UCSB PaCE Pre-College & Summer Discovery
Discover the Perfect Blend of Adventure and Academics at UC Santa Barbara! In collaboration with Summer Discovery, the industry-leading pre-college summer enrichment program, this unique opportunity is tailored for high school students in grades 9-12. Experience life at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where the majestic Santa Ynez Mountains meet the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Immerse yourself in world-class academics while enjoying breathtaking natural beauty and a vibrant campus community. Don’t miss your chance to enrich your education and create unforgettable memories!
Who can apply?
This summer, in partnership with Summer Discovery, UC Santa Barbara is thrilled to offer high school programs in multiple two-week pre-college summer enrichment programs.
These immersive programs allow students in grades 9-12 to experience life on the UC Santa Barbara campus and learn from real-world leaders in various fields of study.
Program Dates
| Program | Duration | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communications Academy | 2 Weeks | July 06 | July 18 |
| EMT Certification Academy | 2 Weeks | July 06 | July 18 |
| Quantitative Economics Academy | 2 Weeks | July 06 | July 18 |
| Experimental Psychology Academy | 2 Weeks | July 06 | July 18 |
| Introduction to Research Methodology Academy | 2 weeks | July 06 | July 18 |
| Marine Biology Academy | 2 weeks | July 06 | July 18 |
Communications Academy
Students will learn the keys to effective communication and public speaking in this introductory communications course. Through an exploration of core concepts and theories in the discipline including effective interpersonal, cross-cultural, verbal, and written communication skills, students will develop their oral and written presentation skills. Students will practice techniques in persuasive and motivational speaking to harness their leadership skills and public speaking in front of various audiences. By the end of the course, students will have greater confidence, critical thinking skills, and the ability to articulate their messages clearly and effectively. The curriculum also includes opportunities for practical application through a capstone project and field trips to related sites available in Santa Barbara, California.
EMT Certification Academy
Students interested in pursuing a career as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) will acquire foundational knowledge and practical skills to work as an EMT. Through hands-on learning activities, students will understand the requirements to perform emergency medical services and the opportunity to practice basic critical life-saving skills. The program integrates classroom instruction, and real-world application through simulation activities, case studies, a capstone project and field trips. Students who successfully complete the program will achieve CPR certification and be eligible to sit for the National Registry EMT (NREMT) exam pending age eligibility.
Quantitative Economics Academy
This course will introduce students to the field of quantitative economics, which covers a variety of topics including economic theory, mathematical and statistical techniques. Students will explore the foundational principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics, explore the important role that data analysis plays in the discipline, and develop an understanding of how mathematical models are used to solve real-world economic problems. The curriculum includes hands-on practice in introductory data analysis, economic modeling, and policy evaluation through classroom instruction, a capstone project, and field trips to economic institutions and businesses in Santa Barbara, California. Students will develop their ability to think critically about economic issues and understand how quantitative research methods are used to solve complex real-world problems in a variety of disciplines and future careers.
Experimental Psychology Academy
Experimental psychology is a branch of social science focused on the scientific study of human behavior and cognition. This course will provide students with an introduction to this branch of psychology and how it contributes to the larger discipline. Instruction will explore foundational concepts such as memory, perception, and cognition through short lectures, historical case studies, and an introduction to data collection and analysis. Students will learn how psychological research is conducted to test theories such as how sleep impacts our memory and cognition, or the impact of music on mood. They’ll consider ethical concerns in research on human subjects, and how the guidelines around ethical research have developed today. The curriculum includes a capstone research project that will develop students’ critical thinking, information literacy, and inquiry skills..
Introduction to Research Methodology Academy
In this course, students will explore the core research methods used to advance our understanding of various scientific, behavioral, environmental and biological phenomena. Centered around application of the scientific research method, students will be introduced to the process of design, conducting, analyzing, and applying research. Students will understand the differences between quantitative and qualitative research and how data collection and analyses answer different types of questions. Students will explore the research process from identifying questions to interpreting data, and learn various quantitative and qualitative research techniques. The curriculum incorporates hands-on research experiences, a capstone project, and field trips to research institutions near Santa Barbara, California.
Marine Biology Academy
Students interested in conservation, oceanography, scientific research, and more will have access to Santa Barbara’s unique marine ecosystem to explore foundational topics in marine biology. The course will cover a variety of topics including foundational concepts in marine ecosystems, biodiversity, human impacts on marine environments and marine conservation. Students will practice the building blocks of scientific research and conduct hands-on experiments to apply foundational concepts in marine biology. Learning will also take place outside of the classroom with off-campus field trips that may include museums, research institutes, and local parks, along with expert guest speakers to share their first-hand professional insights.
Apply Now
Before you apply, please make sure you meet the required admissions criteria:
- Students must have completed the 9th, 10th, or 11th grade.
- International students must provide proof of English proficiency.
- Completed Summer Discovery application.
If you meet the admissions criteria make an account and apply here on the Summer Discovery page:
What to Expect
Relax and enjoy miles of sun-soaked beaches around UCSB
Dine, shop, and explore State Street, the heart of downtown Santa Barbara
Go bowling in downtown Santa Barbara
Head to the Funk Zone and immerse yourself in one of Santa Barbara's most vibrant and evolving neighborhoods