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BLOG POST FOR JULY 14

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 another beautiful, sunny day for check-in.
• We’ve had dogs stop by with their owners before, but we had the most that we’ve ever had on this particular day!
• The students started their classes on Monday and got to know their amazing instructors.
• Everyone took a campus tour in the afternoon and walked the boundaries where students can roam in groups of three.
• We ended Monday evening with game night. Students are looking forward to continuing their classes!

BLOG POST FOR JULY 17

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:

• This week, many classes went on academic excursions.
• AI joined up with Engineering to go to Autodesk, the makers of AutoCAD software.
• Business went to the Miss Jones Baking Company and even came back with some free samples!
• Ecology went to visit the Save the Bay NGO.
• Pediatrics & Emergency Medicine went to the Kanbar Center for Simulation and Clinical Skills at UCSF.
• Trial Law went to the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse.
• Psychology had a guest speaker from the National Alliance on Mental Illness and they will head to an off-campus excursion next week.
• We had a karaoke party and learned that there is some amazing talent amongst us! We sang a wide variety of songs and had a great time together.

BLOG POST FOR JULY 24

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:

• Classes have been great during the last week – most students have some sort of capstone project that they are presenting.
• We took a number of fun excursions over the weekend – Friday we went to the Embarcadero Ferry Building and took the ferry to Oakland, Saturday we returned to San Francisco to visit the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, Chinatown, and Twin Peaks lookout.
• We also took a number of academic excursions this week: AI went to Google, Business went to the Cheeseboard Collective, Ecology went to the UC Botanical Gardens, Economics met with Visit the Director of Capital Markets for UC Berkeley, Emergency Med. went to the Berkeley Fire Station, Engineering went to the Berkeley Space Sciences Lab, Pediatrics went to SF General Hospital, and Trial Law went to the Fairfield Courthouse.