Summer Springboard
Geography & Technology
ON THE CAMPUS OF CAL POLY SLO
EXPLORE GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGY AND DISCOVER THE POWER OF DATA-DRIVEN MAPPING
THIS IS A TWO-WEEK PROGRAM WHERE YOU’LL FOCUS ON ONE COURSE FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION.
Geography & Technology @ Cal Poly SLO
- Learn to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing software like ArcGIS and QGIS to analyze spatial data.
- Collect field data using GPS tools and map points lines and polygons directly in real-world settings.
- Choose and source your own data—from census USGS NASA nonprofits news or social media—to create a custom map project.
- Produce a story map and report with publication‑quality maps and clear accessible text for general audiences.
- Meet professionals and local businesses using geographic technology to solve real problems.
- Explore career pathways in geography and technology with guidance on how to begin pursuing a geography major or career.
Summer Springboard
Geography & Technology
About This Course
The Geography and Technology course at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo offers high school students a two‑week experiential program centered around geospatial science and data storytelling.
Participants gain technical proficiency in GIS remote sensing and GPS field methods while sourcing real‑world datasets to craft meaningful map projects. Each student drives the creative process from idea to execution—designing their own mapping concept, collecting field data, and overlaying it on satellite imagery.
The result is a fully formed story map and report tailored for clarity and impact. The curriculum is enriched by visits from local professionals using geographic technology and discussions about career options in geography. Graduates leave with advanced mapping skills, project-based learning experience, and insight into academic and career paths in the field.
TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE
Hands-on Learning
Students collect real-world data in the field using GPS tools and apply GIS and remote sensing software to build and analyze their own professional-quality maps.
Career Exploration
Through interactions with local businesses and professionals who use geographic technologies, students explore real careers and gain advice on pursuing geography-related academic and professional paths.
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.
“SBB @ Cal Poly was a great experience overall. The campus directors and mentors were extremely helpful, guiding, and made my time here worth it and fun. I would definitely recommend this program to others.”
– Shreya P.| Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Geography & Technology
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Fricker is a Biogeographer who teaches in the Social Sciences Department. He specializes in different mapping technologies like Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, LiDAR mapping, urban forests, deep learning and artificial intelligence.
He applies his mapping skills to his teaching and research and some current projects include mapping wildfire risk, the spatiotemporal distribution of eelgrass in the Morro Bay Estuary, Urban Trees in CA, and Agroforestry in the Amazon Basin. Dr. Fricker enjoys bringing technical skills to non-technical CLA students; showing them how to explore geographic data through their own interests, and how a passion for geography can lead to careers.
DR. ANDREW FRICKER
“Summer Springboard was one of the best summer experiences I’ve ever had. The relationships I’ve built here will last forever.”
– Jordan B. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Geography & Technology
Dates & Tuition
| 2026 Dates |
|---|
| Session 1: June 21 – July 3, 2026 |
| Session 2: July 5 – July 17, 2026 |
Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition |
|---|
| Residential Tuition: $5,298 |
| Commuter Tuition: $2,998 |
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: San Luis Obispo |
| State: California |
| Campus: Cal Poly SLO |
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.