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embARC Summer Design Academy (pre-college)
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.
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.
Program Highlights
Explore architecture, urban design, and city planning as possible college majors and careers
Develop technical and time-management skills through college-level coursework
Work with fellow students with similar interests
Build a design portfolio to use when applying to college
Earn a certificate of completion and credit on an official UC Berkeley transcript
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Quick Details
- Online
- Berkeley (San Francisco), United States
- Summer
- Architecture
- Design
- Environmental Studies
- Sustainable Development
- Urban & Regional Planning
- All Nationalities
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Online
- Berkeley (San Francisco), United States
Types and Subjects
- Subjects & Courses
- Architecture
- Design
- Environmental Studies
- Sustainable Development
- Urban & Regional Planning
Availability
Years Offered: 2026, 2027, 2028
- Summer
Age Requirement
14-17
Guidelines
All Nationalities
This Program is also open to Solo
Starts At
Program Cost Includes
- Tuition & Fees
Accommodation Options
- Dormitory
- Other
Qualifications & Experience
- English
Language Skills Required
- High School Junior (3rd Year)
- High School Senior (4th Year)
- High School Sophomore (2nd Year)
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Written Application
- Letters of Reference
- Transcript
- Online Application
- Essay
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Program Reviews
This program has no reviews
Ready to Learn More?
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 ...
UC Berkeley's College of Environmental Design
UC Berkeley's College of Environmental Design
Ready to Learn More?
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 ...
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