Designing and Engineering Our Future

Teens are supervised at all times from sign-in to sign-out. The staff to teen ratio is 1:12 during instruction time and 1:10 during residential times. Free time is always in designated areas with staff supervision. Staff are all adult professionals, graduate students, undergraduate students, and/or career professionals, they are all background checked, and participate in specialized educational, logistical, safety, and neurodiversity training. Seasonal staff include instructors (at least two per course), middle school and high school coordinators, residential advisors, and a program coordinator. The management team are fulltime Lawrence professionals who are onsite all summer and provide educational as well as behavioral support for instructors and participants.

The Pathways programs are a special part of the Teen Research Programs that happen every afternoon from 4–5 p.m., giving you the chance to go beyond your main STEM track and explore college and career opportunities in fun, interactive ways. From Monday through Thursday, all teens come together across tracks to connect, learn, and try new experiences. Mondays kick off with icebreakers so you can meet people from different programs. On another afternoon, you’ll get to choose from UC Berkeley campus and lab tours to explore areas that interest you most—past tours have included spaces like a nanofabrication lab, a robotics lab, and a neuroscience lab. There’s also a “College Pathways Open Space,” where you can join small group conversations with current college students from a range of universities. They’ll share what life is really like—whether it’s being the first in their family to go to college, switching majors, transferring from community college, joining clubs, or landing internships. You can also hear about balancing academics with activities like sports or music, deciding whether to go to college close to home or far away, and finding affinity and community on campus. Later in the week, you’ll have a similar chance to meet STEM professionals and hear about different career paths and stages in their journeys. Finally, Fridays are all about you and your peers presenting what you’ve worked on and accomplished throughout the week. It’s a chance to celebrate your progress and learn from one another.

We use CampDoc, an electronic health record system, to securely collect and store participants' information. CampDoc is designed to protect your teen’s privacy while alerting us to details such as allergies or dietary restrictions, medical or medication needs, special learning or social needs, and other home or life situations that might affect your teen’s participation. The information you provide will help us to support your teen safely and to optimize their learning and social experience. We encourage parents to be as transparent as possible. If you would like to discuss your teen’s needs before the start of programming, we would be happy to schedule a time to discuss how to best support them. You can email us at thelawrenceteens@berkeley.edu.

No, for multiple reasons, we do not allow participants to register for programs designed for grade levels other than their own. Since a large portion of each program involves student-driven investigation and exploration, e.g., the design and build of a physical creation or the design and carrying out of an investigation, participants can easily differentiate the challenge level to a good place for them. Thank you for understanding.

Our programs are designed to be accessible and engaging for all learners. Instructors use differentiated instruction to meet students where they are and help them grow. For courses that may involve a wider range of prior knowledge (such as our high school biotech or artificial intelligence programs), we send a short survey before the program begins to understand each teen’s experience and comfort level with the material. This information helps us plan in advance—adding resources, adjusting the pace, or offering extra challenges as needed. During the program, instructors also use flexible groupings: sometimes teens choose their own groups, and sometimes staff create intentional groupings to balance social interaction and academic support. This ensures that every student feels both challenged and supported throughout the week.

All middle school programs take place at UC Berkeley. All high school programs, EXCEPT Session 1 and 4, also take place at UC Berkeley. Session 1, which includes Marine Biology and Field Ecology, will take place at UC Davis, Bodega Marine Laboratory in Bodega Bay. Session 4, which also includes Marine Biology and Field Ecology, will take place at UC Santa Cruz. More details can be found on the program-specific information pages.

Teens will share dorm housing with one or two other teens. Rooms include bunk beds (extra-long twin bed size), desks, shelves, drawers, hooks, a closet/bar for hanging clothes, a mirror, and a microwave and mini-fridge. There are bathrooms on each floor with personal privacy doors on the toilets and showers. All the rooms and the bathroom on each floor are designated gender specific. You can learn more about residence halls here including photos of Unit 1, 2, or 3, all of which are good examples of dorms we have used in the past. You can learn more about UC Davis Bodega Marine Laboratory dorms here if you are registering for session 1. You can learn more about UC Santa Cruz dorms here if you are registering for session 4. More details, regarding all sessions including times, location, and what to pack will be shared closer to the start date.

Teens participating in the UC Berkeley Residential program will be staying in Unit 3 this summer. The walk from the dorms to the dining hall is approximately 0.2 miles (about 5 minutes). From either the dorms or the dining hall to the Valley Life Sciences Building, where programs are held, the distance is about 0.5–0.6 miles, or a 12–15 minute walk depending on the route.

Yes, to help demystify the college campus experience, all teens will eat a provided lunch in a campus dining hall such as Crossroads or Cafe 3, both of which we have used in the past. Lunch costs are automatically included in the price of the program. Campus dining halls can accommodate most dietary restrictions as part of their regular offerings. All teens are supervised during the lunch period, and the dining hall will be shared with other groups over the course of the summer. We also provide recreation breaks before and after lunch.

Yes, all teens should pack a hat, water bottle, sunscreen, and personal snacks for the day. For the safety of others, we ask that you not include any food containing tree nuts or peanuts. Lunch is provided every day (see prior question). If your teen requires any medications throughout the day, there will be a place for you to share that information in CampDoc. We cannot administer any medications, but we can offer teens a friendly reminder. If your teen wants to use their personal laptop, they may bring it and must keep it on them at all times. If you do not wish to bring your own laptop or do not have access to one, we provide laptops if required for the program. The Lawrence is not responsible for your personal items.

Phones, tablets, and other similar devices should be stowed in your bag during program times. Phones and other devices are permitted during breaks and other designated times. The program is designed to increase socialization, collaboration, and small-group work. We strongly encourage you to leave valuables and other devices at home. If your teen wants to use their personal laptop, they may bring it and must keep it on them at all times. If you do not wish to bring your own laptop or do not have access to one, we will provide one if required for the program. Remember, The Lawrence is not responsible for your personal items.

Our programs have laptops to support the participation of all teens. However, some teens prefer to use their personal laptop. If this is the case, they may bring it and must keep it on them at all times. The Lawrence is not responsible for your personal items. If you do not wish for your teen to bring their own laptop or do not have access to one, we will provide one if required for the program.

With the exception of the residential programs, all middle and high school programs on the UC Berkeley campus run Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. These times are also the designated drop-off and pick-up times; please stick to them. We encourage parents to sign the ‘Teen Program Dismissal Form’ at the time of registration so that teens can arrive and leave independently with the conclusion of programming. Residential teens will arrive at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday and leave at 5:00 p.m. on Friday with the conclusion of programming.

The drop-off and pick-up location will be communicated to you in a welcome email before the program starts. We encourage parents to sign the ‘Teen Program Dismissal Form’ at the time of registration so that teens can arrive and leave independently with the conclusion of programming. All programs at UC Berkeley will take place at the Valley Life Sciences Building (VLSB for short), which will also be the drop-off and pick-up location. All programs at UC Santa Cruz have drop off on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. and pick up on Friday at 4:00 p.m. (presentations to parents from 2:00–4:00 p.m.). All programs at Bodega Marine Lab have drop off on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. and pick up on Friday at 4:00 p.m. (presentations to parents from 2:00–4:00 p.m.). The drop-off and pick-up location will be communicated to you in a welcome email before the program begins.

Yes, so long as a parent has approved it! We encourage parents to sign the ‘Teen Program Dismissal Form’ at the time of registration so that teens can arrive and leave independently with the conclusion of programming, especially as parking nearby can be challenging. Parents without self-dismissal for their teen must come to the checkout point away from the street for sign out. Even with self-dismissal, teens must make direct eye contact and sign out with their instructors at the conclusion of each day. If you did not sign the ‘Teen Program Dismissal Form’ waiver at the time of registration or cannot recall, please email thelawrenceteens@berkeley.edu and indicate your request for self dismissal in writing, stating: your name, child’s name, and the title and dates of the program for which they are registered.

Yes, you can pick up your teen early or drop them off late if needed. Please let us know as far in advance as possible by emailing TheLawrenceTeens@berkeley.edu and indicate your request in writing, stating: your name, child’s name, and the registered program. If you have day-of needs, you can text us at a number we provide in the welcome email. Please note that, depending on the timing, teens might be located at a range of sites on campus. We encourage parents to sign the ‘Teen Program Dismissal Form’ at the time of registration so that teens can arrive and leave independently. If you did not sign this waiver at the time of registration or cannot recall, please email thelawrenceteens@berkeley.edu and indicate your request for self dismissal in writing, stating: your name, child’s name, and the title and dates of the program for which they are registered.

There is a growing need for financial aid. This year we are extending aid to more families and at three levels— 90%, 45%, and 15% off the publicized price. Financial aid awards are intended for California teens and prioritized based on financial need, family exposure to higher education, and teen’s access to STEM opportunities and mentors. Please note that we offer multiple types of programs and at three locations (commuter-based as well as residential-based at UC Berkeley, and residential-based at UC Santa Cruz and UC Davis’s Bodega Marine Laboratory), and it is important that you indicate for which exact type of program you are requesting aid. Your personal information will be deleted after all financial aid decisions have been made. The application must be filled out by the parent or legal guardian. Learn more here.

You can find a detailed packing list here: tinyurl.com/TRP2026PackingList. In general, your teen will need clothing for the week (including layers as the temperatures vary throughout the day/evening), pillow, bedding or a sleeping bag, closed-toe shoes, a towel, personal toiletries, and spending money for outings (e.g., frozen yogurt, boba, or items from the campus store). UC Berkeley, UC Santa Cruz, and Bodega Marine Lab require slightly different bedding and clothing, so please check the correct detailed packing list in the link.

Roommates are assigned based on a combination of factors, including the teen’s age, gender, and program track. We often mix teens from different program tracks so they have an opportunity to meet and connect with more participants.

Teens who are attending with a friend may request to room together. To make a rooming request, the parents or guardians of both teens must email thelawrenceteens@berkeley.edu. We will do our best to accommodate these requests when possible.

No, all teens are under our supervision at all times and are not permitted to leave the designated program space at any time. We have multiple evening activities and outings to and around campus as part of the residential experience, including a menu of choices most evenings. Residential Advisors and other residential staff are always present with teens at a 1:10 ratio. The Program leadership is also on site for the length of the program.

Yes, while all teens are under our supervision at all times, we do provide free time in the dorms, on campus, and in Berkeley in specific areas and while supervised. Beyond this, teens are not permitted to leave the designated program space. We have multiple evening activities and outings to and around campus as part of the residential experience. Most days teens will be given a menu of options so they can select an activity that works for their needs and interests that evening. Residential Advisors and other residential staff are always present with teens at a 1:10 ratio. The Program leadership is also on site for the length of the program.

All teens are supervised at all times. If interested, we can provide Bridge Coverage for the 2 nights between back-to-back programs of session 5 and 6 for high school teens. Bridge Coverage includes accommodations, meals, and activities, including a Lawrence Hall of Science visit and some free time in downtown Berkeley that many teens desire.

We can’t tell you how to spend your summer vacation. That said, we require parents and/or a designated legal guardian to be accessible to contact and available for a pick up in case of emergency. Perhaps the Everest trek can wait for another week during your summer.

All teens will receive a personalized certificate of completion from UC Berkeley on the last day of the program.

If you still have any other programming-related questions, such as schedule, staffing, content, or your teen’s needs, please email thelawrenceteens@berkeley.edu. If you are unsure of the exact nature of your inquiry then cc: lhsreg@berkeley.edu in your email.

If you have registration-related questions, such as refunds, cancellations or transfers, please email lhsreg@berkeley.edu. Please include the participant (teen) name, parent/guardian name and the name and start date of the program in your message.