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    In-person Program

    Communication & Society High School Course

    by Summer Springboard

    A hands-on course exploring communication, media bias, identity and equity through discussion, argumentative writing and a final group presentation.

    Last verified: 26 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
    Communication & Society High School Course

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    Communication and Society Course at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Applications open

    Eligibility

    Grades 9-12; 3.0 GPA

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    San Luis Obispo, California, United States

    Cost

    $5,398 residential; $2,998 commuter

    Duration

    2 weeks

    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.

    Save program
    Media Studies

    Accommodation: Residential and commuter options

    Meals: 3 daily residential; weekday commuter lunch

    Course work: Writing, discussion and group presentation

    Recognition: 3 CEUs, letter and certificate

    Instructor: Dr. Christina Kaviani

    Communication and Society Course summary

    Communication and Society builds practical communication skills around identity, culture, diversity, equity and social responsibility.

    Students analyze media and social norms, practice argumentative writing and public speaking, and discuss sensitive issues in a structured setting.

    It suits students who want a broadly useful humanities course with collaborative discussion and presentation work rather than a narrowly career-specific class.

    What is Communication & Society High School Course?

    Communication & Society is a Cal Poly SLO summer course delivered through Summer Springboard's campus program. It examines how communication shapes social norms, identities and cultural perceptions while helping students recognize bias in media.

    Students learn through writing assignments, class discussions, public-speaking exercises and collaborative projects. The experience connects communication theory with interpersonal conflict, relationships, advocacy and real-world social issues.

    Why Succeed highlights Communication and Society Course

    • The course combines media literacy, public speaking and argumentative writing instead of treating communication as a single skill.

    • Students apply ideas through discussion, writing and a final collaborative presentation.

    • The curriculum addresses bias, identity and social norms while explicitly teaching respectful dialogue.

    • Cal Poly participants can earn three Continuing Education Units, a participation letter and a completion certificate.

    • Residential and commuter formats let families choose between campus immersion and daytime attendance.

    Who is Communication and Society Course for?

    Best for

    Students who enjoy discussion and want to communicate more confidently about media, identity, culture and complex social issues.

    Not ideal if

    You prefer an exam-led course, a highly technical subject or an experience without collaborative discussion and presentation work.

    Is Communication and Society Course worth it?

    This course can be worthwhile for students seeking transferable communication skills rather than training for one specific career. Its mix of media analysis, persuasive writing, public speaking and group work creates several ways to test and improve those skills.

    The main limitation is that its breadth may not suit students looking for deep specialization in politics, sociology or journalism. Families should also decide whether the wider campus experience and credential justify the substantial tuition and additional application costs.

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

    Cost and what is included

    $5,398 residential; $2,998 commuter; includes Residential tuition includes the academic program and excursions., Residential tuition includes lodging and three daily meals., Residential tuition includes evening activities and weekend excursions., Commuter tuition includes the academic program and weekday lunch., Both options include college tours and readiness workshops..

    Accommodation

    Residential and commuter options

    Meals

    3 daily residential; weekday commuter lunch

    Provider details

    Review the Summer Springboard provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    2 weeks; San Luis Obispo, California, United States.

    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.

    Compare with similar programs

    How much preparation does Communication and Society Course need?

    Effort level

    Moderate.

    Best started

    Begin four to six weeks before the next admissions deadline to prepare the application, essays and required forms.

    Main challenge

    Discussing sensitive social issues clearly, respectfully and persuasively.

    Typical preparation

    • Read varied news coverage of the same issue and note differences in framing.

    • Practice presenting a short argument aloud with evidence and a clear conclusion.

    • Reflect on how identity and experience can shape communication.

    • Prepare examples showing curiosity, maturity and readiness for campus life.

    Useful if

    You are willing to listen closely, revise your ideas and contribute to group work.

    What do students do on Communication and Society Course?

    Students combine critical analysis with practical communication work, moving from media and social questions to written arguments, discussion and a collaborative presentation.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Analyze social norms, news coverage, bias and perspective.

    2. 2

      Explore social movements connected with gender, race, sexual orientation and equity.

    3. 3

      Discuss interpersonal communication, conflict and relationships.

    4. 4

      Practice public speaking and advanced argumentative writing.

    5. 5

      Apply communication techniques to real-world social issues in group work.

    6. 6

      Develop and deliver a final group presentation.

    Communication and Society Course 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

    Applications were accepted until courses filled.

    Reference date

    Final admission deadline

    16 May 2026

    Latest verified Cal Poly admissions cycle.

    Reference date

    Course session

    19-31 July 2026

    Communication & Society Session 2.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Students in Grades 9-12.

    • Students entering high school may enroll.

    • Spring high-school graduates may enroll.

    • Minimum 3.0 GPA or local equivalent.

    • International students must demonstrate English proficiency.

    • All applicants must meet essential eligibility criteria.

    How much does Communication and Society Course cost?

    Program tuition

    $5,398; $2,998 — Residential and commuter options.

    Funding or discounts

    • Application fee: $99 — Mandatory and non-refundable.
    • Program deposit: $600 — Paid during application.
    • Needs-based scholarships: Available — Families can apply for financial support.

    What's included

    Residential tuition includes the academic program and excursions., Residential tuition includes lodging and three daily meals., Residential tuition includes evening activities and weekend excursions., Commuter tuition includes the academic program and weekday lunch., Both options include college tours and readiness workshops.

    How to apply to Communication and Society Course

    1. 1

      Open the official application portal and enter basic contact information.

    2. 2

      Verify the email address and complete the account details.

    3. 3

      Select Cal Poly, the preferred session, Communication & Society and a tuition type.

    4. 4

      Complete the student information and short-answer questions with the student present.

    5. 5

      Sign the required agreements and submit the $600 deposit and application fee.

    6. 6

      Wait for the enrollment decision and complete any additional forms provided after acceptance.

    What does Communication and Society Course cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Media literacy

    Analyze news, social norms, bias and competing perspectives.

    Identity and society

    Examine gender, race, culture, diversity, equity and social movements.

    Persuasive communication

    Practice public speaking and clear argumentative writing.

    Interpersonal communication

    Discuss conflict, relationships and respectful communication on sensitive issues.

    Collaborative presentation

    Apply course ideas in group projects and a final presentation.

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

    What is a typical day on Communication and Society Course?

    A typical day during the program.

    9:00 a.m.

    Students take their selected academic course.

    1:30 p.m.

    Students join a recreational activity or academic excursion.

    3:00 p.m.

    College-readiness or personal-development workshops follow.

    7:00 p.m.

    Residential students participate in clubs or other activities.

    Who teaches on Communication and Society Course?

    The named course instructor is Dr. Christina Kaviani, a Cal Poly lecturer in communications and Women, Gender & Queer Studies. Her background includes more than a decade in gender-based violence prevention education and response.

    The Cal Poly partnership states that courses are taught by Cal Poly faculty with access to university facilities.

    Where do students stay on Communication and Society Course?

    Residential plan

    • Poly Canyon Village: Students stay in suite-style apartments with 4-5 single rooms, a bathroom and common area.
    • Meals: Three meals per day are provided.
    • Residential support: Residential staff live on campus, and support is available around the clock.
    • Security and facilities: Residences have electronic-key access, security patrols, laundry, lounges and wireless internet.
    • Campus activities: Evening activities and weekend excursions are included.

    Non-residential plan

    • Commuter day: Commuters join weekday programming and receive lunch.

    Residential students should consult current logistics for final room assignments and packing guidance.

    What happens after Communication and Society Course?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Earn three Cal Poly Continuing Education Units.

    Receive a letter of participation and certificate of completion.

    Use completed writing and presentation work to reflect on communication growth.

    Apply media-literacy and persuasive-communication skills across future subjects.

    Explore communication-related pathways in business, law, education, healthcare or advocacy.

    The course supports broad career exploration rather than qualification for one profession.

    Where does Communication and Society Course take place?

    The course takes place on the Cal Poly SLO campus in San Luis Obispo, between California's rolling hills and Central Coast. Campus programming can include university facilities, nearby beaches, local attractions and course-related excursions.

    Optional chaperoned transfers are available from San Luis Obispo airport for an additional fee.

    Communication and Society Course FAQs

    Students study how communication shapes social norms and cultural perceptions. Topics include media bias, identity, diversity, equity, interpersonal conflict and respectful discussion.

    The course uses writing assignments, class discussions, public-speaking exercises, group projects and a final group presentation.

    The named instructor is Dr. Christina Kaviani, a Cal Poly lecturer whose work spans communications, gender studies and violence-prevention education.

    No. Families can choose residential or commuter tuition. Residential students stay on campus, while commuters join weekday programming.

    It includes the academic program, lodging, breakfast, lunch, dinner, evening activities, college-readiness programming and weekend excursions.

    It includes the academic program, excursions, college tours, readiness workshops, weekday lunch and daytime programming.

    Cal Poly participants can earn three Continuing Education Units, a letter of participation and a certificate of completion.

    Applicants should be in Grades 9-12, hold a 3.0 GPA or equivalent and meet the program's essential eligibility criteria. International applicants must also demonstrate English proficiency.

    Alternatives to Communication and Society Course

    Compare these related programs if you want a different balance of politics, social science, debate or broader pre-college study.

    Alternatives to Communication and Society Course

    The Cambridge Tradition

    Interdisciplinary Cambridge pre-college academic experience

    Peopleculture & society
    Deadline: Not announced
    From $7850
    15-18
    Cambridge
    In-person

    Best for

    Students who want wider subject choice and a traditional pre-college atmosphere.

    View details

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Cal Poly Extended Education In Partnership with Summer Springboard
    • Logistics — Cal Poly Extended Education In Partnership with Summer Springboard
    • Tuition & Dates — Cal Poly Extended Education In Partnership with Summer Springboard
    • Terms & Conditions | Policies & Terms | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • Main FAQ | Knowledge Base | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • Apply Now | Enrollment | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • Cal Poly | Campus | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • (1) New Messages!
    • (1) New Messages!
    • Communication & Society | Course | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard

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

    What we verified (on 26 Aug 2026)

    • Course details checked

    • Learning outcomes reviewed

    • Tuition options verified

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Session date checked

    • Instructor credentials reviewed

    • Campus logistics checked

    • Policies 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.