In-person Program

    Ecology & Environmental Science High School Course

    by Summer Springboard

    An interdisciplinary course combining ecology, environmental science, policy and field learning to examine human impacts and practical conservation.

    Last verified: 26 Aug 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
    Ecology & Environmental Science High School Course
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    Ecology and Environmental Science at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Closed

    Eligibility

    Grades 9-12; 3.0 GPA

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18 / Grades 9-12

    Location / Region

    Berkeley, California

    Cost

    $5,998 residential; $3,298 commuter

    Duration

    2 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    Environmental ScienceThe planet & sustainability

    Accommodation: Shared university dorms

    Meals: Residential all meals; commuter lunch

    Campus experience: Classes, field trips and workshops

    Tutors / faculty: Environmental academics and professionals

    Ecology and Environmental Science summary

    This interdisciplinary course examines environmental challenges through natural and social sciences, connecting ecology with policy, economics, psychology and communication.

    Students use research methods, case studies, field sampling and visits to Bay Area restoration sites and botanical gardens to connect theory with practical conservation.

    It suits students exploring environmental science, sustainability, conservation policy or related careers who want a broad, applied introduction rather than a narrowly laboratory-focused course.

    What is Ecology & Environmental Science High School Course?

    Summer Springboard’s Ecology & Environmental Science High School Course is an interdisciplinary introduction to environmental challenges. It brings together ecology, biology, chemistry and physics with policy, economics, psychology and communication.

    Students examine climate change, ecosystems, pollution, agriculture, health and environmental justice through research, case studies and field learning. Bay Area visits and contact with environmental professionals add practical context and career exploration.

    Why Succeed highlights Ecology and Environmental Science

    • The course treats environmental problems as scientific, social, economic and policy questions rather than isolating one discipline.

    • Field sampling, habitat restoration visits and botanical garden learning connect abstract concepts with local ecosystems.

    • The curriculum links climate change, biodiversity, pollution, agriculture and health, helping students understand environmental systems as interconnected.

    • Named instructors bring experience from university teaching, environmental government work and sustainability research.

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

    Who is Ecology and Environmental Science for?

    Best for

    Students curious about ecology, sustainability, environmental policy and conservation careers who value both classroom analysis and field learning.

    Not ideal if

    You want a narrowly laboratory-based course, a formal qualification or a program centered on one scientific discipline.

    Is Ecology and Environmental Science worth it?

    It can be worthwhile for students who want to test whether environmental study fits their academic interests before committing to a university pathway. The combination of policy, science, field visits and career exposure offers a broader view than a standard classroom overview.

    The main limitation is depth: an interdisciplinary two-week course cannot develop every scientific or policy strand equally. Its value is strongest when students actively reflect on the fieldwork and use the experience to guide later reading, projects or subject choices.

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

    Cost and what is included

    $5,998 residential; $3,298 commuter; includes Residential tuition includes all meals and lodging., Residential tuition includes the academic course and excursions., Residential students receive weekend excursions., Commuter tuition includes lunch and the academic course., Commuter tuition includes excursions and weekday programming., Emergency evacuation and secondary medical insurance may apply to eligible non-US campus participants only..

    Accommodation

    Shared university dorms

    Meals

    Residential all meals; commuter lunch

    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 Ecology and Environmental Science need?

    Effort level

    Moderate to high.

    Best started

    Begin planning two to three months before the next session, allowing extra time for travel documents, health forms and payment arrangements.

    Main challenge

    Connecting scientific evidence with social, economic and policy perspectives.

    Typical preparation

    • Review introductory ecology and climate concepts before arrival.

    • Choose one local environmental issue to follow across scientific and policy perspectives.

    • Prepare questions about environmental careers for instructors and guest professionals.

    • Discuss dietary, health or accommodation needs with the provider early.

    Useful if

    You can manage field walking, group living and an active daily schedule.

    What do students do on Ecology and Environmental Science?

    Students combine interdisciplinary classroom study with research methods, case analysis, practical sampling and environmental field visits.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Build an interdisciplinary foundation spanning ecology, science, policy and society.

    2. 2

      Analyze climate change, ecosystems, pollution, agriculture, health and environmental justice.

    3. 3

      Apply quantitative and qualitative research methods to environmental problems.

    4. 4

      Use case studies to examine environmental policy and management.

    5. 5

      Practice field sampling and ecosystem analysis.

    6. 6

      Visit habitat restoration sites and botanical gardens.

    7. 7

      Meet environmental experts and explore related career pathways.

    Ecology and Environmental Science dates and deadlines

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

    General admission deadline

    17 May 2026

    Latest verified Summer 2026 deadline

    Reference date

    Session 1

    14-26 June 2026

    Two-week Berkeley course run

    Reference date

    Session 3

    28 June-10 July 2026

    Two-week Berkeley course run

    Reference date

    Session 5

    12-24 July 2026

    Two-week Berkeley course run

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Entering Grades 9-12

    • 3.0 GPA or local equivalent

    • Starting high school in fall accepted

    • Recent spring graduates accepted

    • Essential Eligibility Criteria must be met

    • English proficiency required for international students

    • Student must participate in the application

    How much does Ecology and Environmental Science cost?

    Program tuition

    $5,998 residential; $3,298 commuter — Two Berkeley enrollment options

    Funding or discounts

    • Deposit: $600 — Due when submitting the application
    • Application fee: From $99 — Mandatory and nonrefundable
    • Alumni scholarship: $500 — Published for the 2026 cycle

    What's included

    Residential tuition includes all meals and lodging., Residential tuition includes the academic course and excursions., Residential students receive weekend excursions., Commuter tuition includes lunch and the academic course., Commuter tuition includes excursions and weekday programming., Emergency evacuation and secondary medical insurance may apply to eligible non-US campus participants only.

    How to apply to Ecology and Environmental Science

    1. 1

      A parent or guardian creates an account in the application portal.

    2. 2

      Confirm the registration email and complete the account details.

    3. 3

      Choose Create New Application from the dashboard.

    4. 4

      Select Berkeley, the preferred session, the course and tuition type.

    5. 5

      Enter the student’s contact and application information with the student present.

    6. 6

      Pay the deposit and application fee, then submit the application.

    7. 7

      Complete any additional forms or requested supporting documentation.

    8. 8

      Wait for the enrollment decision, normally issued within 5-7 business days.

    What does Ecology and Environmental Science cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Environmental systems

    Connect climate, ecosystems, pollution, agriculture and human health.

    Research methods

    Use quantitative and qualitative methods to define environmental problems.

    Policy and management

    Evaluate environmental policies and management across different scales.

    Field ecology

    Practice sampling and ecosystem analysis during applied field learning.

    Environmental justice

    Consider how environmental change affects communities and human well-being.

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

    What is a typical day on Ecology and Environmental Science?

    A typical day during the program.

    9:00 a.m.

    Students take their selected college-style academic course.

    12:00 p.m.

    Students have lunch, usually in the campus dining hall.

    1:30 p.m.

    The schedule moves to recreation or an academic excursion.

    3:00 p.m.

    Students join a college readiness or personal-growth workshop.

    Who teaches on Ecology and Environmental Science?

    Published 2026 instructors included Shawn Rosenmoss, a San Francisco State University environmental studies lecturer with public-sector climate experience, and Anaïs Voski, a Stanford Environment and Resources PhD candidate researching sustainability, psychology, health and environmental justice.

    Instructor assignments were session-specific in the latest verified cycle.

    Where do students stay on Ecology and Environmental Science?

    Residential plan

    • Shared dorm rooms: Students share university-style rooms with roommates on gender-segregated floors.
    • Meals and lodging: Tuition includes lodging, all meals and weekend excursions.
    • Residential support: Staff mentors live on hall floors, with campus support available around the clock.

    Non-residential plan

    • Commuter program: Students receive lunch and weekday programming from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Residential rooms do not have air conditioning and use common bathrooms.

    What happens after Ecology and Environmental Science?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Use environmental research methods in later school projects.

    Develop a stronger basis for studying environmental science or sustainability.

    Explore careers in environmental science, policy and ecological agriculture.

    Apply field sampling and ecosystem analysis in future practical study.

    Use college readiness workshops to support later applications and planning.

    The course does not state that it awards academic credit or a formal qualification.

    Where does Ecology and Environmental Science take place?

    The program is based in Berkeley in the San Francisco Bay Area, with university-style dorms, dining and campus facilities. Course learning can extend to local habitat restoration sites, botanical gardens and other supervised Bay Area excursions.

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

    Ecology and Environmental Science FAQs

    The curriculum combines environmental science and ecology with biology, chemistry, physics, policy, economics, psychology and communication.

    Yes. The course includes hands-on sampling, ecosystem analysis and visits connected with habitat restoration, conservation and local biodiversity.

    Topics include climate change, terrestrial and marine ecosystems, pollution, agriculture, human health and environmental justice.

    Students share university-style dorm rooms and common bathrooms. Staff mentors live on hall floors, and security is available around the clock.

    It includes lunch, the academic course, excursions and weekday programming from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    The application takes approximately 30 minutes, and the student must be present. Applicants select their campus, session, course and tuition type before submitting.

    International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through a telephone interview or one of the listed qualifying test scores.

    The dining service lists vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher and halal options, plus accommodations for specific food allergies.

    Alternatives to Ecology and Environmental Science

    Compare these related environmental and science programs if you want a different location, subject emphasis or age range.

    Alternatives to Ecology and Environmental Science

    Modern scientific methods and questions

    Natural Sciences
    Deadline: Not announced
    Cost not listed
    11-16
    Wimborne
    In-person

    Best for

    Younger students exploring several scientific directions

    View details

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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.

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Terra Education
    • (1) New Messages!
    • Terms & Conditions | Policies & Terms | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • Announcements | Promotions | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • Apply Now | Enrollment | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • Summer Springboard in Berkeley - Summer Program for High School Students
    • Summer Environmental Studies for High School Students in Berkeley
    • Apply Now | Enrollment | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
    • 2026 HS 2-week Berkeley V2
    • Ecology & Environmental Science | 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 page checked

    • Session dates reviewed

    • Tuition options verified

    • Eligibility criteria reviewed

    • Application steps checked

    • Accommodation details reviewed

    • Policies and refunds 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.