Middle School Business

This program combines academic courses, interactive labs, and recreational activities to give middle school students a supportive, fun, and enriching summer experience.

Summer Springboard Middle School program

Program Highlights

Team up with new friends to create an exciting new business idea.
Plan how to see and market your cool products or services.
Get ready to impress mentors and investors with your business plan.
Have a blast presenting your project to a panel of experts in a friendly Shark Tank-style competition.
Tuition:

Residential Tuition :
$2,898

Commuter Tuition:
$1,498

Dates:

Session 1:
July 6, 2025 July 11, 2025

Session 2:
July 13, 2025 July 18, 2025

Session 3:
July 20, 2025 July 25, 2025

Session 4:
July 27, 2025 August 1, 2025

Location:

Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

Testimonials

  • "I had a really great time at SSB Berkeley. It was a positive and enjoyable environment with fun activities and really good courses. Definitely recommend for others!"

    Rihan K.

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

    Carter G.

Course Overview

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. The program culminates in a Shark Tank-style pitch presentation with industry veterans as their potential mock investors.

 

Meet your instructor

Dr. Dené Starks-McGee
As a seasoned business consultant with over 15 years of experience, Dr. Dené has helped numerous organizations of all sizes and industries achieve their goals by implementing effective strategies and processes. With a passion for innovation and a keen understanding of market dynamics, Dr. Dené works closely with clients to identify their challenges, opportunities, and develops customized plans that maximize their potential for success. Dr. Dené's deep expertise in areas such as entrepreneurship, business development, marketing, and financial management, combined with strong interpersonal skills and commitment to client satisfaction, have earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor and go-to resource for businesses seeking to achieve sustainable growth and profitability. Dr. Dené holds her EdD in Organizational Leadership & Development from Grand Canyon University, her MBA in Business Administration and Management from University of Phoenix and BA in Organizational Communication from CSU Sacramento.

Topics you'll explore

Hands on Learning


Students will have the opportunity to engage with entrepreneurial and business veterans. During academic excursions, guest speakers will share their wealth of knowledge and encourage career exploration. Hands-on learning is experienced through visits to local big and small businesses. Outside of course specific studies the students will explore all the Bay Area and nearby Silicon Valley has to offer! With so much rich history, breathtaking sights, parks and famed landmarks at our fingertips there is something for everyone to discover!

Course Structure


There are five 3-hour class sessions over the one-week course. During the week, students have class from 9am-12pm, Monday - Friday (program check-out is on Friday afternoon). Wednesday afternoon will be dedicated to additional academic time with possible excursions and/or guest speakers.

ADDITIONAL INFO
The Middle School programs operate separately from Summer Springboard high school programs with separate staff, accommodations, classes, and a more structured environment. For students completing grades 6-8.

Get started today

Summer Springboard Pre-College Summer Program