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Outstanding summer programs for teens since 1982
Middle School Enrichment Program on the Campus of UCSD
This summer, San Diego becomes your classroom as you experience life on the beautiful UCSD campus. You’ll dive into engaging courses created just for middle school, blending hands-on learning with creativity and exploration. Beyond the classroom, you’ll join exciting outings to some of SoCal’s top attractions, from cultural landmarks to outdoor adventures along the coast. With supportive leaders by your side, new friendships to build, and countless chances to try something new, this program offers the perfect balance of learning, discovery, and summer fun.
Program Highlights
Pursue your interests with a variety of engaging courses.
Live on-campus at UCSD and explore SoCal through fun group excursions.
Learn to surf with professional instructors.
Visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
Participate in extracurriculars like yoga, self-defense, and photography.
Catch a Padres MLB game at Petco Park.
Ride the Giant Dipper at Belmont Amusement Park.
Relax or play at San Diego’s iconic Mission Beach.
Visit Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
Work together with friends to conquer the UCSD Challenge Course.
Explore La Jolla’s scenic coastline.
Make new friends from all over while living on a college campus.
Courses
Morning Block 1
Morning Block 2
Typical Weekday Schedule
Choose one course for each morning block. Your personal schedule and lunch time may vary based on your course choices.
Extracurricular Activities
F.I.T.S. (Fun. Interests. Talents. Skills)
Soccer Clinic • Field Sports • Yoga • Digital Photography • Art Exploratorium • Art of Self Defense • Basketball Clinic • Fitness (Strength & Conditioning) • TikTok Challenge • Science Exploratorium. Students choose two F.I.T.S each week - see More Details for info.
Daily Student's Choice
Organized Sports • Cooking • Pool Time • Games (Cards, Board Games) • Yoga • Tennis • Bracelet Making • Chill Time. Students choose from several options each weekday - see More Details for info.
Group Excursions
Surf Lessons • Belmont Amusement Park • UCSD Challenge Course • San Diego Zoo • Seaport Village • La Jolla Beach • Padres MLB Game • Birch Aquarium at Scripps. See More Details for the full list of excursions.
Campus Life
UC San Diego Campus
Enjoy UC San Diego’s stunning campus, situated in the heart of sunny South California. Surrounded by the scenic beaches of La Jolla Shores and just a short drive away from downtown San Diego, UCSD offers the perfect blend of nature, culture and life on campus.
UC San Diego Residence
Spend your summer on campus at one of UC San Diego’s newest residences. You will be staying in spacious resident hall suites, complete with private bathrooms, closet space, WI-FI, lounges and personal work stations. This premium campus location offers easy access to the dining hall, classrooms and the student union, as well as countless sports facilities and outdoor spaces to socialise and unwind after class.
Positive Social Experience
This program offers the perfect balance of campus excitement and camp-style community. From the moment students arrive, they’re surrounded by caring leaders who create a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment. Living together in the residence halls, students quickly form friendships, share experiences, and enjoy the fun, connection, and spirit that make this program feel like summer camp on a college campus.
Structured Supervision
Our team provides the ideal mix of independence and guidance for middle school students. Staff members live in the residence halls and are available 24/7 to ensure safety, structure, and support. Daily check-ins, group activities, and clear routines help students feel comfortable and cared for while gaining confidence in a well-supervised setting.
About This Program
What It’s Like
Experience life on UCSD campus with the balance of engaging courses, group excursions, and free time.
Certificate of Completion
Receive a letter certifying the completion of your courses. Letters of recommendation are also available.
Exclusive Classes
All classes on this program are private to Westcoast Connection students.
Engaging Instructors
Courses taught by experienced instructors, university-level faculty and local professionals.
Accommodations
Stay on-campus in a UCSD residence.
Meals
Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Enjoy a variety of options at the dining hall and local restaurants.
Excursions
Explore San Diego highlights and its fabulous beaches.
Transportation
Travel by campus shuttle and school bus around San Diego.
Commuter Option
Available for students who don’t require accommodations. See details.
Dietary Options
We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.
More Details
Frequently Asked Questions
Will attending one of your programs help me get into college?
Attending a summer program is an incredible opportunity to learn and grow into a more well-rounded, mature individual. No matter what type of program you choose, the personal development and experience gained over the course of the summer are valuable resources that could help you with your college essays and applications. If your goal for the summer is to get a head start on college prep, a Career Experience or Pre-College Enrichment program could be just what you need. So while attending any particular summer program will not necessarily get you into your choice school, what you get from it can make a difference!
Who are the staff and what are their qualifications?
Our staff are educators, guidance counselors, coaches, college and university students, former camp counselors, residence life coordinators, community volunteers, world travelers, and other leaders with diverse backgrounds. Many are former participants themselves who couldn’t get enough of the Westcoast experience! Learn more about our summer leaders.
When do I choose my courses?
For fall enrollments, we will send you a course choice preference form around November 10. You will be able to select your first and second course preferences. Your course choices will be confirmed in the spring.
For enrollments after November 10, we will send you a course choice preference form upon receipt of your application for enrollment. Your course choices will be confirmed in the spring.