UC Santa Barbara allows students to choose from four exciting programs which are designed for different kinds of students: the Early Start Program (ESP), Academic & Enrichment Program (1+1), Enrichment Program and the Research Mentorship Program (RMP). These six-week programs give high school students the unique opportunity to take regular UC Santa Barbara courses. We offer over 100 courses to choose from in 40 academic departments. Although the programs are fairly similar, there are a few differences that are tailored to students who have different goals for the summer. You will find the differences listed below.

• Early Start Program—ESP students enroll in two UC Santa Barbara courses and live in a residence hall for six-weeks. High school students who are looking to increase their competitiveness when applying to UC’s or other top universities in the nation should enroll in this program. By taking two academic courses, ESP provides students the opportunity to explore some of the university’s different disciplines and gain valuable college experience.

• Academic & Enrichment Program—The Academic & Enrichment Program (1+1) allows students to enroll in one UC Santa Barbara academic course and one non-credit, skills based enrichment course. This residential program is ideal for students who would like to experience the rigor of a university curriculum while being able to focus solely on one course, the opportunity to apply practical skills to theoretical frameworks of university disciplines, or to supplement their one academic course with non-credit courses that teach practical skills not normally taught at UC Santa Barbara for university credit.

• Enrichment Program—This program allows residential students to enroll in 2 UCSB non-credit courses. Students who enroll in this option will enjoy the benefit of choosing courses from a wide variety of subjects intended for personal growth.

• Research Mentorship Program—The Research Mentorship Program (RMP) at UCSB Summer Sessions was established in 1995 and has since serviced highly motivated high school students who are ready to engage in true, cutting edge research. RMP students study recently published papers and participate in genuine investigations alongside UCSB faculty members and advanced graduate students. During six fun, intense weeks, students learn how to perform research in laboratories, library and/or field sites, use research techniques, collect and analyze data, write a research paper, and present their findings in a formal research symposium. This program is also open to both residential and commuter students.

New Program: DiscoveryWorks Community Service (June 28 - July 24, 2009)
A combination of service-based field work and classroom experience. This 4 week non-credit program meets Monday-Thursday, both morning and afternoon, for 5 hours total per day (hours may vary depending on project). Students in this program enjoy evening activities, college visits, UCSB recreation privileges and weekend excursions with the rest of the Summer Discovery group.

Why do high school students want to spend their summer at UCSB?      Because students can: Increase their competitiveness as they begin to apply to UC’s and other top universities in the nation, Get started on taking courses that transfer to most universities nationwide, Find out if UCSB is the right college for you, Meet friends from around the country, Visit some of the best Southern California attractions, including Disneyland, Magic Mountain, and miles of beaches, and Spend the summer in amazing Santa Barbara!

For additional information contact UCSB Summer Sessions Pre-College Programs PHONE: 805-893-2377 / FAX: 805-893-7306