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Startup UCLA Summer Institute 2026


Choose your path in AI-Enabled Entrepreneurship or Social Entrepreneurship (SESI).
A hands-on summer program for high school students, with virtual and residential options, designed to take students from early ideas to a final pitch presentation.

Hosted by Startup UCLA, the Summer Institute offers high school students a hands-on entrepreneurship experience with options to participate virtually or on UCLA’s campus (residential sessions). Students choose one course track and build practical skills from early idea development through a final pitch presentation.

Program Overview

The Startup UCLA Summer Institute is a pre-college program that introduces students to entrepreneurship through hands-on learning, teamwork, and real-world application. Across both courses, students develop problem-solving skills, learn how to validate ideas, and gain experience presenting their work to peers and mentors.

Students select one course track to participate in during their chosen session.

Courses at a Glance


  • 100% virtual (online only)
  • Focus on AI tools from ideation → pitch deck → pitching
  • Fast-paced, tool-driven entrepreneurship workflow
  • Culminates in a final pitch presentation
  • Certificate of Achievement awarded upon successful completion


  • Virtual and residential options
  • Focus on social impact, nonprofits, and mission-driven ventures
  • Design a social good organization
  • Culminates in a 5-minute pitch
  • Certificate of Achievement awarded upon successful completion

Course 1: AI-Enabled Entrepreneurship


This course introduces students to modern entrepreneurship through AI-powered tools. Students learn how to move from idea to pitch using AI for research, validation, storytelling, and presentation—while developing critical thinking about responsible and ethical AI use.



Students will learn how to:

  • Generate and refine startup ideas using AI tools
  • Conduct market and user research with AI assistance
  • Build a value proposition and basic business model
  • Create pitch decks using AI-enabled workflows
  • Practice pitching and storytelling with AI feedback tools

The course culminates in a final pitch presentation.



Format: Virtual (online only)
Initial Offerings: 2 sessions to start
Additional sessions may be added based on demand.

Session 1: June 22-26, 2026
Session 2: June 29-July 03, 2026


Course 2: Social Entrepreneurship Summer Institute (SESI)


The Social Entrepreneurship Summer Institute (SESI) introduces students to building organizations for social good. Students design their own nonprofit or social enterprise while learning the fundamentals of mission-driven entrepreneurship.



In the first half of the program, students learn the fundamentals of researching and creating a mission-oriented venture.

In the second half, students put that knowledge into action by building their venture ideas in teams and preparing a 5-minute pitch, presented to a panel of entrepreneurs and leaders for feedback.



All SESI sessions are two weeks.

Virtual Session 1: June 22 – July 03, 2026
Virtual Session 2: July 06 – July 17, 2026
Virtual Session 3: July 20 – July 31, 2026
Virtual Session 4: August 03 – August 14, 2026

Residential Session 1: July 06 – July 17, 2026
Residential Session 2: July 20 – July 31, 2026


Program Dates


AI-Enabled Entrepreneurship (Virtual)
This course is offered as two separate one-week virtual sessions. Students enroll in one session.

Session 1: June 22-26, 2026
Session 2: June 29-July 03, 2026

Social Entrepreneurship Summer Institute (SESI)
SESI is offered across four two-week sessions, with both virtual and residential options. Students enroll in one session.

Virtual Session 1: June 22 – July 03, 2026
Virtual Session 2: July 06 – July 17, 2026
Virtual Session 3: July 20 – July 31, 2026
Virtual Session 4: August 03 – August 14, 2026

Residential Session 1: July 06 – July 17, 2026
Residential Session 2: July 20 – July 31, 2026

More About The Residential Experience


Students enrolled in residential sessions live on UCLA’s campus for the duration of the program.

Participants stay in university dorm housing. Housing includes on-campus accommodations with supervision and support throughout the program.

Outside of daily course sessions, students participate in a structured residential experience supported by trained Residential Advisors (RAs). RAs live in the residence halls with students and facilitate evening and weekend activities designed to foster community, engagement, and a full UCLA campus experience.

Examples of residential activities may include:

• Ropes course and team-building activities
• UCLA campus tours and traditions
• Game nights and movie nights
• Pool days and recreational activities
• Social events and group outings

Residential programming is designed to balance academic learning with community-building, exploration, and fun — all within a supervised, supportive campus environment.

Program Eligibility


• Open to students in grades 10–12 (Spring 2026)
• Residential sessions are only available to students who are 17 years or older by the program start date
• No exceptions can be made to the age requirement for residential participation

Tuition & Fees

Program costs vary by course track and format. Tuition and fee details for Summer 2026 will be released prior to the application deadline.


Program length: One week
Format: Online-only

Tuition: $1,500
Notes: Includes instructional programming and course materials.



Program length: Two weeks
Format: Online-only

Tuition: $2,000
Notes: Includes instructional programming, mentorship, and course materials.



Program length: Two Weeks
Format: On Campus Only

Tuition: $6,000
Notes: Includes instructional programming and course materials. Residential fees apply only to residential sessions and will be outlined clearly prior to enrollment.


Application Process


Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applying early is strongly recommended.

Eligible applicants who submit all required materials will receive an admission decision via email within approximately three weeks.

Application Requirements


Unofficial transcript from grade 9 to present showing a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

If your school uses a different grading system, submit the transcript as-is. If available, include a grading translation or equivalency guide.



  • Why are you applying for this program? What interests you about entrepreneurship or social entrepreneurship? (250 words or fewer)
  • What strengths would you bring to the program in terms of skills, knowledge, or perspective? (250 words or fewer)
  • Do you have any experience with entrepreneurship, nonprofit work, social impact, or AI tools? (Optional) (125 words or fewer)

Ready to Apply?


Students apply to the Startup UCLA Summer Institute and select one course track as part of their application.

Program Contact


Questions about course selection, sessions, eligibility, or the application process?
Email: Dr. Audra Huffmeyer ahuffmeyer@college.ucla.edu




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