10 UCLA High School Summer Programs
Are you a high school student looking for a summer experience that goes beyond the ordinary? UCLA offers a variety of summer programs designed to help you explore your interests, gain valuable skills, and get a taste of college life. Whether you're passionate about science, eager to dive into the arts, or interested in preparing for college, there's a program for you. Here are 10 UCLA high school summer programs that could make your summer unforgettable.
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10 UCLA Summer Programs for High School Students
1. UCLA Summer College Immersion Program (SCIP)
The Summer College Immersion Program (SCIP) is an intensive six-week experience designed to prepare high school students for college-level academics. Participants take up to two UCLA courses, earning college credit, and receive academic advising and support. This program is ideal for students who want to challenge themselves academically and get a head start on their college education.
Highlights:
Earn college credit by taking UCLA courses.
Access to academic advising and support.
Opportunity to explore different fields of study.
In-Depth Look:
The SCIP program is structured to provide students with a comprehensive college experience. The courses offered span a wide range of disciplines, from the humanities to the sciences, allowing students to tailor their academic journey according to their interests. Beyond the classroom, SCIP offers workshops and seminars on college admissions, essay writing, and time management, equipping students with essential skills for their future academic endeavors.
Participants live in UCLA residence halls, providing a taste of dorm life and the chance to build lasting friendships with peers from around the world. The program also includes extracurricular activities such as campus tours, cultural excursions, and social events, ensuring a well-rounded and memorable summer experience.
2. UCLA Mock Trial Summer Institute
For students interested in law and the legal system, the UCLA Mock Trial Summer Institute offers a deep dive into the world of legal advocacy. Over two weeks, participants engage in trial simulations, learn about the judicial process, and develop public speaking and critical thinking skills. This program is perfect for aspiring lawyers and those interested in understanding the intricacies of the legal system.
Highlights:
Engage in realistic trial simulations.
Learn from experienced legal professionals.
Develop critical public speaking and analytical skills.
In-Depth Look:
The Mock Trial Summer Institute immerses students in the legal world through hands-on activities and interactive learning. Participants take on the roles of attorneys, witnesses, and jury members in mock trials, gaining firsthand experience in legal procedures and courtroom dynamics. The program is designed to enhance critical thinking, analytical skills, and public speaking, all essential qualities for a successful legal career.
In addition to trial simulations, students attend workshops on legal writing, case analysis, and ethical considerations in law. Guest speakers, including practicing attorneys and judges, provide insights into various legal careers and share their professional experiences. The program culminates in a final mock trial, where students apply their skills in a realistic courtroom setting.
3. UCLA Design Media Arts Summer Institute
The Design Media Arts Summer Institute is a two-week program for students passionate about visual arts and digital media. Participants explore a variety of design disciplines, including graphic design, web design, and digital filmmaking, through hands-on projects and workshops. This program encourages creativity and innovation, making it ideal for aspiring artists and designers.
Highlights:
Hands-on projects in various design disciplines.
Instruction from UCLA Design Media Arts faculty.
Showcase your work in a final exhibition.
In-Depth Look:
Students in the Design Media Arts Summer Institute engage in an intensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. The program covers essential design concepts such as color theory, typography, and user experience, alongside advanced techniques in digital media production. Participants use industry-standard software and equipment, providing a professional-grade learning environment.
Workshops and collaborative projects encourage creativity and teamwork, allowing students to develop their unique artistic voice. The program also includes guest lectures from renowned artists and designers, offering inspiration and professional insights. At the end of the program, students present their work in a final exhibition, celebrating their creative achievements.
4. UCLA Engineering Design Summer Institute
For budding engineers, the Engineering Design Summer Institute offers an immersive experience in engineering and technology. Over two weeks, students participate in hands-on projects, lab work, and field trips, learning about different engineering disciplines and gaining practical skills. This program is great for students interested in exploring engineering as a potential career path.
Highlights:
Participate in hands-on engineering projects.
Explore different engineering fields through lab work and field trips.
Learn from UCLA engineering faculty and professionals.
In-Depth Look:
The Engineering Design Summer Institute introduces students to the multifaceted world of engineering through a blend of theoretical instruction and practical application. Participants explore various branches of engineering, including mechanical, electrical, civil, and biomedical engineering. The program emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork, essential skills for any aspiring engineer.
Students engage in lab experiments, design challenges, and field trips to engineering facilities and research centers. These experiences provide a real-world context to the concepts learned in the classroom and highlight the impact of engineering on society. The program also includes guest lectures from industry professionals, offering insights into the latest technological advancements and career opportunities in engineering.
5. UCLA Writing Summer Institute
The Writing Summer Institute is a three-week program focused on developing students' writing skills. Participants work on various writing projects, from creative writing to analytical essays, and receive feedback from experienced instructors. This program is perfect for students who want to improve their writing abilities and prepare for college-level writing.
Highlights:
Develop writing skills through various projects.
Receive personalized feedback from instructors.
Learn techniques for effective writing and editing.
In-Depth Look:
The Writing Summer Institute provides a supportive environment for students to enhance their writing abilities across multiple genres. The curriculum covers narrative, expository, and persuasive writing, with a focus on developing clear and compelling prose. Instructors provide individualized feedback, helping students refine their writing style and strengthen their arguments.
Workshops and peer review sessions foster a collaborative learning atmosphere, allowing students to share their work and receive constructive criticism. The program also includes sessions on grammar, syntax, and writing mechanics, ensuring a solid foundation in the technical aspects of writing. By the end of the program, students will have a portfolio of polished writing pieces, ready for college applications or personal projects.
6. UCLA Acting and Performance Summer Institute
For students with a passion for acting and performance, this three-week program offers intensive training in acting, voice, movement, and scene study. Participants work with UCLA's School of Theater, Film, and Television faculty and perform in a final showcase. This program is ideal for aspiring actors looking to hone their craft and gain performance experience.
Highlights:
Intensive training in various aspects of acting.
Work with experienced theater professionals.
Perform in a final showcase.
In-Depth Look:
The Acting and Performance Summer Institute provides a rigorous training ground for young actors. The curriculum includes classes in acting techniques, voice and speech, movement, and scene study, offering a comprehensive approach to performance training. Students learn to analyze scripts, develop characters, and perform with emotional authenticity.
Instructors are experienced professionals from UCLA's prestigious School of Theater, Film, and Television, bringing real-world expertise to the classroom. The program also includes master classes with guest artists, providing additional insights and inspiration. Throughout the program, students collaborate on scenes and monologues, culminating in a final showcase where they perform before an audience of peers and instructors.
7. UCLA Sci|Art NanoLab
The Sci|Art NanoLab is a unique program that blends science and art, exploring the intersection of these fields through the lens of nanotechnology. Over two weeks, students engage in hands-on projects, lectures, and lab work, learning from experts in both science and art. This program is perfect for students interested in the innovative fusion of these disciplines.
Highlights:
Explore the intersection of science and art.
Hands-on projects and lab work.
Learn from experts in nanotechnology and art.
In-Depth Look:
The Sci|Art NanoLab offers a multidisciplinary approach to learning, combining scientific inquiry with artistic expression. Participants explore the fundamentals of nanotechnology and its applications in various fields, from medicine to environmental science. At the same time, they engage in creative projects that highlight the aesthetic and conceptual aspects of scientific discoveries.
Lectures and lab sessions are led by faculty from UCLA's California NanoSystems Institute, providing access to cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art facilities. Students work on collaborative projects that integrate scientific concepts with artistic media, such as sculpture, digital art, and installation. The program culminates in an exhibition of student work, showcasing the innovative fusion of science and art.
8. UCLA Economics Summer Institute
The Economics Summer Institute offers a deep dive into economic theory and its real-world applications. Over two weeks, students study microeconomics, macroeconomics, and global economics, learning from UCLA's economics faculty. This program is ideal for students interested in understanding the economic forces that shape our world.
Highlights:
Study various aspects of economics.
Learn from experienced economics faculty.
Apply economic theories to real-world scenarios.
In-Depth Look:
The Economics Summer Institute provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of economics, covering key topics such as supply and demand, market structures, and fiscal policy. Students engage in interactive lectures, case studies, and simulations, applying economic theories to contemporary issues and real-world scenarios.
The program emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills, encouraging students to evaluate economic policies and their impact on society. Guest speakers from academia and industry provide additional perspectives on current economic challenges and career opportunities in economics. By the end of the program, students will have a solid understanding of economic principles and their relevance to global issues.
9. UCLA Film and Television Summer Institute
For students passionate about filmmaking and television production, this four-week program offers hands-on experience in writing, directing, editing, and producing. Participants create their own short films and learn from UCLA's School of Theater, Film, and Television faculty. This program is perfect for aspiring filmmakers looking to develop their skills and create original content.
Highlights:
Create and produce your own short film.
Learn various aspects of filmmaking and television production.
Work with experienced film and television professionals.
In-Depth Look:
The Film and Television Summer Institute immerses students in the creative and technical aspects of film and television production. The curriculum covers screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and producing, providing a well-rounded education in visual storytelling. Participants work in teams to develop, shoot, and edit their own short films, gaining hands-on experience with professional-grade equipment and software.
Instructors are accomplished filmmakers and television professionals, offering mentorship and practical insights into the industry. The program also includes guest lectures from industry experts, panel discussions, and screenings of classic and contemporary films. The final week is dedicated to post-production and the premiere of student films, celebrating their creative achievements.
10. UCLA Model United Nations Summer Institute
The Model United Nations Summer Institute provides an in-depth understanding of international relations and diplomacy. Over two weeks, students participate in simulations, learn about global issues, and develop skills in negotiation, public speaking, and research. This program is ideal for students interested in international affairs and global politics.
Highlights:
Participate in realistic Model UN simulations.
Learn about global issues and international relations.
Develop skills in negotiation, public speaking, and research.
In-Depth Look:
The Model United Nations Summer Institute offers a dynamic and immersive experience in global diplomacy. Participants take on the roles of delegates representing different countries in Model UN simulations, debating and negotiating solutions to international issues such as climate change, human rights, and global security. The program emphasizes research, public speaking, and negotiation skills, essential for success in international relations.
Students learn about the structure and functions of the United Nations, the principles of international law, and the complexities of global governance. Workshops and lectures provide context and background on key global issues, while simulations allow students to apply their knowledge in a practical setting. The program culminates in a final Model UN conference, where participants demonstrate their diplomatic skills and collaborate on resolutions.
Conclusion
UCLA's high school summer programs offer a diverse range of opportunities for students to explore their interests, gain new skills, and experience college life. Whether you're passionate about science, the arts, engineering, or international relations, there's a program for you. Take advantage of these unique summer experiences to learn, grow, and prepare for your future.
Ready to apply? Visit the UCLA summer programs website to learn more about application deadlines, eligibility, and program details. Make this summer one to remember with an unforgettable experience at UCLA!
About Inspirit AI
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10 session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1. Summer cohort applications will be accepted until May 30.
