Summer Springboard
Business, Strategy & Decision Making
ON THE CAMPUS OF UC SANTA BARBARA
SUMMER BUSINESS PROGRAM FOR TEENS ON THE CAMPUS OF UC SANTA BARBARA
THIS IS A TWO-WEEK PROGRAM WHERE YOU’LL FOCUS ON ONE COURSE FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION.
Business, Strategy & Decision Making
- Engage in hands-on activities and group discussions that foster collaboration and practical application of business concepts
- Learn how to analyze different situations and make informed decisions using real-world case studies and problem-solving activities
- Discover essential skills in strategic planning and decision-making that are valuable for any academic major or career path
- Become familiar with key business terminology and concepts, allowing you to express your ideas more clearly and confidently
Summer Springboard
Business, Strategy & Decision Making
About This Course
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.
TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE
Hands-on Learning
Master courtroom processes as you defend a challenging case from start to finish. Research the evidence, craft and deliver your opening statement, prepare and cross-examine witnesses, formulate your arguments, and have a strong closing statement to impress and win over the judge and jury.
Career Exploration
We will discuss the wide variety of professions within the field of law, such as lawyer, paralegal, mediator, litigator, judge and more. You’ll get a deeper sense of your unique motivations and aptitudes and how that aligns with potential academic and career choices. This helps students make better informed decisions about some of life’s most important choices.
RESOURCES
Course Infosheet
Click here to view or download the printable infosheet for this course.
Program Catalog
Click here to request our catalog to learn more about our summer programs and courses.
Campus Page
Click here to view the website page for this campus and learn more.
“This was one of the most enriching and enjoyable experiences I have ever had over any of my summers. I learned a ton and made so many memories and friendships over the last 2 weeks. I am so sad to leave but I’m happy knowing I had a fulfilling time here!”
– Elizabeth S. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Business, Strategy & Decision Making
Meet Your Instructor
Erica is a business strategist with 10 years of experience helping organizations grow while driving positive environmental and social outcomes. She has supported a range of businesses—from early-stage startups to global companies with 6,000+ employees—and has played leadership roles on teams pursuing contracts of up to USD 20 million. She currently serves as a Lead Project Manager at CALSTART, where she drives strategic operations and decision-making for a 15+ team that transforms data into actionable insights for the clean transportation industry. In this role, Erica also oversees an $85M zero-emission construction demonstration that aims to accelerate the market adoption of innovative clean technologies.
A graduate of UCLA’s Global Studies Program and UCSB’s Environmental Science and Management Program, Erica’s career has spanned multiple continents and sectors, giving her a unique perspective to problem-solving and strategic thinking. During her time at UCSB, she was a teaching assistant and loved helping students build their knowledge and skills, increase their confidence, and make progress towards fulfilling their educational aspirations. She cannot wait to return to the classroom with you this summer!
ERICA SLOWIK
“Overall this is one of the best camp experiences I have had! I’ve learned so much from this 2 week course and made so many new connections with many different people!!”
– Naveen N. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Business, Strategy & Decision Making
Dates & Tuition
| 2026 Dates |
|---|
| Session 1: July 19, 2026 July 31, 2026 |
Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition |
|---|
| Residential Tuition: $5,698 |
| Commuter Tuition: $3,298 |
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: Santa Barbara |
| State: California |
| Campus: UC Santa Barbara |
Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners (with the exception of Cal Poly, UW Foster 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.