Exceptional Summer Pre-College Environment & Sustainability Program for High Schoolers at UC Berkeley in San Francisco

Course Description: Exceptional Summer Pre-College Environment & Sustainability Program for High Schoolers at UC Berkeley in San Francisco

The Entrepreneurship Programme is an academically enriching introduction designed for students aged 15–18 who are interested in startups, innovation, and building impactful ventures. Set in San Francisco, at the heart of the global startup ecosystem, the programme provides students with first-hand exposure to how ideas are transformed into scalable businesses.

Through a blend of academic theory, practical application, and real-world engagement, students explore entrepreneurial thinking, innovation frameworks, and disruptive technologies while developing the skills needed to navigate modern startup environments.

***

Academic Approach & Learning Style

Teaching follows a project-based, university-style learning model, combining academic rigor with experiential learning. Students are encouraged to:

• Apply entrepreneurial theory to real-world challenges

• Develop creative problem-solving and strategic thinking skills

• Collaborate with peers in workshops, discussions, and simulations

Learning is interactive and exploratory, allowing students to test ideas, refine thinking, and build confidence in entrepreneurial decision-making.

***

Core Academic Content

Introduction to Entrepreneurial Principles & Innovation

Students begin with a foundational exploration of entrepreneurship and innovation theory. Topics include:

• Key characteristics of successful startups

• Disruptive innovation models

• Business growth fundamentals

This module provides a conceptual framework for understanding what drives entrepreneurial success.

***

Startup Ecosystems & Innovation

Students examine how startup ecosystems function and why certain regions thrive as innovation hubs. Areas of study include:

• Incubators, accelerators, and venture capital

• The journey of successful startups

• Legal and regulatory considerations for entrepreneurs

Case studies are used to analyse opportunities and challenges within entrepreneurial environments.

***

Business Model Analysis & Market Entry Strategies

This module focuses on how startups design and scale viable business models. Students explore:

• Subscription, freemium, and platform-based models

• Market entry strategies and competitive positioning

• Intellectual property, partnerships, and legal considerations

Students learn to evaluate which strategies best suit different industries and growth stages.

***

Disruptive Technologies

Students investigate emerging technologies that are reshaping industries, including:

• Artificial intelligence

• Blockchain

• Internet of Things (IoT)

Through case studies, students explore how startups leverage technology for innovation and competitive advantage, while also considering data privacy and ethical implications.

***

Organisational Structures in Founder-Led Startups

This module examines how startups are structured and managed. Students explore:

• Flat vs. hierarchical organisational models

• Leadership styles and delegation

• Team dynamics and decision-making

Real-world examples highlight how organisational structure influences innovation and productivity.

***

Pitching & Investor Presentations

Students develop the skills needed to communicate ideas effectively to investors. Topics include:

• Crafting compelling narratives

• Communicating value propositions

• Understanding investor psychology

• Delivering confident, persuasive presentations

Students practise pitching and receive feedback to refine their communication skills.

***

Industry Exposure & Practical Experience

A defining feature of the programme is its strong industry connection. Students benefit from:

• A Silicon Valley innovation tour, visiting tech companies, startup incubators, and co-working spaces

• Engagement with entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals

• Participation in entrepreneur meetups and innovation hubs

These experiences provide insight into idea generation, funding, and scaling within fast-paced startup environments.

***

Real-World Project

Throughout the programme, students work on an individual Real-World Project, where they:

• Develop and validate a startup concept addressing a contemporary challenge

• Conduct market analysis and business model design

• Create a structured entrepreneurial proposal

The project culminates in a presentation, allowing students to showcase ideas and receive constructive feedback.

***

Professional Development

The programme integrates career-focused development through:

• Guest talks and expert panels

• Workshops on startup ecosystems and innovation

• Personalised coaching sessions focused on future pathways

Students gain clarity on entrepreneurial careers and transferable skills valuable across industries.

***

Who This Programme Is For

This programme is ideal for students who:

• Are interested in startups, innovation, and business creation

• Enjoy creative thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration

• Are considering future study in business, entrepreneurship, or technology

• Want real-world exposure to the startup ecosystem

No prior business or entrepreneurial experience is required.

***

Key Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

• A strong understanding of entrepreneurial theory and practice

• Hands-on experience developing and pitching a startup idea

• Greater confidence in innovation, leadership, and communication

• Insight into startup ecosystems and entrepreneurial career pathways

Where You’ll Be Staying �*

Students will be based at University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), one of the leading public universities in the United States and a global hub for innovation and academic excellence.

Located just across the bay from San Francisco, this vibrant campus allows students to experience authentic undergraduate life while immersing themselves in the tech-forward culture of the Bay Area. Accommodation is provided in comfortable, secure, college-style rooms, with essential amenities, shared lounge spaces, and communal areas designed to encourage social interaction and collaboration.

Male and female participants are housed separately, ensuring a safe and well-supervised residential environment. With easy access to major technology landmarks, startups, and cultural sites, students can take part in immersive excursions while building a diverse, global network of peers.

Living at UC Berkeley offers the ideal setting for intellectual growth, personal development, and career exploration.

Location: UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States

***

Will I Be Sharing a Bedroom? 🛏️

Yes. Accommodation is arranged as follows:

• Bedrooms are twin or triple occupancy, allocated at random

• Shared bathroom facilities are provided, typically at a ratio of one bathroom per four participants

• Where bathrooms are shared, accommodation areas are separated by gender, including separate corridors

This setup ensures a safe, well-organised, and social living environment for all participants.

Can I Stay in a Room Next to My Friend? 🛏️

We always do our best to accommodate rooming requests; however, we are unable to guarantee specific room placements.

In many cases, we can arrange neighbouring rooms if you and your friend are enrolled in the same subject and programme dates. Requests are considered on a best-effort basis and depend on availability at the time of allocation.

Can a Parent or Guardian Stay with Me? 👨‍👩‍�*

Parents or guardians are not permitted to live on-site during the programme.

Many families choose to stay privately in hotels or rented accommodation in the city. While we do not partner with accommodation providers, platforms such as Booking.com and TripAdvisor can be helpful for comparing options.

How Fluent Do I Need to Be in English? 🗣️

Our tutors are experienced in teaching undergraduate-level students from around the world and are highly supportive of participants whose first language is not English.

While students do not need to be native speakers, we recommend a minimum English proficiency level of B2 to ensure participants can fully engage with the academic content, discussions, and project-based learning throughout the programme.

This level allows students to follow lectures confidently, contribute to seminars, and benefit fully from the programme’s academic depth.

Small Class Sizes 👩‍🏫👨‍�*

Students benefit from an intimate and highly interactive learning environment, with just 7–10 students per class. This small-group setting allows tutors to provide personalised guidance, encourage active participation, and tailor discussions to each student’s interests and academic goals.

Smaller class sizes ensure every student’s voice is heard, fostering confidence, deeper understanding, and meaningful engagement throughout the programme.

UCAS Points Available �*

Strengthen your UK university application by earning 8 UCAS points through this summer programme.

Students may opt in for this opportunity during the application process, allowing them to gain official UCAS-recognised points—a valuable way to stand out in a competitive admissions landscape.

• Available as an optional add-on

• Open to students aged 14 and above at the time of the programme

***

Guest Speakers from Previous Summers �*

Participants will hear from inspiring guest speakers from a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds, offering insight beyond the classroom.

Suzanne Williams QPM

Former Senior Detective

An experienced hostage negotiator who has worked on some of the most high-profile and dangerous hostage situations worldwide, including negotiations in active war zones.

Jody Bragger

Ex-Military Officer & CEO of Midnight Runners

Former military officer and CEO of Midnight Runners, the world’s largest independent running community. He is also the founder of the Mogadishu Marathon, the country’s first since the outbreak of war.

Sarah Outen

Adventurer & Explorer

A British adventurer who has successfully circumnavigated the globe, overcoming extreme conditions and long periods of isolation in some of the world’s most remote environments.

***

Backed by Academic Experts �*

Our programmes are shaped and validated by an Academic Advisory Panel made up of senior Fellows and Professors from world-leading universities, ensuring academic rigour, relevance, and credibility.

***

A Day in the Life in San Francisco �*

Weekdays: Career Learning & Industry Exposure

Morning: Breakfast & Preparation (07:30–09:30) ☀️

Students begin the day with breakfast, using the time to prepare for a full schedule of career-focused learning in the heart of the Bay Area.

Late Morning: Project-Based Sessions (09:30–11:15) �*

Mornings are dedicated to project-based learning, where students work collaboratively on real-world challenges linked to their chosen career pathway. These session