Summer at UC San Diego

Summer Discovery high school programs aren't just about academics—they're a launchpad into the world of higher education, preparing you for university life and beyond. They're the perfect fusion of transformation, learning, and fun, where you'll forge lifelong friendships and return to high school brimming with newfound confidence.

Summer Discovery's diverse fields of study, spanning STEM, psychology, arts, law, business, math, science and so much more, are taught by experts and leaders in their respective fields of study. Our programs deliver tangible results that enable you to strengthen your university application and propel you forward with the confidence and clarity to define your future career goals.

Discover what it takes to turn an innovative idea into a successful business. Designed and led by UC San Diego's Office of Innovation and Commercialization, this two-week academy takes students through the process of launching a startup, from identifying a problem worth solving to developing and pitching a business concept. Working in teams, students will brainstorm original ideas, interview potential customers, test their assumptions, and build a business model. Along the way, they'll develop marketing strategies, explore startup funding, and learn how entrepreneurs turn creative solutions into viable ventures.

Students will learn from experienced entrepreneurs and innovation leaders, including Greg Horowitt, UC San Diego's Director of Innovation Design, venture investor, and startup founder, and Jacques Chirazi, Senior Director of Programs at UC San Diego's Office of Innovation and Commercialization. Through interactive workshops, guest lectures, and discussions with startup founders and investors, students will gain firsthand insight into the challenges and decisions involved in building a business.

Learning extends beyond the classroom through potential visits to UC San Diego's immersive research labs, makerspaces, and innovation facilities, as well as local companies such as Qualcomm, Sony, and Aptera. Students will see how ideas move from concept to prototype to market and apply these lessons to their own ventures. The course culminates in a Shark Tank-style pitch competition, where teams present their business concepts to a panel of judges, gaining practical experience in entrepreneurship, teamwork, leadership, and persuasive communication.

Get in the game with two hours of daily sports training, expert coaching, and plenty of opportunities to practice and play. Choose from basketball, tennis, soccer, golf, volleyball, or surfing, designed for athletes of all experience levels. Through sport-specific drills, skill development, and recreational play, students improve their technique, build confidence, and connect with fellow athletes in a fun, supportive environment.

These two-hour morning training camps are open to residential and commuter students enrolled in Summer Discovery. Students pair their morning sports training with an academic enrichment course in the afternoon, creating a balanced, full-day experience that combines athletics, academics, and personal growth.

Passion can start a movement. Turning it into lasting change means listening to people, understanding the problem, and trying a thoughtful response.

Social impact requires more than passion—it requires an understanding of how change happens and the skills to turn ideas into actions that drive positive impact. This two-week course examines the principles, strategies, and systems that drive social change across nonprofit organizations, philanthropy, government, business, and communities. Drawing on deep expertise in youth engagement and social impact,

DoSomething will bring real-world practice into the classroom, guiding students through the strategies and approaches used by today’s changemakers to address complex social challenges.

Plan and lead a community impact day, choosing its purpose, audience, partners, activities, responsibilities, and measures of progress and earn 10+ volunteer credit hours for carrying out the day of service.

Summer Discovery partners with leading academic and industry organizations to offer specialized courses that connect classroom learning with real-world expertise. Designed and delivered by professionals in their respective fields, these programs give students firsthand exposure to emerging industries, practical skills, and potential career pathways.

Explore the science behind athletic performance with IMG Elevate, learn financial markets and trading strategies with Apex and Vanquish, prepare for college entrance exams with ESM Prep, or investigate artificial intelligence and its potential for social impact with Inspirit AI. Through hands-on activities, expert instruction, and real-world applications, students gain valuable insight into their fields of interest while building skills for college and beyond.