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    In-person Program

    Design Thinking & Rapid Prototyping High School Course

    by Summer Springboard

    A hands-on pre-college course where students use design thinking, 3D CAD and additive manufacturing to turn ideas into functional prototypes.

    Last verified: 26 Aug 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
    Design Thinking & Rapid Prototyping High School Course

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    Rapid Prototyping Course at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Recently closed

    Eligibility

    Grades 9-12; 3.0 GPA

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18 / Grades 9-12

    Location / Region

    Berkeley, California

    Cost

    From $3,298 + $250

    Duration

    2 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    DesignEngineeringTechnology

    Accommodation: Residential or commuter

    Meals: All meals residential; lunch commuter

    Certificate / Outcome: Certificate and recommendation letter

    Latest verified cycle: Summer 2026

    Sessions / cadence: 9 x 3-hour weekday classes

    Main output: 3D printer and prototypes

    Rapid Prototyping Course summary

    Students learn to move from a real-world problem to a digital model and physical prototype using design thinking, Autodesk Fusion360 and additive-manufacturing techniques.

    The defining project is assembling and calibrating a Creality Ender Pro V2 printer, then using it to test and improve original designs.

    It suits students exploring engineering, product design or manufacturing who prefer practical projects to lecture-heavy study.

    What is Design Thinking & Rapid Prototyping High School Course?

    Summer Springboard’s Design Thinking & Rapid Prototyping course is a project-based introduction to product design, 3D CAD and additive manufacturing. Students use Autodesk Fusion360, assemble and calibrate a 3D printer, and translate digital models into physical prototypes.

    Teaching combines design methodology, geometric and assembly modeling, material selection, printer maintenance and iterative testing. The Berkeley campus experience also includes academic excursions, college-readiness activities and wider student-life programming.

    Why Succeed highlights Rapid Prototyping Course

    • Students complete a substantial practical build by assembling a 3D printer they can take home.

    • The curriculum links design thinking with professional CAD software and physical fabrication.

    • Iterative testing makes the design process visible rather than treating prototypes as one-off final products.

    • Industry visits connect classroom techniques with engineering, manufacturing and product-design careers.

    • Residential and commuter routes give families two ways to access the campus course.

    Who is Rapid Prototyping Course for?

    Best for

    Students interested in engineering, product design or manufacturing who want substantial hands-on experience with CAD, 3D printing and iterative problem-solving.

    Not ideal if

    You want a theory-led engineering survey, formal college credit or a course without a significant practical build.

    Is Rapid Prototyping Course worth it?

    This course has a stronger practical proposition than many broad pre-college engineering introductions. Students work through CAD, printer assembly and prototype refinement, leaving with both technical experience and tangible outputs.

    The limitation is cost: tuition, the mandatory course supplement and travel can make it a substantial commitment. It is most worthwhile when the student genuinely wants sustained fabrication work and will continue using the skills or printer afterward.

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

    Cost and what is included

    From $3,298 + $250; includes Residential tuition includes the academic course, lodging and all meals., Residential tuition includes academic and weekend excursions., Commuter tuition includes the academic course, lunch and excursions., Commuter weekday programming runs from 9am to 5pm., All students receive college-readiness workshops and campus programming..

    Accommodation

    Residential or commuter

    Meals

    All meals residential; lunch commuter

    Provider details

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

    Dates and logistics

    2 weeks; Berkeley, California.

    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 Rapid Prototyping Course need?

    Effort level

    High practical commitment.

    Best started

    Begin six to eight weeks before the next admission deadline to compare tuition options, prepare application answers and organize travel or residential documents.

    Main challenge

    Turning precise digital models into reliable physical prints.

    Typical preparation

    • Review basic 3D geometry and become familiar with the Autodesk Fusion360 interface.

    • List one or two everyday problems that could be addressed through a designed product.

    • Discuss the residential and commuter options, including the separate course supplement.

    • Prepare short application answers and gather any requested health, eligibility or travel documentation.

    Useful if

    You enjoy patient troubleshooting and repeated design improvement.

    What do students do on Rapid Prototyping Course?

    Students follow a practical design cycle from problem framing and CAD modeling to printer setup, physical fabrication, testing and refinement.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Learn design thinking methods for defining and addressing real-world challenges.

    2. 2

      Model accurate, manufacturable parts in Autodesk Fusion360.

    3. 3

      Build, calibrate and learn to maintain a Creality Ender Pro V2 printer.

    4. 4

      Select materials and printing techniques for different prototype needs.

    5. 5

      Print, test and refine designs through repeated prototyping cycles.

    6. 6

      Explore professional applications through industry or fabrication-site visits.

    Rapid Prototyping 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.

    Final admission deadline

    17 May 2026

    General deadline for Summer Springboard’s 2026 programs.

    Reference date

    Session 2

    21 June-3 July 2026

    Two-week Berkeley course session.

    Reference date

    Session 4

    5-17 July 2026

    Two-week Berkeley course session.

    Reference date

    Session 6

    19-31 July 2026

    Two-week Berkeley course session.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Students in Grades 9-12

    • Starting high school in fall accepted

    • Spring high school graduates accepted

    • Minimum 3.0 GPA or equivalent

    • English proficiency required for international students

    • Essential Eligibility Criteria must be met

    How much does Rapid Prototyping Course cost?

    Program tuition

    From $3,298 — Commuter tuition; residential tuition is $5,998.

    Funding or discounts

    • Course supplement: $250 — Mandatory for this course.
    • Program deposit: $600 — Paid during application to hold the place.
    • Application fee: From $99 — Mandatory and nonrefundable.
    • Alumni Scholarship: $500 — Listed for the latest verified cycle.

    What's included

    Residential tuition includes the academic course, lodging and all meals., Residential tuition includes academic and weekend excursions., Commuter tuition includes the academic course, lunch and excursions., Commuter weekday programming runs from 9am to 5pm., All students receive college-readiness workshops and campus programming.

    How to apply to Rapid Prototyping Course

    1. 1

      Open the Summer Springboard application portal and enter basic contact information.

    2. 2

      Verify the email address and complete the account details.

    3. 3

      Create a new application from the dashboard.

    4. 4

      Select Berkeley, a course session, Design Thinking & Rapid Prototyping and a tuition type.

    5. 5

      Complete the student information and application with the student present.

    6. 6

      Pay the $600 deposit and application fee, then submit the completed application.

    7. 7

      Complete any additional forms released after acceptance.

    What does Rapid Prototyping Course cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Design Thinking

    Frame real-world challenges and develop ideas through a structured creative process.

    3D CAD Modeling

    Use Autodesk Fusion360 for geometric, assembly and manufacturable product models.

    Printer Engineering

    Assemble, calibrate, operate and maintain a Creality Ender Pro V2 printer.

    Rapid Prototyping

    Select materials, print designs and improve prototypes through repeated testing.

    Career Exploration

    Connect fabrication techniques with product design, engineering and manufacturing careers.

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

    What is a typical day on Rapid Prototyping Course?

    A typical day during the program.

    Academic course

    Classes run Monday-Friday in week one and Monday-Thursday in week two.

    Academic excursion

    Additional academic time may include excursions or speakers.

    Afternoon program

    Activities include excursions, recreation and college-readiness sessions.

    Residential evening

    Dinner, clubs and evening activities lead into dorm checks.

    Who teaches on Rapid Prototyping Course?

    The listed instructors combine substantial industry and teaching experience. Rudi Hechfellner brings more than 25 years in product development and systems engineering, while Elise Moss has three decades of mechanical-design experience and extensive CAD teaching credentials.

    Rudi Hechfellner was listed for Sessions 2 and 6, and Elise Moss for Session 4.

    Where do students stay on Rapid Prototyping Course?

    Residential plan

    • Campus lodging: Students share Berkeley residence-hall rooms near campus.
    • Meals: Three meals daily are included, with dietary accommodations available.
    • Pastoral support: Mentors live on student floors and campus staff provide around-the-clock support.
    • Weekend excursions: Supervised weekend visits and activities are included.

    Non-residential plan

    • Weekday attendance: Commuters attend weekday programming and receive lunch.
    • Weekend add-on: Commuters can add weekend excursions for $125 per day.

    Berkeley rooms are generally double or triple occupancy with a communal bathroom on each gender-segregated floor.

    What happens after Rapid Prototyping Course?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Use Autodesk Fusion360 models as evidence of technical design experience.

    Continue developing products with the 3D printer taken home.

    Build on practical skills in engineering, product design or manufacturing.

    Receive a completion certificate for future activity records.

    Use the professor-completed recommendation letter in future applications.

    The Berkeley course does not award college credit.

    Where does Rapid Prototyping Course take place?

    The course takes place in Berkeley in the San Francisco Bay Area, with access to campus facilities, downtown Berkeley and regional engineering and technology organizations. Academic and recreational excursions may extend into San Francisco and Silicon Valley.

    Summer Springboard states that its Berkeley program is not run by the university campus partner.

    Rapid Prototyping Course FAQs

    Students learn design thinking, Autodesk Fusion360, geometric and assembly modeling, printer setup, material selection and iterative rapid prototyping.

    Students assemble and calibrate a Creality Ender Pro V2 printer, take it home and use it to produce and refine functional 3D-printed prototypes.

    The course has nine three-hour classes. Classes run Monday through Friday in week one and Monday through Thursday in week two.

    The listed instructors are Rudi Hechfellner and Elise Moss, whose backgrounds span systems engineering, product development, mechanical design, CAD instruction and industry mentoring.

    Yes. Commuters receive the academic course, lunch, excursions and weekday programming; residential students also receive lodging, all meals, evening activities and weekend excursions.

    No college credit is stated for Berkeley. Summer Springboard says all program participants receive a completion certificate and a professor-completed recommendation letter.

    Residential tuition includes the academic course, lodging, all meals, excursions and weekend excursions. A separate mandatory course supplement applies.

    Mentors live on student floors, additional staff live on campus, and the Berkeley dormitories have controlled access and 24-hour security.

    Alternatives to Rapid Prototyping Course

    Compare these related in-person options if you want a different balance of design, engineering, technology or campus experience.

    Alternatives to Rapid Prototyping Course

    Game Design Summer Program

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    In-person

    Best for

    Students more interested in interactive media than physical fabrication.

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    Architecture & Design in London

    Architecture and design study in London.

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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

    • 2026 HS 2-week Design Thinking & Rapid Prototyping V3
    • Essential Eligibility Criteria | Policies & Terms | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • (1) New Messages!
    • Campus Specific FAQ | Knowledge Base | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • General Information FAQ | Knowledge Base | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • Main FAQ | Knowledge Base | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • Apply Now | Enrollment | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • Summer Springboard in Berkeley - Summer Program for High School Students
    • Design Thinking & Rapid Prototyping | Berkeley | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • Apply Now | Enrollment | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • Design Thinking & Rapid Prototyping | 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 curriculum checked

    • Session dates reviewed

    • Tuition options verified

    • Eligibility requirements reviewed

    • Application process checked

    • Campus arrangements reviewed

    • Policy terms checked

    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.