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BLOG POST FOR JUNE 30

We had a fun start to the Summer Springboard program here in Berkeley! 

Students from across the country arrived on campus, eager to begin two transformative weeks of exploration and discovery. After settling into the residence halls and meeting their roommates and mentors, the group began forming fast connections, fueled by shared excitement, curiosity and a stunning backdrop of one of the world’s leading academic institutions. The energy on campus is already buzzing as students start to feel at home and dive into this unique experience.

Looking ahead, our Berkeley students are gearing up for an immersive schedule of hands-on academic courses led by dynamic instructors, unforgettable excursions around the Bay Area, and engaging True You sessions designed to help them learn more about themselves and their goals. Whether walking through iconic campus landmarks or discussing big ideas in the classroom, it’s clear this group is ready to make the most of every opportunity. We can’t wait to see how the next two weeks unfold!

Here are some highlights from the start of the program:

• It was a beautiful day in Berkeley for check-in! The sun was shining and it was warmer than usual.
• We had a number of dogs come to bid their owners “goodbye”, strangely their names all started with the letter “L”: Lincoln, Lilley, and Luna.
• We toured the Berkeley campus on Monday – everyone was excited to see their home for the next two weeks!
• Classes got off to a great start – our students are going to be learning some cool things during their stay at Berkeley: Business, Ecology, Emergency Medicine, Engineering, Pediatrics, Psychology, and Trial Law.

BLOG POST FOR JULY 3

Summer Springboard is in full swing here in Berkeley!

Our students have just wrapped up an incredible first week filled with discovery, challenge and connection. They’ve dived into their first True You workshop, exploring their passions and values while gaining fresh insights into who they are and where they want to go. The hands-on academic courses have sparked new ideas and inspired big thinking, pushing students to think creatively and critically in their chosen fields.

Outside the classroom, the first excursions brought exciting opportunities to explore, making memories and building friendships that will last long after the program ends. It’s been inspiring to see students embrace new challenges, support each other, and grow both academically and personally.

With so much already accomplished, the energy is high as we head into Week 2. More immersive courses, deeper self-discovery through academic workshops, and unforgettable excursions await.

The final week promises to be just as exciting, packed with new opportunities to learn, connect and prepare for the next steps on their college and career journeys. Stay tuned for more highlights as the adventure continues!

Here are some highlights from the first week of the program:

• Classes are going great!
• Pediatrics learned the correct way to use stethoscopes on infants.
• Emergency Medicine learned how to suture wounds and then later in the week they joined Session 2 pre-med students to get their CPR certification.
• We took lots of academic excursions on Wednesday: Business & Entrepreneurship went to the Cheese Board Collective, Ecology & Environmental Science went to visit the Save the Bay NGO, Economics went to the USF Investment Institute, Emergency Medicine went to San Francisco Fire Department Station 11, Pediatrics went to Touro University, Fundamentals of Engineering went to the Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory, Psychology & Neuroscience went to UCSF’s Neuroscience Research Laboratory, and Trial Law went to the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse.

BLOG POST FOR JULY 10

That’s a wrap on a memorable Summer Springboard experience!

What a journey it’s been on campus. After two incredible weeks of hands-on academic courses, inspiring True You workshops and adventurous weekend excursions, our students have crossed the finish line of an unforgettable Summer Springboard program. They’ve explored new ideas, challenged themselves and made friendships that will last long after they leave campus.

Throughout the program, students gained valuable insight into their college major interests and career aspirations, while reflecting on the kind of learners and future professionals they want to become. From engaging classroom discussions to real-world experiences beyond campus, this summer has been all about growth, discovery and setting the foundation for what’s next.

We’re so proud of everything they’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see where their journeys take them. Here’s to new beginnings and exciting futures ahead!

Here are some highlights from the final week of the program:

• It has been a busy last week!
• We went on a number of fun excursions: the Embarcadero Ferry Building, the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, Chinatown, and Twin Peaks overlook. There was a lot of fog that day – but when it cleared, we were able to have great views!
• We also went on a number of academic excursions: Business went to Dandelion Chocolate, Ecology went to the UC Botanical Gardens, Economics went to the SF City Hall, Emergency Med went to Touro University, Engineering went to Autodesk Gallery, Pediatrics went to SF General Hospital, Trial Law went to the Fairfield Courthouse, and Psychology had a guest speaker from the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
• On Wednesday night, we held a talent show and showed off the amazing talents that our participants have. There was singing, dancing, comedy, piano playing, magic, and even an eating contest or two!