Career Exploration
Beyond theory, there will be excursions and guest speakers for students to hear firsthand from experts in their field of interest. Past company visits included Google, Bloomberg, and the United Nations Foundation.
College Prep
Through campus visits and enrichment electives, we provide a deeper understanding of the college admissions process. Students also make new friends from around the world and learn to live as a college student.
Summer Springboard
Save Your Spot on This Program
Enrolling in this program or any other Summer Springboard program is quick and easy! Simply navigate to our online application form to get started.
Curate Your Summer Springboard Experience
At Summer Springboard, both Commuter and Residential options are available.
If you live within the area, you can opt to be a commuter student. Each day, simply arrive at campus for the start of the program, and depart from campus when your course and activity schedule is complete. This is a phenomenal option for local families. You can even save on program tuition if you choose this option.
Whether you’re a local or live far away from campus, you can choose to be a residential student. Live full-time on-program and experience campus life, while staying overnight in our dorms. Residential students enjoy additional weekend excursions included with program tuition!
Choose a Campus
Summer Springboard hosts summer programs at the following university campus and city locations:
• Yale University
• Berkeley
• Duke University
• UCLA
• Georgetown University
• UC San Diego
• Barnard College, Columbia University
• UC Santa Barbara
• Georgia Tech
• Cal Poly
• University of Michigan
• University of Washington
• New York School of Interior Design
• UW Foster School of Business
• NYU
• Cambridge, MA
• Oxford, UK
Select an Academic Track
You can choose from these Academic Tracks when you attend a campus-based program:
• Business & Law
• Computer Science
• Engineering & Science
• Humanities & Liberal Arts
• Media & Design
• Medicine & Healthcare
Consider an Online Program
Choose one of our top courses that has been transformed into a customized and dynamic online learning experience. Discover your academic passions with a real-world professional, engage in interactive online learning, and learn about career paths for this major.
Summer Springboard
Get Your Free Program Catalog
The Summer Springboard program catalog is your best go-to resource for exploring programs by campus, course and more. We’ll send you one at no cost!