UCLA Summer Enrichment Programs for High School Students

UCLA Summer Enrichment Programs for High School Students 2026

UCLA hosts multiple summer programs for high school students seeking college-level coursework, research experience, and campus immersion. Programs range from one-week introductions to four-week intensive courses with college credit eligibility.

Summer Discovery

One-week residential program on UCLA campus. Students choose one full course from offerings in psychology, business, STEM, or engineering. Taught by UCLA faculty. Small seminar size (~25 students). Dorm living, campus facilities access, social events.

Cost: $2,500 including tuition, room, board, meals.

Selectivity: Moderate. GPA 3.5+ helps. Less competitive than RSI or TASP.

Vibe: Introductory, exploratory; many students test majors before college.

Summer Sessions (Academic Credit Option)

UCLA’s official summer sessions allow high school students (with parental consent and transcript verification) to enroll in regular UCLA courses. Two-session option: Session A (June) or Session B (July–August), each 6–8 weeks. Students earn UCLA credit transferable to their home universities.

Cost: $1,000–$2,000 per course (plus housing if on-campus).

Courses Available: All UCLA departments; no prerequisites waived for high schoolers. You must be ready for college-level work.

Transcript Impact: Strong. If you earn an A or B in a UCLA Summer Sessions course, admissions offices view this favorably. Shows you can handle college rigor.

UCLA Summer Institute in Engineering (USIE)

Four-week program for rising seniors interested in engineering. Hands-on projects, design challenges, industry guest lecturers. Residential on campus. Taught by UCLA engineering faculty and TAs.

Cost: $4,500 including tuition, room, board.

Selectivity: Moderate-to-competitive. Strong math/science background expected.

Bruins Summer Program

Three-week program for underrepresented minorities and first-generation students. STEM focus. Scholarships available for 50% of students. Academic enrichment, mentoring, campus tour.

Cost: $3,000 (or scholarship-covered).

Why Choose UCLA Summer?

UCLA is consistently ranked top 15 universities globally. Being on the Westwood campus, living in dorms, eating in dining halls, and attending lectures on the same grounds where thousands of undergraduates study is immersive. The location (Los Angeles, sunny, vibrant) is attractive to East Coast students.

Students often use Summer Discovery or Summer Sessions to determine whether UCLA is the right fit for college enrollment. Many applicants later cite summer program experience in college essays.

Compare with other top-tier pre-college summer programs to assess which fits your academic goals and budget.