UCLA Summer Discovery: A Deep Dive into Pre-College Academic Enrichment

The UCLA Summer Discovery program offers high school and middle school students an unparalleled opportunity to experience college life, explore potential academic interests, and develop essential skills for future success. With a rich history spanning over 35 years, this program provides immersive learning experiences, exciting adventures, and the chance to build a vibrant community on one of America's top public university campuses.

What is Summer Discovery?

Summer Discovery stands as a leading pre-college summer program provider, catering to students in grades 6-12. For over half a century, Summer Discovery has been welcoming students from around the world to its exciting high school pre-college and middle school summer enrichment programs. With a family-owned and operated approach, Summer Discovery offers access to world-renowned campuses and faculty, delivering tangible outcomes for students to utilize in college applications. The transformative experience offers more than academics alone. Students explore world-class universities and dive into captivating courses, fostering personal growth and unforgettable experiences and building a community of passionate students.

Campus Life and Guided Activities

After a day of stimulating coursework and collaborating with peers in the classroom, students can unwind and socialize with fellow students and the unique experiences that Los Angeles has to offer. Beyond academics, students can explore the campus, soak up the sun by the Sunset Canyon Recreation Center pool, or follow in the footsteps of fame with organized trips to TCL Chinese Theater and Hollywood & Highland. They can also shoot some hoops at the John Wooden Sports and Recreation Center.

Residential Life

Students reside in air-conditioned residence halls, such as Hedrick Summit Suites, exclusive to Summer Discovery students. Living with peers in a comfortable setting separate from university students fosters a strong sense of community. Resident counselors are available 24/7 to provide guidance and support. Each room includes a bed, study desk, closet, and free Wi-Fi. Lounges, game rooms, and laundry facilities are all conveniently located in the residence hall.

Dining Experience

Summer Discovery offers an all-inclusive meal plan, providing three meals every weekday and two on weekends in the modern Rieber Dining Hall. Students can choose from a variety of options, including a salad bar, deli counter, pizza oven, stir-fry station, and dessert bar. Vegetarian and allergy-friendly options are also available.

Immersive Learning Experiences

Summer Discovery offers a diverse range of academic programs, including enrichment classes and intensive institutes. These programs are designed to fuel existing academic pursuits and spark new interests. Students can explore over 300 courses at 15+ campuses including Ivy League and world-renowned universities.

Enrichment Classes

Summer Discovery partners with UCLA Cultural and Recreational Affairs to offer enrichment classes exclusively for Summer Discovery students. Taught by UCLA faculty, graduate teaching instructors, and top secondary school teachers, these classes meet four times weekly for 1.5-2 hours. Enrichment classes provide an engaging way to learn something interesting and develop new skills. Most classes have homework, papers, and/or tests and are graded Pass/No Pass.

Intensive Institutes

Summer Discovery partners with UCLA Cultural and Recreational Affairs, UCLA Anderson School of Management, College to Career Acting (CTCA), and Collegewise to offer intensive institutes exclusively to Summer Discovery students. These institutes meet four times weekly, both morning and afternoon, with a lunch break. Institutes operate independently of each other, and no other courses may be taken in conjunction with them. Most institutes have homework, papers, and/or tests and are graded Pass/No Pass.

College Credit Classes

Summer Discovery partners with UCLA Summer Sessions to offer college credit classes. Taught by UCLA professors and visiting faculty, these classes meet 2-5 times weekly for 1-2.5 hours. Students will be in class with UCLA freshman-level students and earn 4 or 5 credits for each class. Most classes have papers, midterms, and/or finals and are graded on the traditional A, B, C, D, and F system. Pass/No Pass grading is also offered.

Tailored Programs

Summer Discovery programs are flexible in design to inspire a personalized approach. Students can explore full-day academies in a single field or create a custom schedule across multiple fields of study.

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The UCLA Anderson School of Management Connection

Summer Discovery offers exclusive courses at the UCLA Anderson School of Management, where students can engage with top sports industry professionals. Academies such as Sports Business allow students to explore the factors driving change in these industries and learn the nuts and bolts of the companies that make billions of dollars entertaining people around the world.

Sports Business Academy

The Sports Business Academy, taught and sponsored by the Center for Management of Enterprise in Media, Entertainment, and Sports at UCLA Anderson School of Management, provides an introduction to the business aspects of entertainment, media, and sports. Classes are specifically designed for high school students based on Anderson's graduate and summer undergraduate classes. Through an introduction to concepts, analyses, and principles, this program will help you understand the business aspects of entertainment, media, and sports and culminates with final team projects in which students develop solutions for a company business. During this 3-week intensive full-day program, students gain insight into the ever-changing business of entertainment, media, and sports. They also explore business frameworks including finance, marketing, strategy, and economics.

Digital Marketing and Social Media Institute

The Digital Marketing and Social Media Institute gives students both the strategic framework and tactical approach to develop and execute goal-oriented digital marketing and advertising campaigns that enhance brands, create a buzz, and motivate desired consumer behavior. This 3-week institute provides a solid foundation in the key concepts around digital strategy, campaign execution, and measurement.

The Business of Music

This course provides a foundational overview of how the music business has been transformed by decades of technological and business innovation. This ongoing evolution continues to shape the business, impacting labels, artists, live event promoters, and others pursuing careers in music.

A Look at Other Summer Discovery Locations

While UCLA reigns supreme as the longest-running and most popular summer enrichment program, Summer Discovery offers programs at other prestigious universities as well. These include:

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University of Michigan: Students can explore the inner workings of the sports industry at one of the top sports universities in the US, visit the famous Big House football stadium, and speak with top sports industry professionals.
University of Texas, Austin: Home of the Longhorns, UT Austin sets the stage for sports fanatics to learn about the profound influence that sports have on our society, on and off the field.
Georgetown University: Students can delve into the many facets of the sports industry at the home of the Hoyas, exploring topics such as athlete contracts, collective bargaining agreements, intellectual property, and sports law.

Middle School Program (Junior Discovery)

UCLA is consistently ranked as one of America’s top universities, making it a great partner for the Summer Discovery middle school program. Located in a beautiful Los Angeles neighborhood, Junior Discovery's middle school program participants have numerous course options to choose from while honing their leadership, communication, and academic skills. This program has just the right balance of academic rigor and all-inclusive activities, combined with active supervision to ensure students get the mentorship and guidance they need. Summer Discovery also actively communicates with parents during the students’ stay for parent peace-of-mind.

The Los Angeles Experience

Situated in the culturally vibrant city of Los Angeles, renowned for its theme parks, movie studios, and celebrity trends, a summer at UCLA offers an unparalleled cultural and educational experience. Students immerse themselves in an urban landscape characterized by exceptional dining, iconic city landmarks, and famous zip codes. Just minutes from the beach in the heart of Los Angeles, this Summer Discovery pre-college program offers high school and middle school students the chance to attend America’s top public university while exploring the world’s entertainment capital.

Costs and Inclusions

Costs vary by campus and length of the program. Residential tuition includes term fees, academic and enrichment programs, housing in UCLA Residence Hall, a comprehensive welcome orientation, meals on campus, use of UCLA athletic and recreation facilities, activities, trips, excursions per catalog, transportation to and from all included activities, and basic bedding.

Items not included are the application fee, student ID/technology fee, airfare, airport transfers, books/class materials and course supplements, meals off-campus, laundry, shopping, spending money, and medical expenses.

Financial Assistance

Summer Discovery provides scholarship assistance to students and their families through many different channels, primarily partnering with mentoring organizations. While individual scholarships are limited, students are encouraged to reach out to their school counselor and community for academic fundraising and scholarship opportunities.

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