embARC Summer Design Academy (pre-college)
Program Overview
Spend your summer immersed in the world of architecture, urban design, and sustainable city planning on the UC Berkeley campus. embARC is an engaging college-level course for high school students that offers you the chance to study at the top-ranked public university for architecture and the built environment alongside students from all over the world. This intensive program is accepts primarily rising high school seniors, with rising juniors admitted on an exceptional basis. No design experience is necessary.
Challenging design assignments, one-on-one reviews with instructors, field trips to San Francisco and around Berkeley, and a build project for a community nonprofit introduce you to the skills, ideas, and culture of an environmental design education. Successful students will create a strong portfolio for their college applications in any area of environmental design and credit on an official UC Berkeley transcript. The full-time program starts at the beginning of July and meets for four weeks on campus.
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Program Highlights
What's Included
Quick Details
- Summer
- Architecture
- Design
- Environmental Studies
- Sustainable Development
- Urban & Regional Planning
Updated Jan 27, 2026
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Online
- Berkeley (San Francisco), United States
Fields & Subjects
- Architecture
- Environmental Studies
- Urban & Regional Planning
- Design
- Sustainable Development
Available Terms / Availability
- Years Offered
- 2026, 2027, 2028
- Terms Available
- Summer
Eligible Nationalities
- All Nationalities
- This Program is also open to Solo
Education Levels & Language
- Language
- English
- Education
- High School Junior (3rd Year)
- High School Senior (4th Year)
- High School Sophomore (2nd Year)
Accommodation Options
- Dormitory
- Other
Application Procedures
- Written Application
- Letters of Reference
- Transcript
- Online Application
- Essay
Age Requirement
14-17
Starts At
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all the most common questions about UC Berkeley's College of Environmental Design.
I am an international student (non-US student). May I apply?
Yes, international students are encouraged to apply for the embARC Summer Design Academy, based on eligibility. Once accepted to the on-campus program, UC Berkeley Summer Sessions will guide students through the steps of the student visa application process. International students will enroll in the course for five units of credit, which is the minimum amount required to be considered a full-time student and be eligible for a visa.
Is there any financial support offered for the embARC summer program?
A small number of scholarships and stipends are available to accepted students with U.S. citizenship or residency ("green card" holders). The awards are based on financial need. embARC financial support is not federally subsidized. Applicants have the opportunity to request financial aid when filling out the embARC application. The application must be submitted before the scholarship deadline to be considered for financial aid.
Do I need to live on campus?
Students living within 45 minutes of the UC Berkeley campus may opt to commute to embARC as a day student. Non-local students must request on-campus housing, or reside with a local guardian or adult relative for the duration of the program.
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