PROGRAM PHOTO ALBUM

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BLOG POST FOR JUNE 24

We had a fun start to the Summer Springboard program here on the campus of UCLA!

Students arrived in Los Angeles for the kick-off to our program, excited to begin two unforgettable weeks of exploration, growth, and new friendships. After settling into the residence halls and meeting their roommates and mentors, students began forming quick connections, sparked by shared interests, big dreams and the inspiring energy of UCLA’s iconic campus. With sunshine, palm trees, and Bruin pride all around, the program is already off to a fantastic start.

Looking ahead, our UCLA students are getting ready for an action-packed schedule filled with hands-on academic courses taught by experienced professionals, exciting excursions throughout Los Angeles, and True You sessions designed to help them reflect on who they are and where they’re headed. Whether walking through Royce Quad, collaborating in dynamic classroom spaces, or exploring the vibrant culture of LA, this group is ready to embrace every moment.

We can’t wait to see how the next two weeks unfold!

Here are some highlights from the start of the program:

  • We started our first night with an activity where everyone lined up by how far they traveled to get here. One of our favorite parts of Summer Springboard is how global it is — with students in this session coming as far away as Italy, Kazakhstan, Bulgaria, and more!
  • Our Mentor-Led Clubs Fair kicked off with huge enthusiasm — especially for our sports club. Also up and running are photography, arts and crafts, and more. Students will connect each night over shared interests, playing games and working on projects together.
  • Mentor groups explored campus and Westwood on a boundary walk, with mentors giving tours of their favorite places to eat and hang out. Along the way, students mixed and mingled through fun get-to-know-you questions. These groups are bonding quickly!
  • Overheard on Day One: “I’ve been to six summer programs and camps, and I already know this is my favorite one yet. I love how the staff talks to us like we’re adults!”

 

 

BLOG POST FOR JUNE 27

Week 1 at UCLA has come and gone. What a kickoff!

Our students just wrapped an exciting first week filled with fresh ideas, new friendships and plenty of discovery. They jumped into their first True You workshop, exploring what drives them and starting to chart their paths. Hands-on academic courses sparked curiosity and creativity, pushing everyone to think bigger.

The first excursions brought a taste of Los Angeles and loads of fun, while friendships grew stronger by the day.

With Week 2 on the horizon, energy and excitement are rising. More great courses, deeper self-discovery, and unforgettable experiences await. The best is yet to come!

Here are some highlights from some of our first week academic excursions of the program:

  • Business & Entrepreneurship visited House of Mosaic Candles to hear directly from a small business owner about what it takes to launch and run a company. Students learned about challenges and day-to-day operations, and even made their own candles as part of the experience.
  • Aerospace Engineering toured The Aerospace Corporation, where they saw teams working on active projects and got insight into how professionals support real space missions. They also had the chance to observe preparations for a live launch.
  • Psychology & Neuroscience joined a workshop focused on careers in mental health. Students explored different paths in the field, discussed mental health resources for college students.
  • Filmmaking went to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures to explore the history of cinema, learn about the filmmaking process, and see original props, scripts, and behind-the-scenes material from a range of productions.
  • Emergency Medicine welcomed a local EMT team to campus for a mock scenario. Students practiced responding to a simulated emergency using injury makeup, role-play, and real medical equipment inside an ambulance.
  • Sports Management toured Dodger Stadium for a behind-the-scenes look at operations. From the locker rooms to the press level, students saw what goes into managing a major sports venue.
  • Criminal & Forensic Science visited the Culver City Police Department and spoke with professionals about crime scene techniques and investigative tools. They observed real equipment used in forensics and got a closer look at how cases are solved.

BLOG POST FOR JULY 4

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!