UC Santa Barbara Summer Programs for High School Students
Santa Barbara, California
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UCSB Pre-College Programs for High School Students
Ready to explore the beautiful beaches and scenic mountains of Santa Barbara while conducting research and taking academically intensive courses in your favorite subjects? Located on the edge of the Santa Ynez mountains and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, University of California, Santa Barbara provides a dynamic living and learning environment where students can make their dreams a reality.
Summer Sessions, in partnership with Summer Discovery, will be running two pre-college programs on campus this summer. The Research Mentorship Program (RMP) and the Summer Research Academies (SRA) allow participants to discover interdisciplinary subjects while discovering new knowledge through university-level research. These transformative summer experiences are designed to shape each student's academic, professional, personal, and social development. We can't wait for you to join us on-campus in our 21st year with the University of California, Santa Barbara, and learn from top instructors at America’s #7 Top Public University.
2023 Courses and Academies
![Research Mentorship Program (RMP)]()
UC Santa BarbaraResearch Mentorship Program (RMP)Spend six intensive weeks actively engaged in the pursuit of new knowledge alongside UC Santa Barbara researchers. Dates + Details![Summer Research Academies (SRA)]()
UC Santa BarbaraSummer Research Academies (SRA)Take an interdisciplinary research course that teaches fundamental concepts in a particular track you choose.Dates + Details
Campus Life & Activities
Our home on campus is Santa Cruz Residence Hall, overlooking the stunning Pacific Ocean. Here, you will be a part of a dynamic community of students and staff who live together in one residence hall. You'll be only a short walk from De La Guerra Dining Commons (DLG), academic buildings, the University Center (UCEN), and the beach.
Get in touch with your inner adventurer with a hike on the beautiful Paradise Road, or participate in ocean sports at Leadbetter, Santa Barbara, or Goleta beach. Whatever your preference, we’ve got an opportunity for fun in the sun! Known for its incredible recreation center, beautiful coast line, and more, UC Santa Barbara is a great place to learn and spend your summer
Top UCSB Residential Activities
- Soak up the sun at Leadbetter, Santa Barbara, or Goleta Beach
- Explore the charm of Southern California and some of its best views on local hiking trails
- Have some fun in the sun by going surfing in some of Cali's most famous beaches
- Spend time off-land going snorkeling with your peers
- Sing the night away with your peers at Karaoke night
- Wind down with outdoor movie nights
- Have a fun night out with a bowling match
- Spend an afternoon ice skating with your peers
All program activities are subject to change based on current safety protocols.
Learn More About Our UCSB Programs
Dates & Tuition
- Jun 25 - Aug 5 $6,5996 Weeks *No courses July 4thResearch Mentorship Program (College Credit)See Available Courses
- Jul 2 - Jul 29 $5,3994 Weeks *No courses July 4thSummer Research Academies (College Credit)See Available Courses
“I truly enjoyed my time here. All of the staff were very helpful and encouraging. This program allowed me to gain experience for college courses and college dorm life.” Alexandra H.
“I've made the greatest friends anyone could ever have, and I don't know how to say thank you to all of you for making it possible. This program has changed my life forever.” Colton B.
"The program was academically rigorous and challenging but the perfect opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone." Damla O.
"The experience was amazing. I got to meet friends from all over the world, I explored a new city, and now I feel prepared and less nervous for college, and all of this thanks to this program."Natalie Joa C.
Program Details
Living: Our home on campus is Santa Cruz Residence Hall. Students live in a double room with communal hallway bathrooms; a thin blanket and pillow are provided. Every room includes a bed, study desk, closet, and free Wi-Fi. Lounges, game rooms, laundry facilities, and the Summer Discovery Office are all in our residence hall.
Tuition includes: Housing, 3 meals during the week and 2 meals during the weekend, use of athletic and recreation facilities, most activities and trips, and transportation for included activities.
Not included: $115 student ID/technology fee, airfare, airport transfers (available for $45 each way), international registration fee ($359), meals eaten off campus, medical expenses, laundry, linens, and spending money. Summer Discovery promotions do not apply to the Summer Research Academies or the Research Mentorship Program (please visit UCSB Summer Session's website for more information about these programs).
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