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BLOG POST FOR JULY 7

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:

• We had a smooth check-in process with our new SSB friends from all over the world, including Russia, Peru, Colombia, Australia, and Switzerland!
• Mentors orchestrated fun and games in the Spens Black courtyard as students checked in.
• Students enjoyed their first dinner in the Crossroads Dining hall with their mentor groups.
• Residential students played a competitive round of cards and enjoyed sweet treats at Yogurt Park on their first evening in the dorms.

BLOG POST FOR JULY 10

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 this week:

• Students spent Wednesday on fun academic excursions! Astrophysics went on a tour of the UCSC Astronomy & Astrophysics Department; Biotech got to visit Berkeley’s QB3 Spectrometry; Design Thinking went to Autodesk Gallery; Neuroscience toured NielsenIQ; Nursing went to St. Joseph’s Medical Center; Physics and Quantum Computing toured SLAC at Stanford; and PreMed toured Touro University. Students enjoyed hands on applications for their course material.
• On Wednesday evening, we had our first club meetings. Springboard Olympics played games and sports, Cooking and Crafting baked and decorated cookies, and our Legacy of Springboard club kicked off planning for the soiree.
• On Thursday evening, we enjoyed karaoke night with our residential students! Students and mentors enjoyed sharing songs in their native languages with the group!

BLOG POST FOR JULY 17

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!