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A summer that
The ultimate summer experience at UCLA.
Spend three weeks experiencing college life at UCLA. Mornings focus on hands-on learning, while afternoons take you beyond the classroom—with industry visits, excursions, and time to explore LA. Choose your courses, build new skills, and develop mindsets for the future.
This isn’t just another summer program—it’s a chance to push your limits, gain real-world experience, and connect with ambitious peers who share your drive. Develop future-ready skills, build a standout portfolio, and work on industry projects that set you apart.
Experience college life firsthand—stay in UCLA dorms, dine on campus, and make the city your playground. Spend your afternoons exploring Los Angeles, from Universal Studios and Disneyland to Santa Monica Beach, Malibu, pro sports games, Hollywood hikes, and sunset cruises.
Learn from world-class experts through personalized mentorship and hands-on teaching. Gain exclusive access to a speaker series featuring founders, scientists, and innovators who are shaping the future.
Immerse yourself in three weeks of hands-on learning, industry exposure, and cutting-edge innovation. Earn a Certificate of Completion and a Letter of Recognition to showcase your achievements. Strengthen your academic portfolio and stand out in college applications with real-world experience that sets you apart.
Make lifelong memories with an incredible community—whether you're exploring Disneyland, cheering at a Dodgers game, or discovering the city with new friends. From thrilling excursions to late-night conversations, these experiences will stay with you long after the summer ends.
Student Life
Summer Courses
Session Dates:
📅 Session 1: June 29 – July 18, 2025
📅 Session 2: July 20 – August 8, 2025
Industry Disruptors
Emerging technology shaping a better future.
Dates: This course will be offered twice during the summer.
- Sunday, June 29th - Friday, July 18th, 2025
- Sunday, July 20 - Friday August 8th, 2025
Instructor: Innovation leaders, experts in startups, and venture building
Course Summary:
Learn how to identify exponential trends and leverage them for impactful solutions. Tackle the world's biggest challenges by leveraging innovation to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Design and develop a scalable project addressing a pressing global issue, from climate change to healthcare accessibility, and pitch it to impact-driven investors and thought leaders.
Key Learning Outcomes:
- Build a real-world project and portfolio by designing a scalable solution to a global challenge, showcasing your expertise for college applications and future careers.
- Gain hands-on experience in startups and innovation through a hackathon-style challenge, applying emerging technologies and business strategies to create real impact.
- Master leadership, pitching, and problem-solving by developing structured thinking, persuasive communication, and the ability to present ideas to investors and industry leaders.
- Expand your network and opportunities by connecting with top experts, mentors, and industry professionals who can guide future opportunities.
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Artificial Intelligence
Humans aren't the only intelligence anymore.
Dates: This course will be offered twice during the summer.
- Sunday, June 29th - Friday, July 18th, 2025
- Sunday, July 20 - Friday August 8th, 2025
Instructor: Leading AI researchers and technologists
Course Summary:
This course dives deep into how AI is transforming industries like medicine, finance, and media. You’ll gain hands-on experience building machine learning models, analyzing real-world applications, and understanding the ethical implications of AI, including bias and fairness. Through expert-led sessions and project-based learning, you’ll develop technical skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities essential for the AI-driven world.
Key Learning Outcomes:
- Build hands-on AI projects to understand how machine learning models work in real-world applications.
- Explore AI’s impact across industries like medicine, finance, and media through case studies and expert insights.
- Analyze bias and fairness in AI to develop a responsible and ethical approach to technology.
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for navigating an AI-driven world.
Career Accelerator
Personal branding, public speaking, and portfolio building.
Dates: This course will be offered twice during the summer.
- Sunday, June 29th - Friday, July 18th, 2025
- Sunday, July 20 - Friday August 8th, 2025
Instructors: Recruiters, career strategists, and industry experts
Course Summary:
For students who want to stand out in competitive careers, build influence, and access exclusive opportunities in their industry—whether in tech, entrepreneurship, or leadership. You’ll master personal branding, high-impact communication, and strategic networking to position yourself as a top-tier candidate, entrepreneur, or thought leader. Through hands-on projects, you’ll craft a powerful portfolio, refine your pitch, and build connections that lead to real-world opportunities.
Key Learning Outcomes:
- Build a standout personal brand through multiple digital platforms that attracts top recruiters, investors, and mentors.
- Master high-impact communication and public speaking to pitch ideas, network strategically, and influence decision-makers.
- Create a powerful portfolio showcasing real-world projects, articles, videos and thought leadership.
- Gain industry access and connections that open doors to career, startup, and leadership opportunities.
Business Leadership and Entrepreneurship
From visionary to future CEO: build, lead & create impact .
Dates: This course will be offered twice during the summer.
- Sunday, June 29th - Friday, July 18th, 2025
- Sunday, July 20 - Friday August 8th, 2025
Instructors: Startup founders, industry leaders, and business strategists
Course Summary:
For ambitious students who want to develop the skills, mindset, and experience to become future CEOs and business leaders. Through hands-on entrepreneurship, consulting challenges, and leadership training, you’ll learn how to think strategically, solve real business problems, and lead high-growth ventures. You’ll analyze CEO decision-making, tackle consulting projects for global companies, and pitch solutions like a top executive.
Key Learning Outcomes:
- Solve a real consulting challenge for a multinational company by conducting root cause analysis, problem discovery, and validation to develop strategic recommendations.
- Create a professional recommendation deck that presents data-driven solutions, just like top consultants and executives.
- Think and make decisions like a CEO by analyzing real business challenges and leadership strategies.
- Master pitching and executive communication to deliver insights with confidence and impact.
- Learn to start, grow, and lead a venture in today’s fast-changing economy.
Benefits and Critera
Course Syllabus
To view a sample syllabus, please contact your program specialist, or reach us at Summerprograms@tks.world.
Admissions Criteria
All high schoolers are welcome! This program is open to students ages 14-18.
No prerequisites required—just curiosity, and a drive to make the most of this opportunity.
This program is designed for students eager to grow, gain real-world experience, and explore new ideas. Whether you're interested in startups, innovation, consulting, or leadership, you'll leave with the skills and mindset to succeed.
Who Should Attend
This program is for ambitious, curious students ready to challenge themselves and explore new ideas. If you love solving real-world problems, meeting inspiring people, and getting hands-on experience in business, leadership, and innovation, you’ll thrive here.
But it’s not just about learning—it’s about doing. You’ll think like a CEO, make big decisions, and take action. Whether you're interested in startups, technology, or understanding how industries work, this program gives you the tools to stand out.
And because it’s summer, it’s also about adventure. Explore L.A., visit top companies, and connect with like-minded peers while experiencing one of the most exciting cities in the world.
Benefits of This Course
Beyond a pre-college learning experience, you’ll leave with portfolio-building credentials that showcase your achievements, including:
- Course Completion Certificate – Official recognition of your successful completion of the TKS Summer Experience at UCLA.
- Letter of Recognition – Acknowledging your academic achievement in this intensive program.
- Portfolio Projects – Real-world work that demonstrates your skills to future employers, investors, and universities.
Organizations we've worked with.
FAQs
What is included in the cost of the program?
This all-inclusive 3-week program covers tuition, housing, transportation, meals, and activities. The total cost is $9200 USD.
Campus Life & Activities
- Live at UCLA – Stay in university residence halls and experience life as a college student.
- All-Inclusive Dining – Enjoy fully covered meals, with lunch and dinner provided daily.
- Explore L.A. – From Disneyland and Dodgers games to city adventures, make unforgettable memories.
- Seamless Experience – All transportation for program activities is covered, so you can focus on learning and fun.
- Built-in Community – Connect with ambitious students and form lifelong friendships while growing together.
- 24/7 Support & Safety – Dedicated program directors and residential advisors ensure a safe, supportive environment
Academic Experience
- University-Level Learning – Dive into an intensive course led by industry experts, startup leaders, and innovation strategists.
- Hands-On Projects – Work on real-world challenges, build a portfolio, and sharpen problem-solving skills.
- College & Career Readiness – Develop leadership, personal branding, networking, and insights into college admissions.
What are the dates for these courses?
You can choose to attend one 3-week session or stay for the full 6-week summer experience.
- Summer Session 1: Sunday, June 29 – Friday, July 18, 2025
- Summer Session 2: Sunday, July 20 – Friday, August 8, 2025
All courses will be offered in both sessions, so you can choose the dates that work best for you. If you want to maximize your experience, you can attend both sessions, spending six weeks immersed in learning, leadership, and networking while exploring Los Angeles.
Do I get credit for these courses?
While this program does not offer traditional academic credit, you will receive a Certificate of Completion and a Letter of Recognition, which highlight your achievements and can be valuable for college applications, internships, and future career opportunities.
Additionally, you’ll leave with a professional portfolio showcasing real-world projects, demonstrating your skills in leadership, problem-solving, and innovation—making you stand out to universities, employers, and investors.
How many students will be in each course?
Each course session is limited to 50 students, ensuring an interactive, collaborative, and high-engagement learning experience with direct mentorship.
With multiple courses running simultaneously, you’ll be part of a vibrant community of 200+ students—connecting with like-minded peers during activities, meals, and social events.
Your summer, your people.
Spots are limited—apply now and make this summer unforgettable!
