Pre-College

BERKELEY CHANGEMAKER SUMMER PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAM

The Berkeley Changemaker® Summer 2024 Pre-College Program offers international and domestic high school students the opportunity to live on campus and enjoy the summer at Berkeley. Since its inception, UC Berkeley has always attracted changemakers whose vision challenges the status quo and whose contributions make our world a better, more equitable place. The Berkeley Changemaker pre-college program draws from, and builds on, elements that make Cal UC Berkeley unique, including a singular history for leading inclusively and an agency for making society better. Our curriculum activates our students’ passions and helps them to develop a sharper sense of who they want to be and how to make that happen. Regardless of what interests you, there is a place for you here in our learning community.

In this program, you will sharpen your skills in three key areas -- critical thinking, communication, and collaboration -- while exploring what changemaking looks like in a wide variety of disciplines across campus. Since summer 2020, over 20% of undergraduates have enrolled in a Berkeley Changemaker course.

Through daily lectures, compelling faculty interviews, and interactive team assignments with your fellow changemakers, you will develop your own changemaking mindset and learn how to turn your ideas into action. You will get to experience firsthand all that UC Berkeley has to offer.

"I'm really excited by Berkeley's focus on inclusive leading as a public institution—in my eyes, one of the most important foundational steps to becoming a changemaker is exposing yourself to a multitude of perspectives and backgrounds, which is achieved not only by interacting with the incredible academic opportunities offered by Berkeley faculty and courses, but also by introducing yourself to the cultural experiences offered by the numerous student groups and interactions with those from backgrounds other than your own." - Current UC Berkeley Student & Changemaker

Your summer residential experience begins with orientation sessions, campus tour, and opportunities to meet with program staff and other participants. Activities and excursions are planned by Res Life counselors and the program staff to help you meet other students in your program, make the most out of your time at Berkeley, and prepare for your future college experience.

Important Dates

Application opens - February 15, 2024

Application deadline - Rolling deadline (on space available basis until program starts)

Program dates - June 17 - June 28, 2024

Program Benefits:

  • Chaperoned housing in campus residence halls along with a daily meal plan

  • Welcome orientation, campus tours, local excursions, social activities, and more!

  • Support from designated program staff throughout the program

You can review the summer 2023 program overview here.

WHAT OUR 2023 PRE-COLLEGE PARTICIPANTS HAD TO SAY...

The Berkeley Changemaker Program was one of the best experiences of my life. I had the opportunity to learn from inspiring professors, befriend talented classmates, tour world-renowned buildings; and re-imagine Berkeley’s campus. This program helped equip me with the skills to make an impact and the confidence to do so. I am deeply grateful to be part of this shared experience.
Sophia Libman, Pre-College Berkeley Changemaker Alumna '22

The Berkeley Changemaker Pre-College Program is designed to prepare you for success in your other classes and for summer opportunities/when you graduate.

Find more information here:

https://www.summerdiscovery.com/campuses/uc-berkeley

The application is available through the Summer Discovery portal. For application support, please email Halley Hoot at halley@summerdiscovery.com or email us at changemaker@berkeley.edu

Program Dates:

June 16-28, 2024

* Commuter dates: June 17-28, 2024

 NOTE: THIS PROGRAM IS FOR STUDENTS 16-17 YEARS OF AGE. PARTICIPANTS MUST BE AT LEAST 16 YEARS OLD BY THE TIME THE PROGRAM BEGINS ON JUNE 17, 2024.

Program Fees:

RESIDENTIAL: $ 6,719 USD

COMMUTER: $ 3,779 USD

Program fees include:

  • Academic tuition
  • Housing (UCB student dorms)
  • 2-3 meals per day, 7 days per week (varies by
  • program)
  • Extracurricular activities and -excursions (afternoon, evening, and weekend)
  • Transportation for included activities
  • Use of athletic and recreation facilities
  • Blanket and pillow
  • Safety and supervision

Not Included:

  • Application fee
  • Airfare and airport transfers
  • Meals purchased off campus
  • Medical expenses
  • Laundry
  • Linens
  • Spending money

For international students, the international registration fee is $379 (residential) OR $239 (commuter). This fee covers a medical policy for the student and their airport transfers.

All students from countries in which the official language is not English are required to submit official evidence of English language proficiency.

  • Duolingo Score: Total score of 90 or higher.
  • TOEFL-iBT: Total score of 60or higher on the online test
  • IELTS: Total score of 5.5 or higher.
  • CEFR: B2 or higher
  • Transcript from the school student has attended for at least the past 2 years where core subjects are taught in English.

*Berkeley Changemaker and Summer Discovery reserves the right to conduct a Skype or Zoom interview with prospective candidates.

If you have questions, please email us.

changemaker@berkeley.edu

Students at Bakar BioEnginuity Hub with Rich Lyons, UC Berkeley's Chief Innovation Officer