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Outstanding summer programs for teens since 1982

Middle School Enrichment on the Campus of UCSD plus Los Angeles Extension 19 Days

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.

This 19-day version of this UCSD campus middle school summer program includes a 5-day extension traveling to Los Angeles.

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.
Work together with friends to conquer the UCSD Challenge Course.
Experience the magic of Disneyland.
Participate in extracurriculars like yoga, field sports, and photography.
Catch a Padres game in San Diego and a Dodgers game in Los Angeles.
Visit Universal Studios and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Stroll Venice Beach and the Santa Monica Pier.
Explore La Jolla’s scenic coastline and Birch Aquarium at Scripps.
Make new friends from all over while living on campus and traveling together.

Courses

Morning Block 1

Ever wonder what it takes to run a professional sports team? Go beyond the game and discover the business of sports. From the front office to the stadium, you'll explore how teams make billions through marketing, sponsorships, and live events. Get hands-on with cool case studies and activities to learn about everything from athlete branding to sports law. This is your chance to turn your love for sports into a future career.

BusinessMorning Block 1

Discover the secrets behind your favorite social media stars and brands. This course pulls back the curtain on the exciting world of digital marketing. You'll explore the newest trends and learn to develop successful online strategies using videos, apps, and the latest internet tools. At the end of the course, you'll put your skills to the test by creating a digital marketing plan for a brand that inspires you.

BusinessMorning Block 1

Unlock the secrets of the human mind. This course introduces you to the fascinating world of psychology, from how we think to why we feel the way we do. You'll dive into topics like understanding your own emotions, why your brain sometimes plays tricks on you, and how to improve your memory. Through discussions, films, and fun activities, you'll also explore big topics like mental health and why people form stereotypes. It's a chance to learn about yourself and the world around you in a whole new way.

Social SciencesMorning Block 1

Get ready to find your voice and own the room. This hands-on course is all about helping you become a confident and creative communicator. Whether you're presenting a project in class, posting on social media, or just talking in a group, you'll learn how to express your ideas clearly and with passion. Through fun, interactive exercises, you'll practice public speaking, overcome mental blocks, and receive personalized feedback to help you shine. By the end, you'll have a major boost in self-confidence that will help you in every part of your life.

Social SciencesMorning Block 1

Take your place in the courtroom and argue your first case. This hands-on course gives you a front-row seat to the legal world, where you'll step into the roles of lawyers, witnesses, judges, and jurors. You’ll learn what it's like to build a case, present a powerful argument, cross-examine a witness, and deliver a verdict. It’s a fun, practical way to develop crucial skills in logic, public speaking, and debate that will help you confidently present your ideas in a classroom or in everyday life.

Social SciencesMorning Block 1

Ever wonder how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way we work, play and think? This interactive course will show you how. You'll dive into the world of AI and learn how to use it as a powerful tool to boost your creativity, problem-solving, and schoolwork. We'll focus on hands-on applications, from brainstorming ideas for a project and improving your writing with AI tools, to creating digital art, and exploring how AI works behind the scenes in powering apps and games. Get ready to use AI to build, create, and innovate.

Science & TechnologyMorning Block 1

Morning Block 2

Turn your big idea into a real business and get ready to face the judges. This hands-on program walks you through every step of building a company, from scratch to launch. You'll learn how to find your place in the market, create a smart marketing plan, build your dream team, and manage the money side of things. Working together, you and your teammates will create a full business plan, and on the final day, you’ll present your idea in a fun, competitive Pitch-Off to win over a panel of judges. It’s your chance to be the boss!

BusinessMorning Block 2

Experience the world of a crime scene investigator. This hands-on course plunges you into the thrilling world of forensic science. You'll examine CSI procedures and dive into forensic anthropology, biology, and bloodstain pattern analysis. Working in investigative teams, you'll be assigned a staged crime scene where you'll get to identify, collect, and interpret the evidence. The final challenge: you’ll step into the role of a forensic expert witness and testify in a mock court.

Science & TechnologyMorning Block 2

Get ready to unleash your imagination and write your own story! This course gives you the tools to explore different types of writing, including fiction, poetry, scripts, and memoirs. Through fun and guided exercises, you'll learn how to build believable characters, create vivid settings, and write powerful dialogue. The focus is on finding your unique voice and turning your ideas into amazing stories, giving you the confidence and skills to become an effective writer.

Creative & Applied ArtsMorning Block 2

Ready to unlock the secrets of money and learn how to make it work for you? This high-energy course is your ultimate guide to stocks, crypto, and everything in between. We'll show you how to master personal finance by teaching you how to save, budget, and invest wisely. You'll dive into the fast-paced world of the stock market and see what makes digital currencies like Bitcoin so popular. This isn't just a class—it’s a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the real-world skills to take control of your financial future.

BusinessMorning Block 2

This introductory course gives you the essential skills to cook confidently and build a foundation for a healthy lifestyle. You'll get hands-on experience, learning everything from basic knife skills and kitchen safety to whipping up delicious and nutritious treats. By the end, you'll not only know how to make smart food choices but you’ll have the skills to fuel your body and impress your family and friends with your creations.

Creative & Applied ArtsMorning Block 2

Ever wonder what it takes to become an inspiring leader? This dynamic and interactive course gives you the tools to influence others and get things done. You’ll learn how to communicate clearly, solve problems on the fly, and resolve conflicts like a pro. Through fun, hands-on activities, you'll discover how to build trust with your peers, inspire others to follow your lead, and make a real difference in any group you're a part of. Get ready to build your confidence and become the kind of leader everyone looks up to.

Social SciencesMorning 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.

8:00 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM Morning Huddle
9:30 AM Morning Block 1
11:00 AM Morning Block 2
12:30 PM Lunch & Free Time
2:30 PM Afternoon F.I.T.S (Fun, Interests, Talents, Skills)
4:30 PM Student’s Choice
6:30 PM Dinner
8:00 PM Evening Activities

Extracurricular Activities

F.I.T.S. (Fun. Interests. Talents. Skills)
Soccer Clinic • Field Sports • Digital Photography • Basketball Clinic • TikTok Challenge • Science Exploratorium. Students choose from several options most weekdays - see More Details for info.
Daily Student's Choice
Organized Sports • Pool Time • Games (Cards, Board Games) • Yoga • Tennis • Bracelet Making • Chill Time. Students choose from several options each weekday - see More Details for info.
San Diego Highlights
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 highlights.
Los Angeles Highlights
Disneyland & Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge • Universal Studios & the Wizarding World of Harry Potter • Dodgers MLB Game • The Grove & Original Farmers Market • Venice Beach and Boardwalk • Santa Monica Pier • Impastiamo Cooking School • California Science Center • Rodeo Drive • Ovation Hollywood & TCL Chinese Theatre • CityWalk • Hollywood Walk of Fame. See More Details for the full list of highlights.

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 for 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.

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 and in a Los Angeles hotel.
Meals
Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner daily in San Diego, with a variety of options at the dining hall and local restaurants. In Los Angeles, breakfast and dinner are included daily.
Excursions
Explore Southern California highlights and its fabulous beaches.
Transportation
Travel by campus shuttle and school bus around San Diego and a motorcoach in Los Angeles.
Dietary Options
We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.

More Details

Flight to San Diego, California
As a participant on this program, you may fly on our chaperoned flight from the New York area to San Diego. 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 San Diego and be greeted upon arrival and for flights in designated times, enjoy complimentary transfer from the airport to our UCSD residence. If you prefer, you may be dropped off directly at our UCSD residence and meet your staff there.

Return Flight Home from Los Angeles, California
For your 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles hotel 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 a UC San Diego dining hall. Lunches and dinners are included at the UC San Diego dining hall or local restaurants if you are off campus. The UC San Diego dining options are terrific, offering a variety of food options from burgers to salads, poke bowls to sandwiches, and everything in between. During the Los Angeles extension, lunch is paid by students at their choice of restaurants in small groups.

We have satisfied the choosiest of eaters and gladly accommodate most special dietary requests including vegetarian, 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 and we will supply the detergent. Don’t worry if you’ve never done laundry before, we’ll show you the ropes. Parents, we know the thought of your children doing laundry is making you smile!

What’s Included
Included in your program tuition is all lodging, breakfast, dinner, lunch in San Diego, recreation & entertainment listed, day and weekend excursions, Wi-Fi in residence, campus identification fee, courses, airport transfers in designated times, gratuities & taxes.

Not included is the application fee, transportation to and from the program, lunch in Los Angeles, 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 middle school students is operated by Westcoast Connection. While students stay at a UCSD residence and use UCSD classrooms and athletic facilities, this is not a UCSD program and responsibility for the program resides solely with Westcoast Connection.

Students pick from several F.I.T.S offered Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday — each day featuring its own options. On Wednesdays, all students enjoy an off-campus San Diego highlight.

Soccer Clinic
Take your game to the next level with drills that focus on passing, dribbling, and shooting. Work on strategy and teamwork while enjoying friendly scrimmages.

Field Sports
Get active and competitive with a mix of different sports including Ultimate Frisbee, Handball, Dodgeball, Capture the Flag, and even Gaelic Football. Each game challenges you to think fast, move as a team, and have a blast. It’s the perfect way to try new sports and build camaraderie.

Digital Photography
See the world through a new lens as you learn how to capture stunning photos with your smartphone or digital camera. Practice composition, lighting, and editing while exploring both creative and technical sides of photography. By the end, you’ll have a gallery of images that showcase your unique perspective.

Art Exploratorium
Explore your imagination through hands-on projects in drawing, painting, and crafts. Experiment with different mediums and techniques while creating pieces that reflect your personal style.

Basketball Clinic
Work on the fundamentals of basketball, from dribbling and passing to shooting and defense. Participate in drills that sharpen your skills, then put them into practice during scrimmages.

TikTok Challenge
Team up with friends to brainstorm, film, and edit your own TikTok videos. Learn how to create fun, safe, and creative content while experimenting with trends and original ideas. At the end, share your videos with the group for laughs and applause.

Science Exploratorium
Bring science to life with hands-on experiments that make you say “wow.” Each session is interactive, surprising, and designed to spark curiosity.

Students choose from several options each weekday.

Chill Time
Hang out with your new friends, relax, listen to your favorite music, unwind.

Organized Sports
Our Sports Coordinator organizes friendly games of basketball, volleyball, soccer and more.

Pool Time
Cool off and have fun in the pool with friends. Whether you’re doing laps, splashing around, or playing pool games, it’s the perfect way to relax and recharge.

Games (Cards, Board Games)
Challenge your friends to a board game showdown or card tournament. From strategy games to classics, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Yoga
Find your calm and stretch it out with a relaxing yoga session. You’ll improve flexibility and focus while giving your mind and body a well-deserved reset.

Tennis
Rally with friends, and enjoy the fun of playing on the court. Tennis is a great way to stay active.

Bracelet Making
Show off your creativity by designing friendship bracelets and fun accessories. Trade and share them with friends as a memento of your summer together.

Mission Beach
Soak up the SoCal sunshine at one of San Diego’s most iconic beaches. Play beach games, stroll the boardwalk, and enjoy the classic California vibe.

Belmont Park
Experience the fun of this historic beachfront amusement park with rides, games, and sweet treats.

UCSD Challenge Course
Climb, balance, and problem-solve your way through team challenges high above the ground. It’s all about communication, trust, and fun adventure with friends.

Professional Surf Lessons
Grab a board and learn to catch your first wave with professional instructors. You’ll experience the thrill of surfing and the beauty of San Diego’s coastline.

San Diego Zoo
Explore one of the world’s most famous zoos and meet animals from every continent. From pandas to penguins, it’s an unforgettable day of discovery.

Seaport Village
Stroll along the waterfront and browse the shops, snack spots, and street performers.

Birch Aquarium
Dive into the world of marine science with interactive exhibits and amazing ocean views. Discover sea life up close and learn about ocean conservation.

La Jolla Beach
Relax on the sand, explore tide pools, and spot sea lions sunbathing nearby. La Jolla’s stunning cliffs and clear blue water make it a perfect beach day.

Disneyland & Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Experience the magic of Disney and explore the Star Wars universe.

Universal Studios & CityWalk
Explore thrilling rides at Universal Studios, stroll through CityWalk, and immerse yourself in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Dodgers MLB Game
Catch the excitement of a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium.

Venice Beach and Boardwalk
Enjoy the eclectic vibe of this lively beachside area.

Santa Monica Pier
Take in stunning coastal views from the world-famous Ferris Wheel.

Original Farmers Market
Savor global flavors with over 100 different cuisines to choose from.

The Grove
Shop and explore one of L.A.’s most popular outdoor retail and dining destinations, located next to the historic Farmers Market.

Impastiamo Cooking School
Learn to make authentic Italian dishes during a fun, hands-on group cooking class.

California Science Center
Discover interactive exhibits, space displays, and hands-on science fun at this fascinating museum.

Rodeo Drive
Stroll through the world-renowned shopping district for luxury fashion.

Ovation Hollywood & TCL Chinese Theatre
Explore this famous Hollywood hotspot and see the legendary handprints and stars of your favorite celebrities.

Accommodation: While in Los Angeles, you’ll stay at either the Hyatt Place LAX / Century Blvd, Marriott LAX, or Embassy Suites LAX North.

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.

See All FAQs

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