Parents and Guardians

Students standing on the stairs in front of a campus building

What to Know as a Pre-College Scholar Parent or Guardian

The Pre-College Scholars program helps students develop confidence, create lasting friendships, and further their love of learning. Participants get a taste of college life, earning credit alongside Berkeley students and interacting with Berkeley faculty and professors in the classroom. Community building activities, staff support, and advising sessions all help your student get the most out of the Pre-College Scholars experience.

We know there are many important factors and logistics to consider when choosing the right program for your student. What makes the Berkeley Pre-College Scholars program impactful and enriching for all of those who join?

Residential Track

Ideal for international students, visiting domestic students, students who prefer on-campus environment

  • A community-minded living environment at Bowles Hall, with full-time supervision from staff resident assistant mentors
  • Walking distance to the UC Berkeley campus, allowing students to experience the feeling of living on a university campus
  • Curated and pre-planned excursions, activities, and workshops to help students foster friendships and develop college readiness skills

Commuter Track

Ideal for SF Bay Area students, students who prefer living at home

  • The ability to live at home while still experiencing what it means to be part of the Berkeley summer community
  • Opportunities for Bay Area families to visit the Berkeley campus
  • Reduced expenses due to not needing the housing portion of the program

Virtual Track

Ideal for students who prefer flexible learning, international students

  • Flexibility for your student to learn and join the community from their laptop
  • Increased opportunities to develop online learning skills

Non-Credit Track

Ideal for computer science students, students who prefer on-campus environment

  • An opportunity geared specifically for students interested in computer science
  • A cohort of like-minded learners, allowing for further development interests, ideas, and experiences within the realm of computer science
  • The experience of learning on a university campus and expanding your student’s comfort zone

Program fees vary by track and can be found on the subpages for each individual track. Scholarships may be available but will vary by track.

More details and information specifically relevant to parents and guardians can be found in our Program Help Center.

Thank you so much for all of your hard work, we are so grateful for the experience my son had. He said the lectures were stimulating and made him excited to learn each day, the staff and other students were great to collaborate with, the field trips were great, and the independence and self-growth has been amazing to witness.

— Pre-College Scholar Parent/Guardian

We are so grateful for support! It's such a relief to know they will be with caring and compassionate people.

— Pre-College Scholar Parent/Guardian

Thank you and your team for all you do. This has been a life changing experience for her and I am so happy she was selected for your program.

— Pre-College Scholar Parent/Guardian