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Pre-College Enrichment Los Angeles - on the Campus of UCLA 21 Days
Come experience this pre-college program for high school students on the campus of UCLA and get a sneak peek at college life! Explore your interests with a wide selection of enriching and engaging courses, and discover the best sights and activities in Los Angeles with your new friends. This high school summer program balances academic preparation, fun group excursions, and structured independence to help prepare teens for college and make new, lasting connections. Living and studying on the campus of UCLA, students will have access to incredible athletic facilities and be able to discover the collegiate energy of the Westwood Village neighborhood of Los Angeles.
This is the 21-day version of this high school summer program on the campus of UCLA. A longer 28-day version is available as well as a 34-day option that features a final week of college tours and activities in the Boston area.
Experience college life with the balance of engaging courses, group excursions, and free time.
Receive a certificate of completion for your courses. Letters of recommendation are also available.
All classes on this program are private to Westcoast Connection except for Careers in Fashion with FIDM.
Courses taught by experienced university-level faculty, instructors, and local professionals.
Stay on-campus in Delta Terrace residence at UCLA.
Unlimited access to the world-class facilities of the UCLA Bruins.
Includes breakfast and dinner daily. Enjoy a variety of options at the dining hall and local restaurants.
Explore Los Angeles, from the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Universal Studios to its fabulous beaches.
Travel by passenger van or school bus around L.A.
Limited spots are available for students in the area who don’t require accommodations. Contact us for details.
UCLA Campus
After your stay here, you might not be able to wait to send in your application. Enjoy UCLA’s incredible campus situated in one of the most vibrant cities in the world and surrounded by iconic neighborhoods like Beverly Hills, Westwood & Bel Air.
UCLA Residence
Delta Terrace, our suite-style residence, features double or triple rooms connected to another double or triple room with your own bathroom in each suite. Each room features your own workspace, closet space, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. This premium campus location is close to everything – multiple dining halls, the Sports and Rec Center, pools, classrooms, and the student union.
World-Class Athletic Facilities
Stay active with complimentary access to UCLA’s world-class facilities. Enjoy their strength & conditioning zone that includes weight training equipment, cardio machines and stretching mats. Refresh in the pool or break a sweat on the basketball, volleyball, tennis, badminton, racquetball and squash courts. Try out the climbing wall or hang out in the games lounge.
Organized Sports & Games
Our sports coordinator organizes games of all kinds outside of class time. Play a game of ultimate Frisbee or maybe cross paths with a Laker or two on the courts.
Positive Social Experience
This program is designed to give you a taste of the excitement and independence you will experience in college. Just like in college, you will be part of a large group of students, live in a residence, and have your choice of classes. And like in college, you will enjoy a warm, family environment within your residence where you enjoy many opportunities to socialize with other students.
Business Entrepreneurship: UCLA Morning
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.
International Business & World Financial Markets: UCLA Morning
Examine the dynamic world of international business, globalization and how global markets work. You will learn about the international flow of goods and services, trade agreements, investment, foreign currency and regulation. You’ll be introduced to business problems and work on strategies to resolve them in the context of current events, both in the U.S. and abroad.
Social Media Marketing Afternoon
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.
Sports Management Afternoon
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.
Leadership & Organizational Behavior Afternoon
Develop core leadership skills and enhance your ability to communicate effectively with others. This course will help strengthen your people and professional management skills that are key to successful leadership in any field. You will examine individuals’ perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors enabling you as a leader to choose the appropriate leadership style and managerial practices to increase organization effectiveness and positive relationships.
Business Intensive Full Day
Combine a morning business course with an afternoon business course for an intensive full-day track.
Introduction to U.S. Law Morning
This interactive course combines an introduction to the framework of the U.S. legal system with an exploration of special topics in law. Through lectures, case studies, evidence-based exercises and simulations, students will learn about the scope of laws, how they evolve, and apply these lessons to current legal issues relevant to their everyday lives. Students also have an opportunity to observe a court hearing, present an oral argument, and meet attorneys and judges. After an investigation of some of the complexities, challenges and strengths of the U.S. legal system, the program concludes with an interactive panel on legal career pathways.
Coding & Web Development: UCLA Morning
If you have a desire to improve your computer science skills and learn to code, this course is for you! You will learn more about the business needs of coding and work in teams to develop web programs with basic front-end and back-end programming technologies. At the conclusion of the program, each team presents their project in front of a panel of experts.
College Prep Intensive Full Day
Get an extra leg up on the college application process. Combine the morning Navigating College Admissions and afternoon Princeton Review SAT (and ACT too!) courses.
* A supplementary fee of $595 applies for the Princeton Review.
Navigating College Admissions Morning
Sessions include how to create your college resumé, write a college essay, what to look for on-campus visits, select the college that best fits you, and navigate the application process. Learn how to apply for scholarships and aid, understand the role of extracurricular activities, leadership and community service and make sure you are on the right track. Receive one-on-one counseling to find the school that best suits your academic, social and financial profile.
The Princeton Review SAT (And ACT Too!) Afternoon
Improve your SAT performance by becoming a better test taker. Learn Princeton Review’s exclusive strategies. Your instructor will help you master the test through in-class practice, drills and test reviews. You will better understand math, critical reading and writing concepts tested on the exams and your instructor will teach proven test-taking techniques. In addition to your course, you get the following materials and extras:
* A supplementary fee of $595 applies for the Princeton Review.
Community Service: L.A. Full Day
Service is offered as a Full-Day Track or afternoon option. As a Full-Day Track, perform meaningful service in the communities in and around LA. Projects are finalized in the spring; those currently planned are several days working with the children at a youth club and a few days helping to maintain and beautify gardens in local schools with Enrich LA. You make a difference in the lives of those we serve. A letter recognizing 60 hours of service is issued. We are a Certifying Organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award.
Psychology of Human Behavior Morning
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.
Mastering Public Speaking Morning
This hands-on course of workshops helps students become comfortable, confident and masterful presenters. The principles presented apply to business settings as well as other activities in daily life. Learn to focus, prepare and deliver a presentation. Students make brief presentations, receive constructive feedback and personal coaching to help them overcome emotional and mental blocks.
Community Service: L.A. Afternoon
Perform meaningful service in the communities in and around LA. You may work with the children at the Boys & Girls Club and organize donations at the LA Food Bank; projects are finalized in the spring. A letter recognizing 22 hours of service is issued after the summer. Westcoast Connection is a Certifying Organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award.
Introduction to Filmmaking with the New York Film Academy Full Day
New York Film Academy instructors with tremendous experience and training from the nation’s elite film schools teach you to write, direct, shoot and edit. Intensive study of camera operation, screenwriting and directing prepare you for the production day, where you enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shoot a movie on the Universal Studios backlot. The course concludes with editing and post-production work.
* A supplementary fee of $495 applies for Filmmaking with the New York Film Academy.
Gourmet Cooking Morning
From learning basic knife skills to creating succulent dishes, if you are a foodie, this course is for you! Whether you’re creating gourmet entrées or delicious desserts, this course is guaranteed to make you salivate. Our expert chef will help you develop technical skills in the kitchen in this hands-on culinary experience, where each class focuses on a different theme. You even get to take away a book full of mouth-watering recipes you helped prepare!
* A supplementary fee of $195 applies.
Digital Photography Journal: L.A. Afternoon
For anyone with a passion for photography, no matter your level, learn about digital cameras (shutter speed, aperture, ISO, camera modes) and the basics of composition (lighting, exposure, framing, focus and blur). The course includes fieldwork in L.A. to delve into the art of street photography. The course also focuses on portraiture, as you step into a professional studio to learn about different lighting techniques.
* A DSLR or bridge camera with manual functions having at least a 12.0 megapixel sensor is required.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Morning
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!
TOEFL Preparation Afternoon
This course is designed for non-native English-speaking students interested in attending an English-speaking college or university. It prepares you for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Thousands of schools worldwide rely on TOEFL scores to assist in admission decisions. Imagine the possibilities this test opens up to you as it demonstrates you have the English language skills necessary for an academic classroom. Our instructors guide you and offer you test-taking strategies, help you familiarize yourself with the test, and allow you to practice all sections of the exam.
Independent Workout Morning Afternoon
Plan your workout regimen including weight training and cardio to help meet your fitness goals.
Surfing Afternoon
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 $195 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.
Hollywood & Highland and Mann’s Chinese Theater, Venice Beach and Boardwalk, Santa Monica Pier and Ferris wheel, Manhattan Beach, Original Farmer's Market, Universal Studios with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and CityWalk, Dodgers baseball game, Rodeo Drive, the IMPROV Comedy Club, Disneyland, and Surfing at Santa Monica Beach.
Choose either a full-day track option or a morning and afternoon course. Your personal schedule and lunch time may vary based on your course choices.
Flight to Los Angeles, California
As a participant on this program, you may fly on our chaperoned flight from the New York area to Los Angeles. Our leaders greet you at the airport and are with you from check-in onward. For the many travelers from outside the New York area, you may fly to LA and be greeted upon arrival and for flights in designated times, enjoy complimentary transfer from the airport to our UCLA residence. If you prefer, you may be dropped off directly at our UCLA residence and meet your staff there.
Return Flight Home from Los Angeles, California
For the 21-day program return from Los Angeles, we offer a chaperoned flight back to the New York area. You may choose to join that flight and arrange transfers (if required) at suitable times; or you may fly from LA to your home city and our leaders help you to check in and they remain in the airport until flights in designated times have departed. You may also arrange to be picked up at the UCLA residence if you prefer.
Food & Meals
A big part of your success depends on how well you eat. We are proud of the fact that year after year we are complimented for our quality, quantity, and choice of food! Breakfasts on this program are served at the UCLA dining hall or grab and go café at Café 1919. For lunch, you enjoy the choice of eating in smaller groups and choosing from small restaurants if you are off campus or the UCLA dining hall or local Westwood restaurant if you are on campus. Dinner is either at the UCLA dining hall or at restaurants. Food options are varied and plentiful. The UCLA dining hall is terrific and features a different menu every night, with staples always available including a fresh salad bar, hamburgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, and pizza.
We have satisfied the choosiest of eaters and gladly accommodate most special dietary requests including vegetarian, anaphylactic food allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and kosher style. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you and have extensive experience in this area.
Laundry
You will only need one week’s worth of clothing as outlined in the packing list that will be sent to you prior to departure. We have the opportunity to do laundry at your convenience in our residence hall.
What’s Included
Included in your program tuition is all lodging, breakfast and dinner daily, recreation & entertainment listed, day and weekend excursions, application fee, use of UCLA athletic facilities, Wi-Fi in residence, campus identification fee, courses (supplementary fees may apply for some) airport transfers in designated times, gratuities & taxes.
Not included is transportation to and from the program, lunches, snacks, personal spending money for souvenirs, and laundry. We also make available optional travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.
Please contact us with any questions. We are happy to hear from you!
Note
Note that this summer program for high school students is operated by Westcoast Connection. While students stay at a UCLA residence, use UCLA classrooms, athletic facilities and some courses are taught by UCLA Extension instructors, this is not a UCLA program and responsibility for the program resides solely with Westcoast Connection.
Limited spots are available for students in the area who don’t require accommodations.
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