Explore Your Future at UC Davis
Get more out of your summer with UC Davis' Summer High School Programs. Choose from residential or commuter experiences on the UC Davis campus or discover our newest Sacramento location at Aggie Square. Explore a major and develop a future career all at UC Davis, one of the world’s top research universities.
Two Options, One World-Class Education
Explore College Life on Campus
Enjoy an unforgettable summer at UC Davis with our Pre-College Programs for high school students. Live in dorms, explore a major and learn from UC Davis professors through hands-on classes and labs. Built for students ages 16-18, our Pre-College Programs give you a real taste of college life while helping you build confidence, develop new skills and strengthen your college applications.
Choose from academic tracks in areas where UC Davis leads the world in research and innovation—and discover what it’s like to learn, grow and thrive on campus.
- Residential or commuter program at the UC Davis campus.
- Hands-on learning with UC Davis faculty and researchers.
- Live in dorms or commute and experience college life firsthand.
- Boost your college readiness and stand out on applications.
Program Dates:
- Session 1: July 7th - 16th
- Session 2: July 21th - 30th
Enrollment Deadline: May 15, 2026 Spots are limited and programs may fill before the deadline
Program Fee: $5,995, which includes housing, meals, instruction and all program activities or $4,995 for commuters. Additional $150 fee for Lab programs
Explore Your Future at Aggie Square
Explore your passions and build real-world skills with UC Davis Summer High School Programs at Aggie Square. These hands-on commuter programs for students ages 14–16 combine expert instruction, interactive learning and career exploration in media, business and robotics.
Join one, two or all three sessions and experience what it’s like to learn, create and innovate the UC Davis way.
- Explore your passions in digital media, business or technology through engaging, hands-on activities.
- Build real-world skills you can use in school, on college applications and for future careers.
- Enjoy a fun, supportive environment designed to spark creativity and confidence.
Program Dates:
Choose one, two or all three programs
- Session 1: June 22th - 26th
- Session 2: July 6th - 10th
- Session 3: July 13th - 17th
Program Fee: $500-$600 per session.
What You'll Learn
@ The UC Davis Campus You'll Learn...
- Equine Science I & II (+Lab)
- Saddle up to learn about equine science—the study of horses, ponies, donkeys, mules and zebras. You’ll spend 10 days exploring the principles behind the physiology, behavior, nutrition, diseases and reproduction of equine.
- Pre-Med I & II (+Lab)
- Take your first step toward a future in medicine. In this immersive two-week program, you’ll learn what it takes to become a doctor—exploring medical pathways, hands-on activities and real-world insights from professionals. Get a head start on your pre-med journey and see what it means to care, lead and heal.
- Environmental Toxicology (+Lab)
- This engaging, hands-on program is designed to give you experience working in a university lab on a college-level experiment. With guidance from the instructor and UC Davis teaching assistants, you’ll be exploring an interesting research question you might encounter in environmental toxicology courses.
- The Future of Agriculture
- Explore the inspiring world of agricultural innovation. Explore sustainable farming practices, food systems and emerging technologies while engaging directly with faculty, researchers and industry professionals.
- Emerging Leaders in Business
- Do you have what it takes to run your own business? Find out in this exciting course for young entrepreneurs. Learn the fundamentals of launching and growing a business while engaging directly with successful entrepreneurs, industry professionals and faculty mentors.
- Forensics (+ Lab)
- Step into the role of a crime scene investigator. Work in a real forensic biology lab to analyze DNA, identify evidence and reconstruct a case from the ground up. Your two weeks as a forensic scientist in training culminate with a scientific testimony in moot court. Here, you will be called to testify as an expert witness about the crime scene evidence you collected and the scientific analyses you performed.
- Chemical Engineering with Coffee (+ Lab)
- Discover how chemical engineers turn science into flavor. Through hands-on experiments in roasting and brewing, you’ll explore how engineering design impacts the sensory qualities of coffee and learn the principles of chemistry, heat transfer and process design in the most delicious way possible.
- Exploring Animal Science - Pre Vet (+ Lab)
- Immerse yourself in the world of animal care and veterinary science. In this hands-on experience, you'll get an introduction to the foundational principles of animal science and veterinary medicine through engaging activities, expert-led sessions and behind-the-scenes access to UC Davis’ renowned Animal Science facilities.
@ Aggie Square You'll Learn...
- Digital Media for Creators and Influencers
- Step into the world of digital storytelling and content creation. Plan, film and edit content while learning how to incorporate top influencer strategies, build your personal brand and interpret analytics.
- From Ideas to Entrepreneurship: Starting Your Own Business
- Have a great idea and wonder how to bring it to life? Through hands-on activities and real-world challenges, you’ll learn how to identify business opportunities, develop a concept, budget for success and market your product or service.
- Engineering the Future: Robotics Exploration
- Launch your imagination at UC Davis Aggie Square in this high-tech camp that explores the cutting edge of robotics. Dive into coding, sensors and engineering challenges that guide you in creating and testing custom robotic systems.
The UC Davis Campus Pre-College Program Experience
Parent Essentials
Student safety is our top priority. Our Pre-College Programs are supported by attentive staff supervision and the trusted, campus-wide safety resources of UC Davis.
- 24/7 staff supervision
- Curfew & safety protocols
- Emergency contact structure
For more information contact an enrollment coach today!
Learn More About Aggie Square
Aggie Square is a new innovation hub located on UC Davis’ Sacramento campus. Home to AI, life sciences, engineering startups and major research labs, it’s where academia, community and industry come together to spark collaboration and innovation.
Join Summer at Aggie Square and jump into hands-on projects in digital media, business and robotics, led by UC Davis experts and industry professionals.
The experience helped me pinpoint my interests and confirm that I would like to pursue a career in a lab. I would highly recommend the program.”
—Sigourney, 2023 Environmental Toxicology Student