Application deadline
17 May 2026
Final general admission date for Summer 2026.
In-person Program
US History High School Course
A hands-on pre-college course using the JFK assassination to develop historical research, evidence evaluation and argument through excursions and a mock trial.
Last verified: 26 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
In-person Program
US History High School Course
A hands-on pre-college course using the JFK assassination to develop historical research, evidence evaluation and argument through excursions and a mock trial.
Last verified: 26 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
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We review public program details such as eligibility, age range, cost, duration, location, format, accommodation, meals and application timing.
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US History Course at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Applications open
Eligibility
Entering Grades 9-12; 3.0 GPA
Age range / Year group
Ages 14-18; Grades 9-12
Location / Region
San Luis Obispo, California
Cost
$2,998; $5,398
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 programHistoryCritical Analysis
Accommodation: Shared campus dorms
Meals: All meals or lunch
Certificate / Outcome: 3.0 CEUs; certificate
Sessions / cadence: 9 x 3-hour classes
Main output: Judged mock trial
Instructor: Dr. Roger Hall
US History Course summary
This is a focused pre-college history course built around one contested event: the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Students learn how historians test claims and reconcile conflicting accounts.
Students examine written, physical, photographic, video and eyewitness material, then apply their conclusions in a judged mock trial.
It suits students who prefer discussion, investigation and argument to a broad chronological survey of American history.
What is US History High School Course?
The US History High School Course is a Summer Springboard pre-college experience focused on the JFK assassination and the historical problem of deciding what counts as credible evidence. Students compare competing narratives while studying political history in the mid-1960s.
The course combines classroom investigation with local history excursions and a student-led mock trial. Rather than surveying every period of US history, it uses one complex case to build transferable research, analysis and communication skills.
Why Succeed highlights US History Course
The single-case format gives students time to examine historical evidence in greater depth than a broad survey course allows.
Written, physical, visual and eyewitness material lets students compare how different kinds of sources support or weaken a claim.
The judged mock trial gives the research a clear purpose and requires students to communicate an evidence-based position.
Visits to the History Center and Spanish Mission extend questions about interpretation beyond the classroom.
Cal Poly continuing education units and a completion certificate provide documented recognition of participation.
Who is US History Course for?
Best for
Students who enjoy evidence-based debate, historical mysteries and close analysis of conflicting sources. It also suits those curious about history, law, politics or research.
Not ideal if
You want a broad chronological survey of US history or prefer a course without role-play, group discussion and a final mock trial.
Is US History Course worth it?
The course can be worthwhile for a student who wants to practice historical reasoning in an immersive setting. Its strongest feature is the connection between research, source criticism, excursions and a final argument rather than passive lecture-based learning.
The limitation is its narrow academic scope and substantial tuition. A student seeking comprehensive US history coverage may find the JFK case study too specialized, while families should decide whether the campus experience and included support justify the price.
A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
$2,998; $5,398; includes Residential tuition includes all meals and lodging., Both tuition options include the academic course and excursions., Residential tuition includes weekend excursions., Commuter tuition includes lunch and weekday programming from 9am to 5pm., Commuters may add weekend excursions for $125 per day., Students may earn 3.0 CEUs and a completion certificate..
Accommodation
Shared campus dorms
Meals
All meals or 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.
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 programsHow much preparation does US History Course need?
Effort level
Moderate to high academic engagement.
Best started
Six to eight weeks before applying, allowing time for short answers, family planning and travel documents.
Main challenge
Forming a defensible conclusion from complex and contradictory evidence.
Typical preparation
Read a reliable overview of the JFK assassination and note where accounts disagree.
Practice distinguishing primary sources, secondary sources and later interpretations.
Prepare examples showing your interest in history, evidence or debate for the application.
Discuss residential and commuter logistics with your family before selecting tuition type.
Useful if
You are comfortable discussing uncertain evidence and revising your views.
What do students do on US History Course?
Students investigate the JFK assassination as a historical case study, testing different sources and explanations before presenting their conclusions through a mock trial.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Review the political and historical setting of the mid-1960s.
- 2
Examine written, physical, photographic, video and eyewitness evidence.
- 3
Compare competing narratives and assess the reliability of different source types.
- 4
Investigate how memory, perception and later events influence interpretation.
- 5
Visit local historical sites and consider how institutions present the past.
- 6
Take a defined role in a judged, student-led mock trial.
US History 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.
Reference date
Course session
5-17 July 2026
The course-specific 2026 session.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline | 17 May 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Course session | 5-17 July 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Students entering Grades 9-12
Minimum 3.0 GPA or equivalent
Eighth grade completed before the program starts
English proficiency required for international students
Students must meet Essential Eligibility Criteria
How much does US History Course cost?
Program tuition
$2,998; $5,398 — Commuter; residential
Funding or discounts
- Application fee: From $99 — Mandatory and nonrefundable
- Program deposit: $600 — Paid during application
- Need-based scholarships: Up to 30%; 60% — Residential; commuter tuition
- Optional protection plan: $699 — Campus-program cancellation protection
What's included
Residential tuition includes all meals and lodging., Both tuition options include the academic course and excursions., Residential tuition includes weekend excursions., Commuter tuition includes lunch and weekday programming from 9am to 5pm., Commuters may add weekend excursions for $125 per day., Students may earn 3.0 CEUs and a completion certificate.
How to apply to US History Course
- 1
Create an applicant account and confirm the verification email.
- 2
Complete the account details and select Create New Application.
- 3
Choose Cal Poly, the session, US History and a tuition type.
- 4
Enter the student's contact details and complete the short-answer questions.
- 5
Review and sign the required agreement forms.
- 6
Pay the $600 deposit and applicable application fee.
- 7
Submit the completed application for an enrollment decision.
What does US History Course cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
JFK and the 1960s
Study the assassination within US political history and its enduring controversy.
Historical evidence
Compare written, physical, visual, scientific and eyewitness information.
Competing narratives
Test conflicting explanations and consider how memory shapes historical accounts.
Historical interpretation
Explore how museums and historic sites present the past.
Mock trial
Use researched evidence to argue a defined role in a judged trial.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on US History Course?
A typical day during the program.
Academic course
US History runs from 9am to 12pm on scheduled class days.
Excursions and activities
Academic excursions or recreation begin after lunch.
College preparation
College readiness or True You sessions follow later in the day.
Residential activities
Dinner, clubs and residential night checks complete the day.
Who teaches on US History Course?
The listed instructor is Dr. Roger Hall, who teaches United States and California history at Cal Poly and Allan Hancock College. He is a published California history textbook author and has received multiple teaching awards.
Cal Poly program instructors are Cal Poly faculty, and the course infosheet lists Roger Hall as the US History instructor.
Where do students stay on US History Course?
Residential plan
- Campus housing: Students share gender-segregated dorm rooms at Cal Poly.
- Meals and excursions: All meals, lodging and weekend excursions are included.
- Residential support: Mentors live on student floors and staff provide 24-hour support.
- Campus security: Electronic access and 24-hour security protect the dormitories.
Non-residential plan
- Weekday attendance: Commuters attend weekday programming from 9am to 5pm.
- Commuter meals: Lunch is included; weekend excursions are optional add-ons.
Residential rooms use common bathrooms and do not have air conditioning; linens are provided, but students bring their own pillow and towels.
What happens after US History Course?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Earn 3.0 Cal Poly continuing education units with satisfactory performance.
Receive a Summer Springboard certificate of completion.
Receive a professor-completed letter of recommendation.
Build research and source-evaluation skills for later humanities study.
Use the mock trial experience to explore history, law or politics.
Continuing education units depend on satisfactory student performance.
Where does US History Course take place?
The course takes place at Cal Poly SLO in San Luis Obispo, between California's rolling hills and Central Coast. Students use the campus for classes and student life, while history-focused visits include the local History Center and Spanish Mission.
The Cal Poly program is run in partnership with Cal Poly Extended Education.
US History Course FAQs
The course uses the JFK assassination to explore how historians evaluate evidence, compare competing narratives and decide which claims are most credible.
No. It is a focused case study of US political history in the mid-1960s, with particular attention to the JFK assassination and its continuing controversy.
Students complete nine three-hour morning classes, examine several forms of historical evidence, join discussions and take part in academic excursions. The course culminates in a judged mock trial.
The listed instructor is Dr. Roger Hall, who teaches United States and California history at Cal Poly and Allan Hancock College and has received multiple teaching awards.
Yes. Commuters attend weekday programming and receive lunch, the academic course and excursions. Residential students receive lodging, all meals and weekend excursions.
Residential students share dorm rooms on gender-segregated floors and use common bathrooms. Residence facilities include laundry, lounges and wireless internet, with mentors and staff living on campus.
Campus dining lists vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal and common food-allergy accommodations.
Students can earn 3.0 continuing education units from Cal Poly EPaCE subject to satisfactory performance, along with a Summer Springboard completion certificate and professor-completed recommendation letter.
Alternatives to US History Course
Compare these published Succeed options if you want a broader humanities, politics or law-focused summer experience.
Alternatives to US History Course
Interdisciplinary Cambridge study with social-science depth
Critical Analysis
Deadline: Not announced
From $7850
15-18
Cambridge
In-person
Best for
Students wanting broader humanities study rather than one historical case.
Social & Political Sciences Summer Course
Recently closed
Political and social-science study in Cambridge
Politics
03 Aug 2026
From £6295
14-18
Cambridge
In-person
Best for
Students more interested in political systems than historical source investigation.
Law, politics and public-speaking study in Cambridge
Law & justice
Deadline: Not announced
From £4995
16-18
Cambridge
In-person
Best for
Students most interested in legal reasoning and political debate.
Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent 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.
Sources and verification
Source types reviewed
- Travel Logistics FAQ | Knowledge Base | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- (1) New Messages!
- Campus Specific FAQ | Knowledge Base | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- Tuition and Financial Aid FAQ | Knowledge Base | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- (1) New Messages!
- Application and Enrollment FAQ | Knowledge Base | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- (1) New Messages!
- Apply Now | Enrollment | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- Apply Now | Enrollment | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- 2026 HS 2-week Cal Poly V3
- 2026 HS 2-week Cal Poly US History V2
- Tuition Protection Plan T&C
- US History | Cal Poly | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
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What we verified (on 26 Aug 2026)
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