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    Environmental Science & Sustainability Summer Program
    In-person Program

    Environmental Science & Sustainability Summer Program

    by National Student Leadership Conference

    A residential pre-college program combining environmental science labs, sustainability design challenges, leadership workshops and field trips.

    Last verified: 4 Aug 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Environmental Science and Sustainability Summer Program at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Applications open

    Eligibility

    High-school students

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    San Francisco

    Cost

    $4,495

    Duration

    9 days

    Format

    In-person

    Application deadline

    Rolling · Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

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    Environmental ScienceThe planet & sustainabilityScience
    Accommodation: Supervised campus dormitory
    Meals: Campus dining included
    Campus experience: Labs, projects and field trips

    Environmental Science and Sustainability Summer Program summary

    A practical pre-college introduction to environmental science, combining ecosystem and climate study with conservation and sustainability challenges.

    Students analyse soil and water, design a green home, build a wind turbine and develop an environmental advocacy campaign.

    It suits students who want hands-on science, leadership development and a residential university experience rather than classroom theory alone.

    What is Environmental Science & Sustainability Summer Program?

    The Environmental Science & Sustainability program is a residential pre-college experience run by the National Student Leadership Conference. It explores ecosystems, climate systems, conservation and the role of innovation in addressing environmental challenges.

    Students learn through laboratory work, simulations and design challenges rather than lectures alone. The experience also includes leadership workshops, professional perspectives and field trips around the San Francisco Bay Area.

    Why Succeed highlights Environmental Science and Sustainability Summer Program

    • Practical activities connect environmental theory to soil, water, energy and building design.

    • The advocacy campaign introduces the social and policy dimensions of environmental action.

    • Guest speakers and industry-facing tours add perspectives beyond the university classroom.

    • A dedicated leadership curriculum develops communication, listening, resilience and empathy.

    • Residential campus life offers a realistic taste of studying and living at university.

    Who is Environmental Science and Sustainability Summer Program for?

    Best for

    Students who want to test environmental science through practical projects, fieldwork and leadership activities.

    Not ideal if

    You want a low-cost day course, a narrowly specialised research program or a non-residential option.

    Is Environmental Science and Sustainability Summer Program worth it?

    The program offers more depth than a general summer camp: students complete practical environmental work, encounter professional perspectives and experience residential university life. It may be worthwhile for someone seriously exploring environmental science or sustainability.

    The main limitation is value for money. Tuition is substantial, the experience lasts nine days and optional college credit costs extra, so families should compare the learning fit with lower-cost courses, independent projects and local conservation work.

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    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $4,495; includes Supervised campus housing, On-campus meals, Course materials and academic expenses, Trips, tours and activities, Off-campus event transportation.

    Accommodation

    Supervised campus dormitory

    Meals

    Campus dining included

    Provider details

    Review the National Student Leadership Conference provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    9 days; San Francisco.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

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    How much preparation does Environmental Science and Sustainability Summer Program need?

    Effort level

    Moderate to high.

    Best started

    Begin planning two to three months before your preferred session, especially for funding, travel or visa arrangements.

    Main challenge

    Moving quickly between scientific, design and leadership activities.

    Typical preparation

    • Review basic ecology, climate and sustainability concepts.

    • Prepare examples of environmental issues you care about.

    • Plan residential travel, health information and dietary needs early.

    • International students should begin visitor-entry planning as soon as possible.

    Useful if

    You have studied some school science and can contribute confidently to group work.

    What do students do on Environmental Science and Sustainability Summer Program?

    Students investigate environmental problems through practical science, design work, leadership training and visits connected to sustainability in the Bay Area.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Study ecosystems, climate systems and conservation strategies.

    2. 2

      Collect and test soil and water samples.

    3. 3

      Design and construct a model green home.

    4. 4

      Build a wind turbine to explore renewable energy.

    5. 5

      Create an advocacy campaign around an environmental issue.

    6. 6

      Learn from guest speakers with professional environmental experience.

    7. 7

      Join educational and sightseeing trips around Berkeley and San Francisco.

    Environmental Science and Sustainability Summer Program dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Applications

    Rolling admissions

    Accepted while program or waitlist space remained

    Reference date

    Application deadline

    2 July 2026

    Reference date

    UC Berkeley session 1

    12-20 June 2026

    Reference date

    UC Berkeley session 2

    24 June-2 July 2026

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Ages 14-18

    • Current high-school students

    • At least one high-school year completed

    • Eligible through summer after high-school graduation

    • Academic excellence and leadership ability encouraged

    How much does Environmental Science and Sustainability Summer Program cost?

    Residential tuition

    $4,495 — Latest verified 2026 fee

    Funding or discounts

    • Summer scholarship: Usually $500-$1,000 — Financial need must be demonstrated
    • Payment plan: Monthly
    • Optional college credit: $1,044 — Separate one-credit online course

    What's included

    Supervised campus housing, On-campus meals, Course materials and academic expenses, Trips, tours and activities, Off-campus event transportation

    How to apply to Environmental Science and Sustainability Summer Program

    1. 1

      Open the official online enrollment application.

    2. 2

      Create or retrieve your NSLC ID.

    3. 3

      Enter the student's birth date, gender and current grade.

    4. 4

      Select an available program session.

    5. 5

      Complete enrollment and pay the required deposit by card.

    6. 6

      Contact NSLC if you need to pay the deposit by check.

    7. 7

      After enrolling, apply separately for financial assistance if needed.

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    What does Environmental Science and Sustainability Summer Program cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Environmental systems

    Study ecosystems, climate systems, carbon cycling and conservation strategies.

    Soil and water science

    Test samples for pH, nutrients, pesticides and fertilisers.

    Sustainable design

    Design a green home around energy, water and material choices.

    Renewable energy

    Build a wind turbine that converts kinetic energy into electricity.

    Environmental advocacy

    Develop a campaign using grassroots organisation and lobbying principles.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    Who teaches on Environmental Science and Sustainability Summer Program?

    The program includes guest speakers from environmental science, sustainability, ecology and related professional fields. Past speakers have included university professors, researchers and environmental organisation leaders.

    Published speakers are examples from previous programs and may change by cycle.

    Where do students stay on Environmental Science and Sustainability Summer Program?

    Residential plan

    • Campus housing: Students live in supervised university dormitories.
    • Roommates: The experience includes living with roommates on campus.
    • Meals: On-campus meals are provided through campus dining services.
    • Supervision: Team Advisors and an administrative team live on site.
    • Campus experience: Students use university classrooms and learn to navigate campus life.

    Travel to and from the program and personal expenses are not included in tuition.

    What happens after Environmental Science and Sustainability Summer Program?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Use the experience to evaluate environmental science as a future major.

    Build examples for applications, essays and interviews.

    Continue with school or independent sustainability projects.

    Explore ecology, conservation, climate science or environmental policy.

    Optionally complete a separate one-credit university course.

    College credit is optional, online and charged separately.

    Where does Environmental Science and Sustainability Summer Program take place?

    The program is based at the University of California, Berkeley in the San Francisco Bay Area. Trips may include Muir Woods, Berkeley Seismology Lab, an urban farm, sustainable innovation sites and San Francisco attractions.

    NSLC uses university facilities for its residential program.

    Environmental Science and Sustainability Summer Program FAQs

    You will explore ecosystems, climate systems, conservation, the carbon cycle, renewable energy and sustainable design through practical activities.

    Published activities include soil and water testing, designing a model green home, building a wind turbine and creating an environmental advocacy campaign.

    Yes. The program is residential, and tuition includes supervised campus housing and on-campus meals.

    Examples include Muir Woods, Berkeley Seismology Lab, an urban farm, a sustainable innovation tour and a green building design tour.

    Team Advisors accompany smaller activity groups and also serve as Resident Advisors, while an administrative team lives on site.

    Yes. Campus dining services can accommodate dietary allergies and restrictions when details are completed in the student profile.

    No. A separate one-credit American University online course is optional, costs extra and is completed outside the residential program dates.

    Yes. NSLC offers financial-need scholarships, with most awards in the $500-$1,000 range. Students must enroll and place a deposit before applying.

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • ENVI CA by NSLC - Flipsnack
    • NSLC Online Enrollment Application
    • Explore Our Study Abroad Programs for International Students | National Student Leadership Conference
    • Youth Leadership Programs | National Student Leadership Conference
    • Discover Top Summer Programs in San Francisco for Students
    • Frequently Asked Questions | National Student Leadership Conference
    • Summer Program Scholarships | National Student Leadership Conference
    • High School Environmental Summer Program | National Student Leadership Conference

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 4 Aug 2026)

    • Program details checked

    • Session dates reviewed

    • Residential fee verified

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Inclusions checked

    • Scholarships reviewed

    • Visa guidance checked

    • Refund terms reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.