If you’re a high school student in Berkeley, your summer can be more than a break - it’s a chance to build a solid skillset in a field of your choice. Berkeley offers programs where you can study advanced subjects, gain hands-on experience, and work with experts, all without it interfering with the school year.
You can work on real-world projects, develop new skills, and learn directly from experts in your field. These summer programs are super helpul as you prepare for college and future research projects while exploring topics you’re passionate about.
Subject Areas: Entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, accounting, leadership, and organizational management
Location: Berkeley Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley Campus.
Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students.
Program Dates:
- Session I: July 5–19, 2025
- Session II: July 19–August 2, 2025
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions starting January 2025; all documents due by March 1, 2025
Cost: $6,292 (California residents); $7,332 (non-residents)
This two-week, non-credit program immerses students in the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and business strategy, guided by Berkeley Haas faculty and guest speakers from industry. You will develop critical skills such as business planning, teamwork, financial modeling, and market analysis. Through workshops and hands-on projects, you will learn to craft business plans, conduct SWOT analysis, and design marketing strategies.
The program also incorporates case studies, negotiation exercises, and public speaking workshops to enhance communication and leadership skills. You will present your final business plans in a showcase event, gaining valuable experience in pitching ideas.
Subject Areas: Engineering design, CAD (Fusion 360), 3D printing, and prototype development
Location: Hybrid (online and in-person at UC Berkeley)
Eligibility: High school students aged 15+ with a basic STEM foundation. Calculus and physics are recommended but not required
Program Dates: May 17–June 15, 2025 (online) and June 23–July 11, 2025 (in-person)
Application Deadline:
- Early bird deadline: December 1, 2024
- Final deadline: Rolling
Cost: $7,000 (Early bird) | $7,500 (Final deadline)
The Berkeley Engineering Youth Academy (BEYA) offers high school students a chance to explore engineering design and manufacturing. Over eight weeks, you'll begin with five weeks of online training in CAD tools like Fusion 360 and additive manufacturing, followed by three weeks at UC Berkeley to build and showcase your prototypes. With personalized instruction in a small cohort of 30 students, BEYA helps you develop technical skills, experience college life, and gain confidence to pursue further studies in engineering.
Subject Areas: Artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, and robotics
Location: UC Berkeley Campus
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders from underrepresented backgrounds in AI, demonstrating financial need or limited access to STEM opportunities.
Program Dates: July 8–12, 2024
Application Deadline: April 30, 2024
Cost: Free
This week-long program provides a unique opportunity to explore the fundamentals of artificial intelligence at the renowned BAIR Lab. You’ll learn directly from UC Berkeley professors and researchers through daily guest lectures and participatory workshops, covering topics like machine learning models, societal impacts of AI, and ethics in technology.
Afternoons are hands-on, focusing on foundational Python programming, building machine learning models, and applying mathematical concepts to real-world AI problems. By the end of the program, you’ll have experience developing solutions to AI challenges under the guidance of Berkeley’s graduate student mentors.
4. QCaMP
Subject Areas: Quantum physics, quantum computing, circuit design, and mathematical modeling.
Location: Various sites including the Bay Area, CA; Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Gallup, NM; and Navajo Nation, AZ.
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ living in eligible areas, including Bay Area, California
Program Dates: June 30–July 25, 2025
Application Deadline: April 1, 2025
Cost: Free (stipend available)
BQCaMP introduces you to quantum information science and technology. You’ll learn quantum physics basics and design circuits for real-world quantum computers through hands-on activities. Led by experts from Sandia National Laboratories, Berkeley Labs, and other leading institutions, this program combines lectures, interactive workshops, and project-based learning.
You’ll develop essential skills in problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, and circuit creation while gaining insights into how quantum mechanics is shaping the future of technology.
Alongside career talks and lab visits, you’ll have the chance to connect with peers and mentors, opening doors to potential career paths in the growing quantum industry.
Subject Areas: Architecture, urban design, sustainable city planning, and environmental design
Location: UC Berkeley Campus
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th-grade high school students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher; students must be 16 years old by June 30, 2025
Program Dates: July 7–August 1, 2025
Application Deadline:
- Priority deadline: March 11, 2025
- Final deadline: April 15, 2025 (if space is available)
Cost: $5,200 (based on 2024 tuition – financial aid available)
The embARC Summer Design Academy immerses you in the fields of architecture, urban design, and sustainable planning at UC Berkeley. Over four weeks, you’ll tackle real-world design projects, develop a portfolio, and gain hands-on experience in drafting, sketching, model-building, and digital design using cutting-edge software.
The program combines studio courses, workshops, and lectures led by Berkeley faculty and industry professionals. Highlights include a community build project for a local nonprofit, where you’ll apply your skills to create impactful solutions. You’ll also explore public policy issues and learn how design intersects with community advocacy.
Subject Areas: Experimental research, data science, coding, science communication, and STEM administration
Location: Hybrid or virtual, depending on the project scope and office
Eligibility: Current 10th–12th grade students enrolled in Northern California; must be at least 16 years old by June 16, 2025
Program Dates: June 16–July 25, 2025
Application Deadline: March 23, 2025
Compensation: $500 per week (six-week paid internship)
The Experiences in Research (EinR) program lets high school students work on cutting-edge STEM projects with Berkeley Lab professionals. You’ll tackle real-world challenges in data science, coding, experimental research, and science communication. Interns work 30–35 hours weekly, gaining technical expertise and collaboration skills while contributing to impactful projects. Mentors guide you throughout, making it an ideal program to explore advanced STEM fields in a hands-on environment.
Subject Areas: Fabrication, architecture, design thinking, and digital design
Location: UC Berkeley Campus, Bauer Wurster Hall
Eligibility: Rising 10th and 11th-grade high school students; must be able to commute.
Program Dates: July 14–25, 2025
Application Deadline: May 15, 2025 (rolling admissions)
Cost: $2,900 (need-based stipends available)
The Design + Build Bootcamp invites you to explore the creative process of design and fabrication through a unique hands-on experience. Over two weeks, you’ll work in teams to conceptualize and construct a mini-golf course, complete with themed environments, bridges, ramps, and interactive elements.
Using professional-grade tools like CNC routers, laser cutters, and 3D printers in UC Berkeley’s state-of-the-art wood and metal shops, you’ll learn technical skills in woodworking, metalworking, and digital fabrication. This intensive program emphasizes collaboration and creativity, allowing you to bring imaginative ideas to life while gaining practical STEM and design experience. The bootcamp culminates with a showcase of your completed mini-golf course, where you can celebrate your creations with family and fellow campers.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.