Frequently Asked Questions

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At Summer Springboard we believe learning should be inspiring and interactive.

On-campus

We have worked hard to design courses, field trips and guest lectures that reflect the resources of some of the nation’s top universities. Whenever possible, our in-person classes are held outdoors, on-site or in a lab-type setting to allow students as many ’hands on’ opportunities as possible.

Most mornings we break out into small groups based on your academic course selection. During this time, you will dive deep into your subject area of choice with creative, dynamic instructors, engaging professors and professional experts. Field trips and guest speakers take the learning experience beyond the classroom and leverage all that our campus location has to offer.

Most afternoons consist of either an elective class or a guest speaker together as a group, or within your academic track, excursions may also take place during this time as well.

All meals and breaks are built into your schedule each day. In the evenings we will hold fun social activities for all students. Additionally, we’ll enjoy the fun attractions in the vicinity.

Summer Springboard is different from other programs. We’ve found a fun and engaging way to give students a strong base foundation to reflect on who they are as an individual and combined it with an exciting academic curriculum where you can learn about and explore new subject areas. From our innovative 2 week in-person programs or our online options, we offer a compelling fusion of academics and self-discovery that gives students the chance to learn, practice and explore their personal and academic interests and passions. You’ll gain personal insight, acquire leadership and success skills, and enjoy a taste of campus living.

With Summer Springboard, you won’t sit in a lecture all day. Our program is very hands-on and interactive and we have a staff that is professional and engaging enough to keep students motivated and excited with dynamic workshops and projects that foster self-discovery and personal leadership development. You’ll spend the summer partnering with like-minded students, working together on stimulating real-world projects, learning from leading industry experts in your field of interest, and exploring careers and personal passions. Students will learn from leading academics and the personal career experiences of industry experts.

In addition, our on-campus students will also be able to experience some of our nation’s most exciting cities, touring cities and excursions to professional sports stadiums and theme parks. Additional events will include guest speakers and social events with the rest of the Summer Springboard students.

Inspired by our successful sister organizations, Global Leadership Adventures and Discover Corps, with over a decade of experience providing unique and compelling summer experiences for teens.

How do you transform a continent? That’s the question founder, Fred Swaniker, asked in 2003 when he began developing African Leadership Academy , the first iteration and earliest beginnings of Global Leadership Adventures. A native of Ghana and Stanford MBA who returned to work and travel all over Africa, Fred believes the greatest obstacle to African development was a lack of ethical leadership. In an effort to combat this problem, he began to develop a vision for a long-term solution: A pan-African high school nurturing entrepreneurial leadership and delivering a world-class education. The school would extend scholarships to youth across the continent, creating a diverse student community and allowing all students the opportunity to attend based on their ambition and potential, rather than income or background. Against all odds, Fred and his co-founders brought the vision to life.

From the success of Global Leadership Adventures and the African Leadership Academy, Summer Springboard was born.

Summer Springboard was founded to give college-bound teens a supportive environment where they can explore their personal and academic passions. Our innovative pre-college summer programs, offered at some of the nation’s leading colleges and universities, combines the benefits of an academically challenging summer experience with tools and frameworks for personal leadership development and self-discovery.

Every experiential learning opportunity your child has helps support their chances of admissions to college. While this program does not provide any guarantees for admissions to Cal Poly, the program and the experiences your child will have will help them understand what it’s like to attend college, take courses with Cal Poly faculty, live in dorms, eat in the dining halls, walk on campus, spend time in the library, etc. They will also learn more about the particular academic major they’re exploring at SSB @ Cal Poly to further determine whether to pursue it after high school. Additionally, they will attend a College Admission workshop that will help support their understanding and navigation of the process.

College Readiness Workshops are interactive sessions designed to help you develop vital life skills, beyond academics, giving you the tools you need to thrive in college and beyond.

Workshops occur in the afternoon. Workshops are 90-minute sessions that occur 4 times during the program (generally Tuesday and Thursday of week 1 and Monday and Tuesday of week 2). Students will participate in one session of each of the following:

Speaking with Confidence - From speaking in front of a class to prepping for a college interview, find your voice and develop your ability to express yourself clearly and confidently.

Finances 101 - Learn fundamental skills in money management like building a budget and responsible spending and how to navigate the financial aid.

Essay Writing - Level up your essay writing skills for college applications and college level writing.

College Admissions - Learn first hand from the admissions office how to navigate your application and admissions process.

No. Students do not get university credit, but they will receive 3.0 Continuing Education Unit (CEU). This can not be used towards an undergraduate degree but it shows a students eagerness to learn.

Students will also receive a performance assessment, completion certificate and letter of recommendation all completed by their professor upon completion of the program.

All instructors are Cal Poly faculty. Many of our instructors also have industry experience in their particular field of study. Beyond theory, students will hear firsthand from experts in their field. These professionals connect abstract concepts to real world practice. Additionally, these practitioners share their own stories about how they got to where they are today, and offer advice based on a lifetime of experience.

Summer Springboard @ Cal Poly is designed for and open to rising 9th -12th graders who want to get a first hand taste of campus living, learn more about their academic and career interests from real world experts, improve their personal leadership skills and create their own unique pathway to happiness and success.

Our program can be your springboard to investigate career pathways and learning to be a leader at school and in your community. Our students are bright and motivated teens from all over the world, who are eager to meet new people and experience new things. This makes for a diverse and exciting community of new friends.

The program is open to any high school student who will be entering freshman, sophomore, junior or senior year in Fall 2025.

We have a rolling admissions basis, so we encourage students to apply as soon as possible to ensure their spot.

DECEMBER 29, 2024: Early Decision Deadline

FEBRUARY 23, 2025: 1st Wave Application Deadline

APRIL 20, 2025: 2nd Wave Application Deadline

MAY 16, 2025: Final General Admission Deadline

Criteria for Admission

All students must be vaccinated for in-person programs.

High School:

• Must have completed 9th grade of high school by program start date

• 3.0 Grade Point Average (or local equivalent) for all programs

International students must demonstrate proficiency in English via a telephone interview, or they may provide one the following minimum test scores

° TOEFL: 490 on paper test or 60 on iBT test° Cambridge: PET-Distinction or FCE-C

° SAT: 450 in Reading/Writing

A Completed Application for High School or Middle School Campus Based Programs Includes:

• Non-refundable $99 application fee + $600 program deposit

• Short answer essay questions

• Signed agreement forms

We review completed applications and notify students of final decisions by email in 7 to 10 business days.

Acceptance into a Summer Springboard @ Cal Poly program will be based on a combination of the applicant’s academic achievement, involvement in extracurricular activities, and future goals/motivations. Summer Springboard @ Cal Poly reserves the right to accept or deny any application at their discretion, however the Summer Springboard @ Cal Poly application is not designed to exclude students from our programs. We encourage all students with an interest in academic exploration, personal development and creating a path for success to apply to Summer Springboard @ Cal Poly.

At Summer Springboard @ Cal Poly, we welcome age-eligible teens and young adults who are excited about the opportunity to participate in one of our pre-college enrichment programs. However, Summer Springboard @ Cal Poly programs are not designed as therapy programs. Therefore, applicants with a significant history of chronic illnesses, acute psychiatric conditions, or some kinds of physical disability, as well as behavioral issues, may be subject to additional supporting application questions to determine eligibility for participating in a Summer Springboard @ Cal Poly program. The following eligibility criteria are not intended to be exclusionary, but to honestly identify the fundamental elements of participation so that every participant may have a safe and life-enriching experience.

Essential Eligibility Criteria:

In addition to abiding by the Code of Conduct, Summer Springboard @ Cal Poly students are expected to meet the following eligibility criteria. These criteria are not intended to be exclusionary, but to honestly identify the fundamental elements of participation so that every participant may have a safe and meaningful experience. Failure to meet essential eligibility criteria, through non-disclosure or other, may also result in removal from the program. Please discuss with our team for any further clarification or concerns.

Manage daily personal care, and cope with various environmental challenges (heat, rain, mosquitoes, changes in diet). For participants to engage in most program activities it is recommended they are able to walk unassisted distances up to one mile and follow detailed instructions when out with a group.

We review completed applications and notify students of final decisions by email in 7-10 business days.

Yes, we are happy to report that international students are able to participate in the program.

After you enroll, you will receive an enrollment confirmation email. You will also receive notification via email with details about how to access the parent portal, where you can find important program updates, mandatory travel and information forms, a travel checklist, pre-program tips, and more.

To see your remaining balance, outstanding forms, packing list, or schedule of upcoming payments, please log in to the Parent Dashboard.

We expect the students who enroll in this program to be serious about their academic performance and their pursuit of admissions to college beyond high school. The GPA requirement is one metric SSB @ Cal Poly uses to help make enrollment decisions.

Most students come to Summer Springboard @ Cal Poly on their own. During the first few days students have the opportunity to participate in events and activities designed to help them meet each other and make new friends. One of the best things about Summer Springboard @ Cal Poly is the great friendships that students make with other students from all across the country and around the world. Participants will find it is very easy to make friends with other Summer Springboard @ Cal Poly students. Our friendly and supportive staff will go out of their way to make sure each student has the best experience possible.

Once you enroll, students may request to room together with another student. These requests are typically honored. However, one of the important benefits of attending a Summer Springboard @ Cal Poly program is the opportunity to network with and get to know peers outside your current circle of friends. To be considered, please log into the Parent Dashboard to complete a Roommate Request Form. It is located in the “Yearly Forms” section of the “Forms” tab, and is labeled “2023 Roommate Request Contract”.

Each apartment will house 4-5 students in single rooms. You will have your own bed and room. Your room will include fresh linens and towels (but extra blankets and towels are recommended if desired). There are two shared bathrooms per apartment.

We have gender segregated rooms. Students will always be assigned roommates based on their identified or biological gender based on comfort level.

The Balance Cafe in the Vista Grand Dining Hall offers Gluten and Allergen Free options. Additional requests should be submitted prior to the start of the program. When you complete the Student Medical Information Form, you will have the opportunity to make special dietary requests.

You may want to think about bringing some extra cash with you to Summer Springboard @ Cal Poly. While your tuition covers the cost of meals and excursions, it will not cover any souvenirs you may want to pick up for family and friends. We suggest an extra $150.

Students are permitted to bring a cell phone to keep in touch with parents, but it must be turned off during program activities. Your parents or guardians will have the telephone number to the program’s site office, where they can leave you messages. Additionally, parents and guardians may email the office should they need to relay information to you.

For check-in day (the first day of the program), specific information on where to report to, what time check-ins are, and other important information, please refer to your Enrolled Student Hub. The link to the Enrolled Student Hub can be found in your enrollment confirmation email.

The link to the Enrolled Student Hub can be found in your enrollment confirmation email!

You can find the following helpful information, and much more, in the Enrolled Student Hub:

• Packing List (what to bring, what to leave behind, etc.)

• Sample Program Schedule

• Arrival Day Information (where to report, when to report for, etc.)

• Departure Day Information (when check-outs are, etc.)

• Information on Airport Shuttle Services

• Etc.

Students will reside in Poly Canyon Village. Each building has large open spaces for outdoor activities, a lounge, and a community room. Apartments have 4-5 single rooms and 2 shared bathrooms extra-long twin beds (38" x 80"), desks and chairs for each student, small dresser, waste/recycling bins and window coverings.

WiFi is available through all interior residential spaces, including Community Centers and in rooms.

Students will dine daily in either the Vista Grande Cafe or the newly constructed 1901 Marketplace, both are located within walking distance from the residence halls. Most meals will be eaten on campus, giving

students the opportunity to interact with their fellow students and get a taste of college life. Both venues offers a variety of dining options for students, including food options for gluten and allergen-free entrees, sides and breakfast.

Students may take a peek at the 1901 Marketplace or virtually tour Vista Grand here.

Yes, free laundry rooms are located in each building. Cal Poly SLO offers a laundry monitoring system so students may check for machine availability and receive alerts when their laundry is done. Students need to bring detergent and softener products.

San Luis Obispo enjoys fairly mild temperatures year-round. Housing is not equipped with air-conditioning.

No. Linens are placed in rooms prior to arrival with pillow, pillow case, sheets, blanket, and bedspread. Two towels and a face cloth are provided.

Yes, each apartment has a refrigerator and a microwave.

The dorms are equipped with purified water fill stations; vending machines; outdoor ping pong and cornhole games; basketball courts; and, volleyball courts.

In addition to academic excursions related to their programs, students will get a chance to experience the beautiful area in and around San Luis Obispo, CA. They will eat and shop at the infamous SLO or Morro Bay Street Market; enjoy campus recreational activities such as bowling and sand volleyball. During the weekend, the students will splash around in the Ravine Water Park, face challenges as Vista Lago Adventure Park, and visit Morro Bay and Avila Beach. The students will also get a chance to enjoy a SLO Blues baseball game.

Yes, all dorms require individual key fob access to gain entry into the building and the rooms. Cal Poly Campus Police also make frequent patrols of the campus and residence halls.

The cost of flights are not included in the program tuition, in order to give you maximum flexibility in purchasing flights that work for your family. Once enrolled, you can book on your own, if you require airport shuttle service flights must arrive in our designated flight windows.

There are three major carriers that fly into SBP - Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and American Airlines. We are currently gathering names for an interest list for potential pickup arrangements from LAX or SFO. However, we currently only offer airport pickup & dropoff at SBP.

Summer Springboard provides an airport shuttle service for $95 each way from San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport. We do not offer an airport shuttle from any other airports at this time.

Students who arrive during the flight window

• will be met by a SSB staff member

• will wait at the airport with staff until the end of the flight window

• will travel back to campus at the end of the flight window

Students who arrive before the flight window

• will not be met (unless they pay the flight supplement) by SSB staff member

Students who arrive outside the flight window can pay a $100 supplement fee and

• will be met by a SSB staff member

• may travel back to campus with other students

To find the flight window, please visit the airport shuttle page on the SSB website.

Unaccompanied minor (sometimes referred to as UM) is a term used by airlines to define an individual who is traveling without a parent or legal guardian. While policies and costs vary by airline, most have voluntary policies for youth 15 years and older, and mandatory policies for youth 14 years and younger. If a student is 14 years old or younger at the time of the SSB program, they must travel as an unaccompanied minor and are provided an airline escort to/from the gate. The airline must also have the name(s) on file in advance of the individual(s) who will escort the unaccompanied minor through security and wait until they board, and who goes to meet them on the other side.

In addition to purchasing this mandatory chaperone service through the airline, an unaccompanied minor must book their flights according to the airline’s policy. These policies include, but are not limited to;

• which airlines you can use

• how many connections you can make

• the routing of the flight/s

• what time of day you can fly

These policies are enforced by the airline. Therefore, you must travel as an unaccompanied minor if you meet the criteria. Airlines do have varying policies, so what goes for one, does not necessarily go for the other. Please check ahead of time of booking.

If you sign up for this service voluntarily with the airline, or are required to by the airline because of age, you will be charged an additional $50 each way, on top of the $95 one way transfer fee.

These fees are in addition to any fees charged to you by the airline. You are responsible for making sure fees are paid. You are required to notify SSB at least 2 weeks in advance of your arrival/departure if you are traveling as an unaccompanied minor.

Your flight arrival/departure time must fall within the travel window. In advance of travel, you will receive the name and cell phone number of the staff member(s) who will meet you at the airport.

Students are transported to academic excursion sites by a combination of public transportation (subways), or private buses.

Before the start of the program, every family must complete the required Summer Springboard Medical Form, detailing any past illnesses, and any non-prescription and prescription medications that the student regularly takes. Finally, all students must show evidence of medical insurance.

If you are sick or injured, you will be escorted by Summer Springboard staff to the nearest medical facility and your parents will be notified. Your family is responsible for any costs incurred.

Cal Poly strongly recommends students to be fully vaccinated per CDC guidelines.

Every applicant to Summer Springboard and the applicant’s parent/guardian is required to review and sign Code of Conduct Agreement. Breaking the law or any of the rules & policies detailed in the Code of Conduct Agreement will result in immediate dismissal or probation at the discretion of the Summer Springboard staff. If you are on probation and you break another rule, you will be sent home immediately. Please review the Summer Springboard Code of Conduct form carefully.

Exhibit A. Code of Conduct

Summer Springboard expects students to act in a way that is respectful to the community, promotes the educational goals of the program and ensures the safety of all students. In order to achieve this, we have created a Code of Conduct that all students are expected to follow.

Supervision: Leaving the Summer Springboard campus boundaries without permission or supervision, or abandoning the group while out in the community is grounds for expulsion. Summer Springboard requires students to always remain on campus or within pre-defined boundaries.

No Tolerance of Alcohol, Tobacco Products and other Drugs: The possession, consumption, attempted sale or purchase of (or being in the presence of these acts) alcoholic beverages, tobacco products or any illicit or illegal drugs is strictly prohibited during the program. Any violation of this rule may result in immediate expulsion from the program based on SSB’s best judgment and understanding of the situation. Staff reserves the right to search student belongings at their discretion in cases where drug, tobacco or alcohol possession is suspected. Smoking tobacco, vaping products of any kind, using tobacco products is prohibited on all SSB programs, even with parental consent. Items that are in violation of the no tolerance policy will be confiscated by staff and will not be returned to the Student. Students are responsible for reporting any serious misconduct that they witness to a program staff member. If a student chooses not to report, they are also in violation of the Code of Conduct and the situation will be handled accordingly.

Body Alterations: No body alterations, including tattoos or piercings are to be obtained while on a SSB program, even with parental consent.

Sex, Sexual Acts & Sexual Harassment: In order to promote an experience that is safe and inclusive of all students, students are not permitted to engage in sexual acts during programs. Students are not allowed to enter the sleeping rooms of those of the opposite gender or any room not assigned to them, unless given direct permission by a program staff member. Doing so will result in consequences that could lead to dismissal from the program. Students will refrain from engaging in inappropriate actions while on the program to ensure emotional and physical safety for all participants, and are encouraged to report any meaningful violations directly to staff members. Inappropriate actions include without limitation: Gender harassment, seductive behavior or imposition, solicitation of sexual activity by promise of reward or threat of punishment, assault, unwanted physical contact, comments or actions which criticize a person based upon gender or sexuality, whistling or making animalistic noises towards an individual, repeatedly standing too close or brushing up against a person, giving gifts or leaving objects that are sexually suggestive, repeatedly asking a person to socialize when he/she/they have said no or have indicated disinterest, or the display and/or distribution (virtually or physically) of offensive, sexually graphic materials.

Water Safety: Students are only allowed to swim under adult supervision. Students must obey all rules laid out by lifeguards or supervisory staff. Students may not swim alone or participate in any unauthorized water sport.

Bullying: Acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying – whether verbal, physical, online or in-person – are forbidden. These acts may be a student exercising power and control over another student, in either isolated incidents (e.g., intimidation, harassment) or patterns of harassing or intimidating behavior (e.g., bullying).

Respect for Summer Springboard Staff and Students: Students must show decency, civility, and respect towards each other and Summer Springboard staff members. The use of insensitive or otherwise offensive language or behavior or engaging in behavior disruptive to the goals of Summer Springboard may be grounds for disciplinary action.

Commitment to the Program: Students must be committed to the program and will participate in all aspects of the program.

Violations of the Code of Conduct trigger disciplinary action which may include expulsion or a withholding of Certificate of Completion. While most Code of Conduct violations result in immediate expulsion from the program, there may be instances where a verbal warning or written contract may precede expulsion when deemed appropriate by Program Staff. In the case of expulsion, the student will be sent home as soon as possible, at the expense of the student’s parents or legal guardians, even if there is only one day remaining in the Summer Springboard program.

In general, students are directly supervised by Summer Springboard Program staff while they are in a class, lectures, field trips, or excursions by qualified Summer Springboard Campus Directors, Assistant Directors, Mentors, TAs and Resident Assistants. Our Campus Directors and Assistant Directors are educated professionals who hold degrees ranging from Bachelor to Masters and have extensive experience working with teens. Outside of these times, students independently manage themselves and enjoy the freedom to go anywhere within the pre-defined boundaries around the campus of the university. During such times it is especially important that the student respect the Summer Springboard Code of Conduct, safety rules and guidelines and exercise caution and good judgment in order to provide for his or her safety and well-being. During some excursions, students and staff may travel via public transportation. In these cases, Summer Springboard has no control over the operation of the local public transit system.

We bring together leading academic and industry experts to help teach, guide, and support our students during their summer experience. They are fun-loving, experienced, and passionate about student growth and development. All program staff go through a rigorous training program to ensure students not only learn, but do so in the safest way possible.

Each one of our programs is run by an experienced Campus Director, Assistant Campus Director along with Mentors, Resident Advisors, and Teaching Assistants. All our Campus Directors are adult professionals with extensive experience working with teens, and they all hold a B.A. or M.A. degree. Campus Directors are selected for their expertise in the field of personal development and undergo background checks and rigorous training before the summer. The Campus Director oversees the team of Resident Advisors and also facilitates the delivery of the Springboard Leadership Framework.

Our Mentors, Resident Advisors, and TAs are the heart and soul of our program; they bring energy and inspiration to every student experience. They are selected for their experience working with youth, understanding of leadership theory, and dynamic personalities. All RAs undergo background checks and training on the unique needs of teenagers.

At Summer Springboard, our number one priority is creating a safe and secure environment for our students. All of our campus locations have been selected based on their distinction for safety and comfort. All program staff go through a rigorous background check and a training program to ensure students not only learn, but do so in the safest way possible. Staff are trained in our 5-Point Safety System which ensures that issues are addressed efficiently and safely, and that students, parents, staff, and campus partners are in close communication.

Students will be required to stay within pre-determined campus boundaries that they can explore during their free time, if a student is off campus (within the boundaries) they must travel within groups of 3. Our campus dorms are patrolled by campus police and our staff are available 24 for any issues or emergencies that may arise.

Dean Daniel Bernard of Extended, Professional and Continuing Education and Interim Dean of the College of Liberal Arts Kate Murphy envision providing a liberal arts education sin fronteras: without borders, without boundaries and without barriers.

It is equally important to both Cal Poly and Summer Springboard that this program is accessible to all who want to participate. As such, Summer Springboard @ Cal Poly has a pool of need-based scholarships available for our programs for qualifying applicants. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need as well as student achievement. Apply here.

We will also award a Dean's Merit Scholarship to two oustanding students who meet our combined criteria of merit and need.

Information for the Dean's Merit Scholarship will be posted in February 2025!

Residential: Tuition costs $5,298 and includes orientation, site visits, guest speakers, college tours, college admissions overview, enrichment electives, lodging, breakfast, lunch, dinner, evening activities, and weekend excursions. Check in is day 1 at 4pm and check out is day 13 at 10am.

Commuter: Tuition costs $2,998 and includes orientation, site visits, guest speakers, college tours, college admissions overview, enrichment electives, and lunch. Weekend excursions are optional for an additional fee. Check in is Day 1 at 5pm and check out is Day 13 at 10am.

– Application fee: $99 (mandatory, non-refundable)

– Group airport transfers: $95 each way. (Transfers outside of the official group pick-up and drop-off time window are $100 each way)

– Unaccompanied minor transportation: $145 total each way

Tuition credit from previous years is not refundable. If a family cancels from a program, any tuition credits will be forfeited.

Before March 1, 2025:

• Change programs for free

• Cancel without penalty (except $99 application fee)

Between March 2 and April 1, 2025:

• Change programs for free

• All tuition is refundable (except $99 application fee and $600 deposit)

• Option to roll over 100% of monies paid as credit for a future year

Between April 2 and May 1, 2025:

• Change programs for free

• 75% of tuition paid is refundable (except $99 application fee and $600 deposit)

• Option to roll over 100% of monies paid as a credit for a future year.

Between May 1 and June 1, 2025:

• $300 to change programs

• 25% of tuition paid is refundable (except $99 application fee and $600 deposit)

• Option to roll over 75% of monies paid as credit for a future year

After June 1, 2023:

• $500 to change programs

• 0% refundable

• 0% can be rolled to future years

Terms & Conditions – where it is impossible for us to operate a specific program at a specific location due to force majeure or reasons outside of our control; we may operate the program at a different location or merge multiple programs; or roll-over the tuition fees to a program into the future.

Tuition Protection Plan – Families may purchase a Tuition Protection Plan for $499 at the time of application, before May 10, 2025, which allows cancellation for any reason until the day of the program. The protection plan is only valid for campus based programs. Contact us for more details.

Students who are notified of scholarship awards have 7 days to accept their scholarship. Once you’ve received the award we urge you to begin your application on the website, submit your $600 deposit and $99 non-refundable application fee for the program, and then your award will be deducted from your tuition balance upon acceptance into the program. If you’ve already enrolled, the award will be applied to your tuition.