Summer Learning Reimagined

The Pacific Summer High School Institute is a two-week residential pre-college summer program designed for curious high school students to live, learn and grow at one of America’s top universities. During the program, summer institute students become immersed in cutting-edge topics and issues through learning environments focused on real-world, hands-on experiences in our labs, studios, fields and makerspaces. In short, Pacific Institute students experience college firsthand.

In the summer of 2026, the Pacific Summer High School Institute will run for two program sessions. The first session starts on June 1 and concludes on June 11, while the second session goes from June 16 until June 26.

Registration for both sessions opens at midnight on November 1st, 2025.

Learning

Students choose from a wide variety of courses that span five interest categories: Performing and Visual Arts, Health and Science, Engineering and Technology, Business and Society and Athletics. Our Summer High School Institute has something to fit their interests, whether that's working with nationally recognized musicians, exploring medical microbiology, or taking control of their financial future.

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Living

Pacific Institute students will live on our beautiful Northern California campus in the same residential halls where our college students live during the academic year, dine on Bon Appetit’s wide variety of offerings in the DeRosa University Center Marketplace, exercise in the state-of-the-art Baun Fitness Center and study in our newly reimagined library designed for 21st century learning and collaboration.

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Doing

Each night there will be a host of activities to choose from, ranging from movies under the stars, arts and crafts, esports and karaoke to swimming, basketball, volleyball and other activities in our NCAA Division I athletic facilities.

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Hear from past students and their parents

"Spanish is not my first language, but the language I have been learning for 5 years. I decided to take this program [...] to be able to use the language in my future career as an orthopedic surgeon. The program made me more confident in my speaking, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Professor Martin Camps taught his students lessons relating to healthcare, culture, and life. Each inspired and encouraged me in a different way. Now, I believe that Spanish can be the language that I will acquire and use in my career."

—2025 student, Spanish for the Health Professions

 

"I was very impressed with the program, the campus and everyone I've met. The program allowed my daughter to experience college life. I was very, very hesitant about her living on campus as a dad, but after moving her in and visiting the campus I was not worried. Every day, she would call me and tell me about all that she was learning and her visit to the Sacramento campus."

—Parent of a 2024 student, Medical Professional   

"I had a really amazing experience. I was really worried about not knowing many people at first, but I met so many people and made new life-long connections. My course was so enriching and I learned so much that will stick with me and help me towards my dream future of being a business owner. The teacher was genuinely so invested in each student and I learned so much about myself."

—2024 student, Leadership for Women 

 

"I would absolutely send my daughter again because she's gained so much experience in college life. It's given her a great experience and is helping her build her portfolio. It's really important for my daughter to be prepared for college. There are a lot of things that can be intimidating as a freshman in college. This program gives them a taste of college life in a positive environment."

—Parent of a 2024 student, 2D art Studio

"This was such an eye-opening experience that I would recommend to anyone and everyone and will cherish forever!"

—2024 student, Future Dentists 

 

"It was a wonderful experience. It made me really want to work hard so that I can actually attend college in the future."

—2024 student, Wearable Technology and Bio-Signals 

The full Pacific experience

At California's first university, institute students will have the opportunity to learn from our award-winning faculty. For two weeks, they will experience the life of a college student in the heart of Northern California, interacting with students from across the state. 

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Zoom Q&A Sessions & Contact

Join these online Q&A sessions with Director Dr. Balint Sztaray and Program Manager Faith Arano to learn more about each of the various programs that the Summer High School Institute has to offer. The Q&A sessions will occur every Tuesday at 6 p.m.

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About University of the Pacific

University of the Pacific is California’s first and oldest university, founded in 1851, less than a year after statehood. With campuses across Northern California in Stockton, Sacramento and San Francisco, the university places a premium on personalized learning and experiential opportunities for students. It is ranked in the top 100 national universities by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education and top 20 in the West. 

Learn more about Pacific