COSMOS offers a unique opportunity to learn from UC faculty professors, researchers, and expert scientists on a prestigious university campus, providing a pre-college experience that goes beyond the typical high school curriculum.
COSMOS at UC Santa Cruz is a rigorous four-week residential program designed for high-achieving high school students passionate about STEM. Students enroll in one specialized "cluster" for the duration of the program, which includes two advanced STEM courses and a transferable skills course focusing on science communication. Activities involve hands-on labs, lectures from UC faculty and researchers, field trips, and team projects. Students gain critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills, culminating in a final research project presented at a STEM symposium. The program aims to deepen scientific knowledge beyond the high school curriculum and foster a collaborative community of peers and mentors.
A typical day consists of cluster science and/or mathematics-related courses, a transferable skills course focusing on science communication, lectures, labs, and/or field trips. Evenings include recreation and study groups, with special activities and supervised field trips planned for weekends.
COSMOS is best for talented high school students who are passionate about STEM and committed to furthering their academic excellence, seeking an intensive, immersive pre-college experience.
University of California, Santa Cruz
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