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    Engineering Design Summer Precollege Focus Series
    In-person Program

    Engineering Design Summer Precollege Focus Series

    by UCLA Summer Sessions

    UCLA’s engineering summer program combines team projects with design, building, testing, and technical presentations across Go-Karts, Microcontrollers, Rockets, and Rovers.

    Last verified: 6 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Engineering Design Summer Precollege Focus Series at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Grades 9–11; track-specific GPA

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 15+ for UCLA-campus tracks; 14+ for Science Academy Go-Karts.

    Location / Region

    UCLA campus, Los Angeles, United States; Science Academy Go-Karts: The Science Academy STEM Magnet, 5525 Vineland Ave, North Hollywood, California, United States.

    Cost

    $3,002

    Duration

    3 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Latest deadline

    3 July 2026 · Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Get next-cycle reminder
    EngineeringDesignComputer Science
    Accommodation: Independently arranged for eligible students
    Academic outcome: 2 UCLA units; letter grade
    Teaching: Faculty supervision; undergraduate mentors
    Main outputs: Engineering project, report, presentation

    Engineering Design Summer Precollege Focus Series summary

    Engineering Design turns engineering concepts into practical team projects. Students choose a track focused on Go-Karts, Microcontrollers, Rockets, or Rovers.

    The experience combines designing, building, and testing with a short project report and presentation. It suits students who want to explore engineering through making and explaining a working system.

    What is Engineering Design Summer Precollege Focus Series?

    Engineering Design is an official UCLA Summer Sessions academic program centered on practical engineering projects. Its Go-Karts, Microcontrollers, Rockets, and Rovers tracks introduce different combinations of mechanical, electrical, aerospace, and computing concepts.

    Students work through design, fabrication, and testing, then explain their work in a short report and presentation. UCLA faculty supervise the tracks, while trained undergraduate mentors provide the main instruction and guidance. The experience also introduces engineering majors and career possibilities.

    Why Succeed highlights Engineering Design Summer Precollege Focus Series

    • The design, build, and test cycle lets students experience how engineering decisions affect a working system.

    • Four distinct tracks make it easier to explore a specific engineering interest.

    • Faculty supervision and trained undergraduate mentors connect practical work with university engineering study.

    • The report and presentation require students to explain their reasoning as well as demonstrate their project.

    Who is Engineering Design Summer Precollege Focus Series for?

    Best for

    Students who enjoy making, troubleshooting, and collaborative problem-solving and want to test an interest in engineering.

    Not ideal if

    You want a lecture-only course, a supervised residential experience, or independent work without team presentations.

    Is Engineering Design Summer Precollege Focus Series worth it?

    This program is a strong option if you want to discover whether you enjoy engineering work beyond classroom theory. Building a working system, testing it, and presenting your decisions can give you concrete experiences to reflect on when choosing a future subject.

    The value depends on your chosen track and how actively you contribute to the team. Families also need a workable commuting and accommodation plan. UCLA credit is a useful academic outcome, but transfer is determined by the receiving institution and attendance does not confer an admissions advantage.

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

    Cost and what is included

    $3,002; includes Program coursework carrying 2 UCLA units., Faculty-supervised instruction and trained undergraduate mentorship..

    Accommodation

    Independently arranged for eligible students

    Provider details

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

    Dates and logistics

    3 weeks; UCLA campus, Los Angeles, United States; Science Academy Go-Karts: The Science Academy STEM Magnet, 5525 Vineland Ave, North Hollywood, California, United States..

    What to check before committing

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

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    How much preparation does Engineering Design Summer Precollege Focus Series need?

    Effort level

    Moderate to high, with practical teamwork and assessed coursework.

    Best started

    Prepare documents several weeks before the next application cycle; scholarship planning needs additional time for the three-week admission review.

    Main challenge

    Coordinating technical work and explaining design decisions within a team.

    Typical preparation

    • Compare the four tracks and identify the project you most want to build.

    • Gather your transcript and write an authentic value statement in your own words.

    • Plan daily travel and any independent housing arrangements with your family.

    • For Microcontrollers or Rovers, prepare a laptop that supports software downloads and USB connections.

    Useful if

    You want practical experience before choosing an engineering direction.

    What do students do on Engineering Design Summer Precollege Focus Series?

    You develop a working engineering project in your selected track, using relevant design, computing, and fabrication tools. You test the system and communicate the results through a report and presentation.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Learn the engineering concepts and tools relevant to your selected track.

    2. 2

      Develop a design with your project team.

    3. 3

      Build or fabricate the vehicle, device, or electronic system.

    4. 4

      Test performance through track-specific demonstrations or launch activities.

    5. 5

      Prepare a short project report and present your results.

    Engineering Design Summer Precollege Focus Series dates and deadlines

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

    Session A application deadline

    12 June 2026

    Reference date

    Session B application deadline

    3 July 2026

    Reference date

    Session A

    22 June-10 July 2026

    UCLA-campus commuter program.

    Reference date

    Session B

    13-31 July 2026

    UCLA-campus commuter program.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Grades 9–11 in Spring 2026.

    • At least 15 years old by 22 June 2026.

    • GPA 3.2 minimum: Go-Karts, Rockets, and Rovers.

    • GPA 3.5 minimum: Microcontrollers.

    • Unofficial transcript from grade 9 to present.

    • Original value statement required.

    • The same Engineering Design track cannot be repeated.

    How much does Engineering Design Summer Precollege Focus Series cost?

    Registration fee

    $350 — Included in the estimated total and nonrefundable.

    Funding or discounts

    • Estimated program total: $3,002 — 2026 high school student total, including registration, IEI, and first-time document fees.
    • Summer Scholars Support: Full or partial funding — Need- and merit-based support for eligible California students; separate application required.
    • Deferred registration payment: $350 — Eligible scholarship applicants may request deferral; the fee is not waived.

    What's included

    Program coursework carrying 2 UCLA units., Faculty-supervised instruction and trained undergraduate mentorship.

    How to apply to Engineering Design Summer Precollege Focus Series

    1. 1

      Review your chosen track’s eligibility and gather the required transcript.

    2. 2

      Create an account in UCLA’s official application portal.

    3. 3

      Select Summer Precollege Focus Series, Engineering Design, and your chosen track.

    4. 4

      Complete all questions, upload required documents, and write an original value statement.

    5. 5

      Allow up to three weeks for the admission decision communicated through email and the portal.

    6. 6

      After admission, complete the Participant Agreement and required payment steps.

    7. 7

      Verify and pay remaining balances through MyUCLA BruinBill.

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    What does Engineering Design Summer Precollege Focus Series cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Mechanical Engineering – Go-Karts

    Teams use CAD, engineering analysis, machining, and motor-performance concepts to design, build, present, and drive a Go-Kart.

    Electrical Engineering – Microcontrollers

    Students combine electrical circuits, computer programming, basic CAD, and makerspace fabrication to create interactive electronic systems.

    Aerospace Engineering – Rockets

    Teams use CAD, manufacturing, electronics, and sensor programming to prototype rockets and test them through launch activities.

    Mechanical/Electrical Engineering – Rovers

    Students fabricate chassis, connect motors and sensors, and program rovers for wireless control, mapping, and autonomous navigation.

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

    Who teaches on Engineering Design Summer Precollege Focus Series?

    UCLA faculty supervise each track, with experienced and trained UCLA undergraduate student mentors providing the main instruction and mentorship. In Go-Karts, mentors also help teams understand the overall project and remove obstacles to progress.

    Where do students stay on Engineering Design Summer Precollege Focus Series?

    Non-residential plan

    • Daily commuting: Engineering Design participants travel to the UCLA campus each program day.
    • Independent housing: Students aged 17 or older by 22 June 2026 may apply separately to UCLA Housing.
    • Optional housing contracts: Separate contracts may include furnished triple rooms, bedding, laundry, internet, and breakfast and dinner.

    Independent UCLA Housing contracts do not provide a supervised high school residential experience, a curfew, or residential evening activities.

    What happens after Engineering Design Summer Precollege Focus Series?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Earn 2 UCLA academic units and a letter grade.

    Complete an engineering project, short report, and results presentation.

    Explore UCLA engineering majors and engineering careers.

    Develop practical teamwork and technical communication skills.

    Credit transfer rests with the receiving institution; participation does not confer an advantage in UC admissions.

    Where does Engineering Design Summer Precollege Focus Series take place?

    The UCLA-campus offering takes place in Los Angeles and requires daily commuting. Enrolled students receive specific classroom information closer to the start, and UCLA offers separately purchased summer-term or daily parking permits.

    Engineering Design Summer Precollege Focus Series FAQs

    Students choose from Go-Karts, Microcontrollers, Rockets, and Rovers. The tracks explore mechanical, electrical, aerospace, and computing concepts through different practical projects.

    UCLA faculty supervise each track. Trained and experienced UCLA undergraduate student mentors provide the main instruction and mentorship.

    Students receive 2 UCLA academic units and a letter grade upon completion. Any transfer of that credit is determined by the receiving institution.

    Students cannot repeat the same Engineering Design track. They may take two different tracks during different sessions.

    The curriculum describes an introductory program with no previous experience required, while the FAQ expects basic engineering or science knowledge and some experience. Ask the program coordinator how this expectation applies to your chosen track.

    Microcontrollers and Rovers require a laptop that can download software and connect to USB, with a mouse recommended. A laptop and mouse are recommended for Go-Karts.

    The program is commuter-only and does not provide housing. Eligible students aged 17 or older can apply independently to UCLA Housing, which does not provide a supervised high school residential program.

    Summer Precollege Focus Series enrollment is not eligible for F-1 visas. International students should consult their local U.S. embassy or consulate about an appropriate visa category for their circumstances.

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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

    • Application Management
    • Scholarships - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • International Student Information - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • Housing for Minors - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • Enrollment and Academics - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • Fee Calculator - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • Summer Precollege Focus Series - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • Calendar and Deadlines - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • Fees, Payment and Financial Aid - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • Registration - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • Payment Information - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • Fees, Payment and Financial Aid - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • Enrollment and Academics - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • FAQ - UCLA Summer Sessions
    • Engineering Design - UCLA Summer Sessions

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

    What we verified (on 6 Oct 2026)

    • Program identity checked

    • Session dates checked

    • Application deadlines checked

    • Track requirements reviewed

    • Fee breakdown reviewed

    • Scholarship rules reviewed

    • Housing supervision reviewed

    • Visa guidance 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.