UC Berkeley MET Innovation Academy | High School Summer Programz

Summer at UC Berkeley M.E.T. Innovation Academy

The Management, Entrepreneurship, & Technology Innovation Academy, run by UC Berkeley's prestigious College of Engineering and the Haas School of Business, is a highly selective and elite learning experience for rising high school juniors and seniors eager to explore the intersection of technology and entrepreneurship. Hosted on the prestigious UC Berkeley campus, this program offers a unique academic experience that integrates technical innovation with strategic business principles.

The #1 Pre-College Enrichment Program Recommended by High School College Counselors

Tailored for exceptional students with strong aptitudes in science, technology, mathematics, and communication, M.E.T.ia provides a rigorous curriculum that fosters analytical thinking, creative problem-solving, and entrepreneurial leadership. Designed for those driven by curiosity and a passion for technological advancement, the program equips participants with the foundational skills necessary to navigate and shape the future of innovation.

Through hands-on projects, real-world case studies, and direct mentorship from Berkeley’s distinguished faculty, students gain invaluable insights into engineering, business strategy, and venture creation. Beyond the classroom, participants experience life at Berkeley, engage with like-minded peers, and build connections that extend beyond the program—preparing them to lead, innovate, and make meaningful contributions to the industries of tomorrow.

About UC Berkeley M.E.T. Innovation Academy

What does it take to turn a breakthrough idea into a successful business? At UC Berkeley's M.E.T. Innovation Academy, students experience the process firsthand, combining engineering, design, and entrepreneurship through hands-on projects led by Berkeley's College of Engineering and Haas School of Business. Working in teams, students design and build prototypes at the Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation, develop business strategies, and pitch their startup concepts to experienced venture investors.

Students also gain firsthand exposure to Silicon Valley's technology industry through company visits, conversations with industry professionals, and connections with current M.E.T. students and alumni. Opportunities may include visits to Ambi Robotics in Berkeley and Dolby's headquarters in San Francisco, offering firsthand insight into how leading companies develop and bring innovations to market. Career workshops help students develop resumes and LinkedIn profiles, while Bay Area excursions provide opportunities to explore the region and build connections with peers.

Students attend class for 6 hours per day, over twelve class days:

Monday, June 21: Arrival Day
Tuesday, June 22 - Friday, June 25: Class
Monday, June 28 - Friday, July 2: Class
Monday, July 5 - No class, 4th of July observed
Tuesday, July 6 - Thursday, July 8th: Class
Friday, July 9: Departure Day

Course Details Additional Info

UC Berkeley M.E.T.ia Admissions

Seats in this course are limited. To attend the program, students undergo a selective application review and admissions process. To be eligible, students must have completed Trigonometry and one lab science course (preferably both) with an A/B letter grade. Minimum 3.0 GPA required:

December 16 - Early admissions deadline; first decisions released by January 15
January 27 - Round 1 admissions deadline; decisions released by February 15
March 10 - Round 2 admissions deadline

Hands-On Startup Innovation

Participate in a dynamic, hands-on startup innovation experience at Berkeley Met, where you'll collaborate with a diverse team of peers on a high-impact capstone project. From ideation to execution, you'll develop and refine a groundbreaking startup concept, navigating the challenges of market validation, business strategy, and product development. The program culminates in a high-stakes pitch to seasoned venture investors, providing you with invaluable real-world entrepreneurial skills, direct feedback from industry experts, and the opportunity to turn your vision into a viable venture.

Cutting-Edge Academic Experience

Immerse yourself in a cutting-edge academic experience at Berkeley’s prestigious College of Engineering and Haas School of Business, where innovation and excellence intersect. Engage with world-class faculty and industry leaders as you deepen your technical expertise, master problem-solving frameworks, and develop a strong business acumen. Through interdisciplinary coursework, hands-on projects, and real-world case studies, you’ll gain the critical skills needed to bridge the gap between engineering and entrepreneurship, preparing you to drive impactful solutions in today’s fast-evolving industries.

Career Development & Personal Branding

Supercharge your career development and personal brand with expert-led workshops designed to help you craft a compelling resume and optimize your LinkedIn presence. Gain insider insights on what top employers and investors look for, refine your personal narrative, and learn how to effectively showcase your skills, experience, and unique value. Whether you're preparing for internships, job opportunities, or launching your own venture, this hands-on training will ensure you stand out in the highly competitive tech and business landscape.

Exclusive Access to M.E.T. Community

Gain exclusive access to UC Berkeley's vibrant M.E.T. community, where you'll connect with a network of ambitious students, accomplished alumni, and industry trailblazers who are redefining the future of technology and entrepreneurship. Engage in mentorship opportunities, networking events, and collaborative projects that provide a key understanding of the tech-business landscape while forging career-shaping connections.

What students are saying

"I learned and enjoyed my courses and I'm sure I'll be able to put them into practice in my future studies and college life. Without a doubt, I advise future Summer Discovery students to meet new people and enjoy every moment!"

Cristina

Summer Discovery Alumni, UCLA

"Summer Discovery supported my dream of becoming a doctor. After being able to experience what studying medicine is like and learning about the different parts of the human body, diseases, or even doing lab practices in a real hospital, I know this career path is for me."