Pre-College Enrichment Courses

Have you ever thought about starting your own business? You will learn the fundamental tools and techniques necessary to launch your own company. After you review all the steps to create and maintain your own business venture, you have the opportunity to try your new skills and will develop and present a professional business plan.

This intensive hands-on entrepreneurship program focuses on all facets of business plan development. Learn to assess the competitive entrepreneurial environment, develop a venture concept and growth strategies, create marketing approaches, build a cohesive management team, launch operations and develop financial projections. During the program, participants work as a team to create a business and on the final day, each team presents their business plan and participates in a friendly “shark tank” type competition.

Combine a morning business course with an afternoon business course for an intensive full-day track.

This course combines lessons, group work and guest speaker presentations from leading companies on digital advertising and influence marketing. Students will be introduced to the digital marketing tools needed to develop successful strategies and explore the latest trends of marketing using real-life cases, diverse media including videos, apps, and state-of-the-art Internet tools. At the end of the course students will be guided to write a digital marketing plan for a company/brand of their choice.

The aim of this course is to engage students in the experience of entrepreneurial management for early-stage new ventures. In this class, students will learn and practice contemporary methods to identify and evaluate new business opportunities and to execute them into viable businesses. Students will progress through different methods for developing business ideas, the processes of starting a business, the acquisition of resources, and the key components of a business plan. Emphasis is placed on projects and activity-based learning.

Business leaders of the future are provided with an interactive and collaborative environment to learn in. Subjects include budgeting and finance, sustainability, public speaking, and personal growth. Students will have the opportunity to analyze successful business models and develop their practical understanding of business strategies through projects and group collaboration. Group projects, local company visits and guest lectures from leading businesses will enrich your in-class experience.

This course looks at the channels of marketing, advertising and communication that make up social media platforms, exploring how these tools fit into a company’s integrated marketing strategy. Using real-world examples from large corporations and small businesses, students explore how marketing professionals embrace online social networks, user-generated content and content sharing to create brand awareness. Learn tips and techniques to successfully leverage your own social media marketing.

This course provides students with an overview of business for professional sports including finance, marketing and technology. Learn about professional sports entities that make billions of dollars entertaining people around the world. Through lectures, case studies and guest speakers, explore topics such as producing live events, broadcasting rights, athlete marketing, sponsorship, the fan experience, and sports law.

This course provides students with an overview of business for professional sports including finance, marketing and technology. Learn about professional sports entities that make billions of dollars entertaining people around the world. Through lectures, case studies and guest speakers, explore topics such as producing live events, broadcasting rights, athlete marketing, sponsorship, the fan experience, and sports law.

Before you invest in the stock market, it’s important you understand the basics of finance, the components of an investment portfolio and the underlying mechanics of the markets. This course gives you a detailed overview of investing in the stock market and offers you many tools and techniques needed to invest. Practice by investing in a simulated stock market competition.

This course introduces students to the analysis and interpretation of architecture and urban design as they learn to apply technical sketching methods and render architectural observational drawings. Students will also develop their understanding of the history of architecture and the visionaries who shaped the skyline of Florence.

From learning basic knife skills to creating succulent dishes, if you are a foodie, this course is for you! Whether gourmet entrees or delicious desserts, expert chefs in a beautiful, professional kitchen will inspire and help you develop skills in a hands-on culinary experience. You even get a book full of mouth watering recipes you have helped prepare!

* A supplementary fee of $220 applies.

For students with an interest in Italian cooking, classes are interactive and hands-on, and focus on the different aspects of regional food in Italy and the preparation of dishes that distinguish traditional Italian cuisine. During practical cooking lessons, you are introduced to cooking methods, techniques and preparations utilized in Italian cuisine and learn how to use different ingredients to prepare Italian dishes.

* A supplementary fee of $220 applies.

Capture the city of Barcelona from behind the lens. Learn to frame, light and compose photos in the inspiring surroundings of art, architecture and Spanish culture. The backdrop of Barcelona and all that you will learn culminates in your creation of a portfolio of your work.

*A DSLR or bridge camera with manual functions having at least a 12.0 megapixel sensor is required.

This course offers you the chance to navigate the artistic process under the mentorship of teachers who will cover drawing, color theory and painting. You will find inspiration from the vibrant city around you, as well as from previous artists who have made Florence the artistic center it is today.

This program is designed to increase your overall fluency through real experiences with American culture. Improve your vocabulary and pronunciation, review proper grammatical structures, and practice your writing skills. Beyond the classroom, guided field trips provide you many opportunities to practice your English in the real world. If attending a university in the USA is one of your future goals, then this is the program for you!

Did you know Montreal is the second largest primarily French-speaking city in the world after Paris? Separate course levels from beginner to advanced are offered. Attention is given to grammar, vocabulary, reading and writing with the primary goal of enhancing your verbal skills. You will have many opportunities to practice French in this incredible city.

* A supplementary fee of $220 applies.

The city of Barcelona becomes your classroom while immersing yourself in “out-of-the-class” language activities (rather than formal classes) under the guidance of a Spanish teacher. Participate in real life Spanish interactions such as bargaining at a local market, interviewing local community leaders and other fun, learning activities.

* Open to students with at least two years of previous Spanish study.

Experience the world of forensic science through hands-on training exercises and theoretical lessons. Examine CSI procedures along with forensic anthropology, biology and bloodstain pattern analysis. A scenario is staged and you work in investigative teams to identify, collect and interpret the evidence before you act as a forensic expert witness and testify in a mock-court setting.

Experience the world of forensic science through hands-on training exercises and theoretical lessons. Examine CSI procedures along with forensic anthropology, biology and bloodstain pattern analysis. A scenario is staged and you work in investigative teams to identify, collect and interpret the evidence before you act as a forensic expert witness and testify in a mock-court setting.

Perform meaningful service in the communities in and around LA as a course option. Projects are finalized in the spring and currently planned is several days working with the children at a youth club. A letter recognizing the hours of service and detailing the projects accomplished will be issued after the summer. We are a Certifying Organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

For more than fifty years, Barcelona’s Martí- Codolar Youth Center has been providing disadvantaged children, young people and families a place to participate in educational and recreational programs after school and during the summer. You can make a real difference by facilitating programs, games, computer education and English classes for these children.

21-day and 28-day program: a certificate for 27 hours of community service will be provided. 14-day program: a certificate for 17 hours of community service will be provided.

Students learn to understand differing worldviews that stem from varied cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. You will appreciate the shifting international balance of power; which regions assert hegemony in our time and in the future. Develop your understanding of how conflicts arise and modern issues of global concern.

Building effective communication skills are critical factors for future careers and everyday life. Learn essential skills including how to navigate difficult conversations, build trust, manage emotional reactions, negotiate solutions, and foster stronger relationships through clear, respectful dialogue. Through engaging activities, group discussions, and real-life scenarios, students gain the tools to tackle any conversation head-on and emerge with solutions that benefit everyone involved.

A “field trip” around Montreal to learn about the French-Canadian culture that makes this city so unique. Explore the “Place des Festivals”, the historic Old Montreal with its 17th century cobblestone streets, and the city’s Mount Royal Park which was designed by the same designer as New York’s Central Park. Uncover multiple museums and artistic venues. Discover Montreal’s unique culinary experience and indulge in their famous poutine and smoked meat.

This course introduces basic concepts in psychology including behavioral, cognitive and clinical psychology. Through the use of discussion, film and in-class activities, explore topics such as how to improve emotional intelligence, limitations in perception, cognitive distortions and how to improve memory. Other topics included are mental illness, stereotyping and prejudice.

This course introduces basic concepts in psychology including behavioral, cognitive and clinical psychology. Through the use of discussion, film and in-class activities, explore topics such as how to improve emotional intelligence, limitations in perception, cognitive distortions and how to improve memory. Other topics included are mental illness, stereotyping and prejudice.

This course introduces basic concepts in psychology including behavioral, cognitive and clinical psychology. Through the use of discussion, film and in-class activities, explore topics such as how to improve emotional intelligence, limitations in perception, cognitive distortions and how to improve memory. Other topics included are mental illness, stereotyping and prejudice.

Climate change, bans on religious freedoms, racial injustice, gender-based violence… the list of human rights violations, and social and ecological injustices are seemingly endless in the world around us.  Join this forum on social justice and human rights where we will explore a number of topics through a systems-thinking lens to examine why and how unequal distributions of rights and freedoms manifest.  We will also consider our personal identities, positions and power within these systems challenging our ideas of how to make positive social change in the world in which we live. This forum will involve participant discussion.

Plan your workout regimen including weight training and cardio to help meet your fitness goals.

Want to hang ten and ride the waves like a pro? This course heads to Santa Monica Beach where you learn how to improve balance and technique and perfect your form in no time. All levels of ability are welcome.

* A supplementary fee of $220 applies.

Choosing the right college for your academic and personal interests is the first step in the application process. It requires careful research and self-evaluation. This interactive workshop provides you with tools and resources to help you develop a list of criteria integral in choosing appropriate colleges. Explore the basic elements of the college application and learn the ins and outs of the Common Application. Develop your academic/co-curricular profile, learn how to craft a high caliber application and set up your timeline for completion of applications, supplements and essays.

Explore different essay topics and strategies to write a proper admission essay that distinguishes you. As one of the top qualitative measures in the admissions process, your personal essay is an integral part of your application. As a critical aspect of your first impression to an admissions officer, the essay is an opportunity for you to share your stories, adding greater depth and dimension to your application. This workshop includes an overview of fundamental writing skills using real examples of college essays. The focus is on practical tips for writing a great college essay, including finding your voice, brainstorming essay ideas, understanding the prompts, focusing on a theme and the importance of editing and proofreading.