Moments & Gratitude Captured from 2026 Pre-College Program Attendees

I’d like to preface this letter by saying thank you for making this experience possible for me and the other kids who participated in it. It was truly an amazing experience and thanks to you, we were able to attend the Summer Springboard program. I personally attended the UC Berkeley engineering course in the bay area. I was able to explore career options through their weekly excursions. For the engineering course we went to the UC Berkeley Space Sciences Lab to learn more about aerospace engineering and the headquarters of Autodesk in San Francisco to learn more about the tools and processes used in modern engineering. I was able to learn more about San Francisco as a city and the different cultures and cities in the bay area. I was able to learn more about engineering in general through the amazing academic course I attended and my amazing professor taught it. We did projects that centered around civil mechanical and biomedical engineering while using tools such as CAD and simulations to help. By far the best thing that came out of this experience is the people I met. I made some of the greatest friendships of my life in just two weeks, all of whom I still talk over a month later. This experience was truly unforgettable and once again, I’d like to thank you for literally making this possible. 

A million thanks,

Augie W.

These reflections captures the spirit of the pre-college experience. These students clearly grew a lot in independence and confidence while taking in campus life.

I am writing this letter to express my gratitude for your help in covering the expenses of the Summer Springboard for so many of us. The summer camp was really incredible and would not have been possible without you.

This year I took a two-week long course on Filmmaking. My instructor was a cinematographer and provided a very thorough, well researched class on all of the aspects of filmmaking, from directing to camera work to sound mixing. I originally chose the class hoping to find whether or not I really wanted to work in the film industry. The course was so fun that I am now fully won over, although I’m unsure of how easy the industry is to enter. I enjoyed the academics portion thoroughly and learned a lot, but the course was further improved by the two excursions we took.

On a sunny Wednesday afternoon we took a bus deep into LA, stopping at the Academy Museum. There were exhibitions of art and first drafts and other information about lots of films interspersed through the many rooms, and in a couple darker, crowded rooms you could sit and watch a documentary covering different parts of filmmaking. I found myself left behind in one of these rooms while the rest of the group plowed ahead because I was so immersed in the documentary about the Foley recording systems. I wish that I could have spent more time at that museum!

One week later, we climbed into a near-identical bus and drove to the Sony studios for a tour of the grounds. Our guide was brimming with energy and did not hold back his sarcastic jabs at Sony. We looked at sets that certain shows (we were not allowed to know which) were used for recording, walked around where the yellow brick road from The Wizard of Oz was set up, went through the Wheel of Fortune set, and into the room where Foley recording takes place for added sound effects after movies are filmed.

This camp introduced me to so many interesting kids, made me more interested in filmmaking, and taught me many important things, such as how UCLA is a never ending maze of staircases and long paths. I am also very interested in working in the Foley studios now and would like to further research them. What I am trying to say with all of these words is thank you so, so much for your support. My great summer would not have happened without you, and I will not soon forget how you have helped our community’s kids explore careers and colleges with the Summer Springboard program.

Hazel H.

My name is Abby R., and my experience at UCLA Summer Springboard was unforgettable. Before attending, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I knew I would be staying on campus, meeting new people, and getting a taste of college life, but actually being there was far more exciting than I imagined. It gave me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone, build independence, and clarify my goals for the future.

One of the highlights was connecting with people from so many different backgrounds. At first, stepping into an unfamiliar environment felt a bit intimidating, but as the days went by, I started opening up and making strong friendships. Learning about everyone’s unique stories, interests, and perspectives reminded me that taking a chance on new social settings is always worth it.

Experiencing campus life firsthand also shifted how I view my education. Living away from home, managing a schedule, and balancing responsibilities showed me that college is about much more than just classes and studying—it’s about learning how to navigate decision-making and discover who you are.

Overall, UCLA Summer Springboard was a transformative experience. I walked away with lasting friendships, greater confidence in my ability to adapt, and a clearer vision of what lies ahead. I am incredibly grateful for the memories and lessons I’ll carry forward into my academic journey.

Abby R.

Spending two weeks at the Summer Springboard program at the University of California, Berkeley was an experience that gave me a much deeper understanding of what it means to study law. Before attending the program, I was interested in law because of the way it combines critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. However, being able to spend time in a university environment and participate in a law-focused program helped me see those interests in a much more realistic and meaningful way.

One of the most valuable parts of the program was being introduced to different areas of law and learning how lawyers approach complicated situations. Rather than simply memorizing information, I had opportunities to think through legal issues, consider different perspectives, and explain my reasoning. The program showed me that law is not always about finding one obvious right answer. Often, it involves looking carefully at evidence, understanding different arguments, and deciding which interpretation is the strongest. This made the subject much more interesting to me because I enjoyed being challenged to think beyond my first impression.

Being at UC Berkeley also made the experience feel different from a typical summer class. Living and learning in a university setting gave me a glimpse into what college life could be like. I had the opportunity to meet other students who were interested in law and other academic subjects, and I enjoyed learning from people with different experiences and opinions. Working with other students also helped me become more comfortable discussing ideas and defending my point of view. Sometimes, hearing someone else approach a problem differently made me reconsider my own argument, which was an important lesson in itself.

The law program also helped me develop skills that extend beyond the classroom. I practiced communicating clearly, analyzing information, participating in discussions, and approaching problems from multiple perspectives. These skills are important in law, but they are also useful in almost any career. I learned that being a strong communicator is not just about speaking confidently; it is also about listening carefully and understanding why someone else may disagree with you.

Outside of the academic part of the program, spending two weeks in Berkeley gave me the chance to experience a new environment and become more independent. Being away from my usual routine encouraged me to manage my time, meet new people, and adapt to unfamiliar situations. The experience made me more comfortable stepping outside of my comfort zone. Even small moments, such as exploring campus or talking with other students after class, became part of the overall experience and made the two weeks memorable.

Most importantly, the Summer Springboard law program helped me understand that my interest in law is not simply an interest in the idea of becoming a lawyer. I genuinely enjoy the process of analyzing problems, considering opposing viewpoints, and using evidence to build an argument. The program gave me a chance to explore those interests before college and showed me how much there is still to learn.

Looking back on my two weeks at UC Berkeley, I am grateful for the opportunity to experience both the academic and personal sides of a university program. I left Berkeley with a stronger interest in law, greater confidence in my ability to discuss complex topics, and a better idea of the qualities I want to develop in the future. The experience was only two weeks long, but it gave me a valuable introduction to college life and to the field of law, and it encouraged me to continue exploring both.

Liam L.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support in making my trip to Summer Springboard possible. Growing up in Bishop, I have often found it difficult to connect with peers and form lasting friendships. However, my time at the UCLA campus changed that completely. For the first time, I was surrounded by people who shared my interests and values, and I formed bonds that I will cherish for years to come. My new friends and I still keep in touch through an active group chat, and we are even hoping to plan a girls’ trip together soon.

Living in the dorms was an adventure in itself. It was my first time being away from home for an extended period, and although I was initially nervous, I quickly adapted. I learned important lessons about independence, time management, and the importance of balancing fun with responsibility. Dorm life was tiring at times, but it was also far more enjoyable than I expected, and it has helped me feel more prepared and confident as I look ahead to college. One of the highlights of my experience was joining a huge game of Uno with over 40 people late at night, after we successfully persuaded our counselors to extend our bedcheck. Moments like these made the camp feel like a close-knit community, and I realized how much I appreciated being part of such a supportive group.

The academic portion of the camp was equally rewarding. I enrolled in a filmmaking class led by an inspiring and knowledgeable instructor. Over the course of two weeks, we learned the basics of filmmaking and worked collaboratively to create our own short films. This hands-on experience gave me the confidence and skills I need to start building my portfolio for college applications. The class not only strengthened my passion for filmmaking but also helped clarify my future career goals. In addition to the specialized classes, I found the finance and college-readiness workshops to be incredibly helpful. I learned how important it is to start the college application process early, and I gained practical skills for managing money responsibly, which will be invaluable as I transition to college life.

Overall, attending Summer Springboard was a transformative experience that I will always treasure. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, and I truly appreciate your support in helping me grow academically, socially, and personally.

Kylie J.

The door, with a sudden bang, shuts behind us! We are locked in. No way to escape. As we walk through the bleak halls of the psych ward our group stays close together, unsure of what could be around the corner. Next thing I know I am in their cafeteria with a patient staring at us through the bullet proof window. The psychiatrist waltzed in with his leather jacket and hair that looked like he had recently been electrocuted to answer all of our many questions.

I spent two weeks at UCLA taking a psychology and neuroscience class and they were some of the best weeks of my life. In class we learned everything from the different parts of the brain, to how psychiatrists diagnose patients, and we even got to dissect a sheep brain! Outside of class I learned what life is like in college and how to be independent and advocate for myself. 

At the end of the program we had to give a presentation to give to the class. Mine focused on different memorization tactics and which works best. I learned how to design and conduct my own experiment, collecting data from 30 participants. I tested how many words each person could remember from a list after one minute while using different memorization strategies. Surprisingly, my results showed that no single technique was more effective than the others.

We were challenged to become a better version of ourselves. No one knew who I was so I got to become the person I wanted to be. We had college readiness classes that taught us about confidence, leadership, money, and even how to write an essay to get us into our dream school. It really helped my communication skills and I now have the ability to speak in front of a group of people confidently. I learned that in projects I like to be the one in charge uplifting others while still getting the work done.

At the end we had a silent disco dance where we all put headphones on and listened to different music. The students ended up taking off our headphones to hear each other’s stories and be present in the moment with everyone. It was incredible to watch over 50 kids decide that we didn’t want to be on our phones or by ourselves, but with each other, in the moment, having a blast. 

This camp was about so much more for me than just my class, I learned who I want to be and a person and who I need to surround myself with to make that happen. I learned to make the most out of life and say yes to as many things as I can because you never know what opportunities will come with. 

Ali R.

I want to thank you for giving me one of the best experiences of my life. The two weeks I spent in the program and living in the dorms are something I will always remember. When I first arrived, I was excited, but also really nervous. I wasn’t sure if psychology was the career I wanted to pursue, and because I was one of the younger students, I was worried about fitting in and making friends.

One of my favorite parts of the program was learning about psychology and neuroscience. Before coming, I thought they were interesting subjects, but I wasn’t sure if that’s what I wanted to do in the future. The classes, activities, and conversations with my mentor helped me realize that this is exactly what I’m passionate about.

Beyond the classes, what surprised me the most was the people I met. Even though I was nervous about being younger than most of the others, everyone was so kind and welcoming. I ended up making some of the best friends I’ve ever had. We shared so many laughs, late-night talks, adventures, and unforgettable memories together. Even after the program ended, we kept in touch and continued to support each other. I never expected to leave with friendships that would mean so much, and that became one of the most special parts of my experience.

Leaving at the end of those two weeks was much harder than I expected because I didn’t want the experience to end. Summer Spring Board gave me so much more than knowledge—it gave me confidence, helped me become more independent, and reassured me that the future isn’t as scary as I thought. Thank you for creating such an encouraging, supportive, and inspiring environment. Summer Spring Board truly changed my life, and I will always be grateful.

Sincerely,

Sara C.

Thank you SSB, ESF, Rotary and everyone else who let me experience a fun time at UCLA, I made so many friends I still talk to daily and got to experience new opportunities and careers. During my time there I got to walk to class and learn new things in psychology that I had not known before, I got to go off campus to dinner with my friends and got to socialize with my group and other people with games. I dormed with my best friend and we got to go to a hospital and learn about brain scans and even watched one happen in real time. We got to go to the Griffith Observatory and the museum of illusions which was super cool to see. We went to an end celebration and got to eat and have fun. Overall my experience there was super fun and I would definitely want to do it again if I got the opportunity and I’m sure many other people would enjoy it as well.

Malia R.

Read more about the experience from the eyes of the 2025 middle school participants:

This summer, two classmates and I attended the UCSD Summer Springboard, thanks to your support. I was nervous for its outcome at first, but the summer camp proved to be all I had hoped for and more.

Each camper chose a different area of study to take a weeklong course on, such as Business and Entrepreneurship or Medicine. I chose Trial Law, the camp’s newest program. This proved to be a great decision for me, in part because of the exciting excursions we partook in. Early in the week, my classmates and I took a bus to the San Diego Superior Court. Once there, we passed through security and entered an empty courtroom, where we then conducted a mock trial among ourselves. Each person chose a role (I was the prosecutor) and were given a corresponding script. This gave me an introduction into how a court works and allowed me to be put into the shoes of a lawyer firsthand.

After this we went up an elevator to another courtroom, but this one was not for a mock trial. It was a murder trial.

We tiptoed in and sat down in the space for the public. The prosecutor was in the midst of playing a series of videos that witnessed the killing. We watched as the screen showed a man running across the screen, and we almost jumped out of our seats hearing the thundering gunshots that followed. This trial was by far the most exciting part of the week for me, and I don’t doubt that I will remember it for years to come.

Another highlight of the camp was having class debates. I am a very argumentative person, my parents can assure you of that, and I loved being able to debate other intelligent kids.

My law course was both exciting and informative, but the thing I loved most at camp was spending time with friends I made there. Some were from San Diego, some Ohio, and one was from Taiwan, but all of the people I met were kind, smart individuals that I clicked with instantly. It was also very refreshing to meet likeminded kids that care about school and academics, which, as much as I love Bishop, is a hard thing to find here.

Overall, the middle school program was wonderful, and I’m sure that many others would both wholly enjoy the program and learn a lot from it. But on reflection I believe that the Summer Springboard would be even more beneficial for high schoolers because it feels like what I imagine college might be like: campers eating buffet style meals at the mess hall and staying in the college dorms. Therefore, I believe it would be perfect for high schoolers who wish to get a taste of the college experience before they leave high school. I, for one, would love to attend this summer camp again.

In summary, thank you so much for the funds that allowed us to attend the Summer Springboard program. It was the experience of a lifetime and I will forever be grateful for your support.

Sincerely,
Hazel H. 

Interviewer: Tell me what it was like to show up to the Campus.

Ali: We started out with a tour of the dorms and getting some AWESOME SWAG! Next we all went to a common area and played card games, basketball, or ping pong. I tried to play ping pong and it may have been a disaster but I had fun trying!

Interviewer: How did your expectations change throughout the camp?

Ali: At first, I was really hopeful, but I was very nervous, because I had never been away from my parents for that long, and it was just different.

Interviewer: How long was it? 

Ali: It was five days and five nights. I guess at first I felt like this was completely unreal because I got to be independent and try new things. 

Interviewer: I heard you went on two excursions, tell me about those experiences. 

Ali: Our first excursion was going to a business incubator, which is an old big building that they use to rent out little areas for small business owners to have an office away from their home. It was super cool to get to see all these different types of businesses in this one spot and see how they thrive together. On the second excursion, we went to Old Town, San Diego. We went into Toby soap and candles, and we got to see how their business worked. My classmates and I got to hear about their journeys and the problems that they persevered through.

Interviewer: How was it meeting the other students at the camp?

Ali: I was scared at first but eventually I found my group and it was like we had been friends for years. One of the first things we did was split up into mentor groups and there was a girl who was so sweet and funny, we clicked instantly. Over the course of the camp, I made friends from LA, Ohio, and even Taiwan. It was awesome to get to see a diversity of people that you can’t see in a small town.    

Interviewer: What was it like around the dorms and having a roommate?

Ali: It was incredible. My roommate was Hazel and we had known each other for a long time but this trip gave us a whole new type of bond. It was a very comforting space and we got to have some fun there like a bake-off and a movie night. All these activities brought us closer to each other.

Interviewer: What was your class about?

Ali: I took a business class and we learned not only how to be an entrepreneur but also how to start a business as a high-schooler. We started the week knowing nothing and now I can write an elevator pitch (a sales pitch about a product or person in a short amount of time) in ten minutes. During the five days of class, we created a dehydrated business plan and presented it in front of our peers! My group’s idea was to make an app that uses AI to create a well organized schedule in seconds. We ended up making a detailed powerpoint and presenting it in a shark-tank style competition.

Interviewer: What are you gonna take away from this opportunity?

Ali: I learned so much from my class and also from the experience of being on a college campus with other like-minded students. I discovered how businesses are founded and grow. I made incredible memories with new friends. The class taught me many awesome tools and tricks to be successful in both school and life.

Interviewer: Why would other kids like to do this Program?
Ali: It is AMAZING to get to be independent for a week and see a college and explore a job opportunity that one might follow. Overall this was a life changing experience, very challenging, and I feel more prepared for my freshman year!

I want to Thank you for providing a scholarship to attend Summer Springboard program at the University of California – San Diego 2025.  I was able to stay on campus and experience dorm living.  I have a sense of what my living experience will be like when I attend a university, and I am excited.

I was introduced to Straegyzer, a website for entrepreneurs to help with all aspects of starting and moving forward businesses.  I was able to complete a Business Model Canvas and a Value Proposition Canvas with a team.  We learned about the Small Business Administration and its resources.  We investigated how to register a Fictitious Name.  

One of my tasks was to participate in a Shark Tank style business pitch. Our group had the idea of an App to help students organize their daily schedules.  App would be able to create a schedule, show it in multiple ways and set multiple alarms and reminders.  It would cater to students who have different routines each day. We shared this idea on the last day.

In addition to the business learning, I was able to participate in a boat ride around the bay, explore Old Town San Diego, and visit San Diego Made Factory and Toby’s Candles and Soaps.

San Diego Made Factory is a space they call an incubator for business.  It has spaces to create and sell any idea you come up with.  When we arrived, we had a history lesson about why this was started.  We were able to observe and see vendors in action. Next was an old warehouse that was split into studios.  We listened to a Guitar repair person give his history, he explained why he was the only one with a roof.  The guitars need to be in a controlled environment.

Next was a community area, we received samplers of perfume from a businesswoman who makes the perfumes in the Factory.

We met Latasha Fennell.  She is a navy veteran.  After years of uniforms, she wanted to express individuality and uniqueness.  She created Boss Lady Blingy.  She designs jewelry, clothing, hats and other outerwear.

At Toby’s Candles and Soaps, we learned how they make the one-of-a-kind candles. We had access to cubed shaped pieces, which had their own unique color and smell.  We picked out our colors and put them in a heart-shaped metal model.  It was placed on a cookie sheet, and they poured hot wax over it.  During the next hour, they placed the model into a clear vase with ice that cooled in quicker. While we were waiting, we were able to make dip candles.

In all I had an enjoyable, educational experience.  I met great peers and my instructors were awesome.  I want to say Thank you again, I am appreciative for the experience and very grateful for the monetary assistance your Board provided.  I hope in the future you can continue to help provide experiences like this to the Bishop youth.

William G.

Scholarships for Local Students Attending Pre-College Programs

BISHOP, CA — Eight standout local students have been awarded scholarships to participate in the 2026  Pre-College Program. Summer programs let you “try on” a major in a stress-free environment. It’s the ultimate way to explore your interests and see what sticks before you have to make it official on a college application. Supported by $20,000 in community funding, these scholars will head to UCLA, UC Berkeley, and UC San Diego this summer to gain hands-on experience in high-level academic fields and get a head start on the university experience.

The scholarship initiative originally saw a strong response with 17 initial applications. While the program aimed to support as many students as possible, the final funding was strategically redistributed to eight dedicated participants following changes in student availability. This redistribution has allowed the program to significantly lessen the financial barrier for the remaining cohort, providing robust support for their academic journeys and ensuring cost is not a factor in pursuing these higher education opportunities.

Immersive Academic Exploration at Top-Tier Campuses

The Summer Springboard program is a rigorous two-week summer intensive held at Universities across the globe. This program focuses on California university campuses of each student’s choice. This year’s scholars will join driven peers for a “deep dive” into their specific fields:

  • At UC Berkeley, one student will tackle the complexities of Engineering, while another will gain hands-on experience in Trial Law.
  • At UCLA, two students will explore the intersection of Psychology & Neuroscience, and two will immerse themselves in Filmmaking.
  • At UC San Diego, one student will dive into the world of Business & Entrepreneurship.

These immersive programs serve as a vital bridge to higher learning, connecting with the mission of the Eastern Sierra Foundation, enhancing community through higher education. These eight students get to explore their professional passions and increase self-awareness before they ever set foot on a college campus as full-time undergraduates.

A Legacy of Community Support

The $20,000 scholarship fund is the result of a collaborative effort between major regional partners. The Eastern Sierra Foundation contributed $15,000, providing the foundational support necessary to make this opportunity a reality for the Bishop community.

The Edison International Foundation stepped up with a $5,000 contribution, specifically emphasizing the importance of STEM exposure. By supporting students in tracks like Engineering and Neuroscience, Edison’s contribution ensures that local talent has direct access to world-class university environments and the technical training required for the workforce of tomorrow. Perhaps more foundations will contribute before they embark on this educational ride.

Voices of Success

The impact of these scholarships is best described by the students who have experienced the program’s intensity firsthand. Hazel, a participant from the program’s pilot year, reflected on the profound shift from the classroom to the real world:

“The experience was unforgettable—one moment we were debating intelligent peers from around the world, and the next we were in a real courtroom witnessing a murder trial. When the gunshots from the evidence video thundered through the room, we almost jumped out of our seats. It was an intense, eye-opening deep dive into the law that I’ll remember for years. Finding a community of students who care so deeply about academics was truly refreshing and life-changing.”

SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINES

2027 Summer Springboard ESF Scholarship Application is pending

ESF PRE-COLLEGE APPLICATION DEADLINE: TBD
SUMMER SPRINGBOARD EARLY ADMISSIONS: DECEMBER 1  (Discounted Pricing) //SEPARATE APPLICATION

Summer Springboard program chips in with a $800-900 discount for the following residential programs.

We are thrilled to help our local students access these incredible pre-college experiences. Be sure to check your application details to ensure you are selecting an eligible residential program to receive this funding!

☀️ Get a Taste of College Life! (BEFORE COLLEGE)

  • Program for High School Students Grades 9-12 (No Cerro Coso College Experience Needed)
  • Experience college living: Stay in dorm rooms and eat buffet-style meals in the mess hall.
  • Explore diverse fields: Choose a week-long course like Business/Entrepreneurship, Medicine, or Trial Law.
  • Hands-on learning & excursions:
    • Trial Law: Conduct a mock trial in a real San Diego Superior Courtroom; observe a live murder trial.
    • Business: Learn to write an elevator pitch and create a dehydrated business plan; participate in a “Shark Tank” style pitch competition (e.g., an AI scheduling app).
    • Visit a business incubator (San Diego Made Factory) to see small businesses thrive.
    • Tour local businesses like Toby’s Candles and Soaps; create your own unique candle.
  • Build your network: Meet kind, smart, and likeminded peers from across the US and international locations (e.g., LA, Ohio, Taiwan).
  • Gain independence: A two-week program that helps you feel more prepared for college and life after high school.
  • Fun campus activities: Enjoy downtime with card games, basketball, ping pong, bake-offs, and movie nights.
  • Life-changing experience: An amazing opportunity to explore a job opportunity and gain skills for school and success.
  • ESF Scholarship Application