California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science (COSMOS)
COSMOS Statewide Office, University of California, Davis, 2023 PDSB (Physical and Data Sciences Building), One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616
About
California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science (COSMOS) is an intensive four-week summer residential pre-college program where high school students work with renowned faculty, researchers, and scientists in state-of-the-art facilities. Students spend the session exploring advanced STEM topics far beyond the courses usually offered in California high schools through challenging curricula that are both hands-on and lab-intensive.
• Ages: 13–18 years old
• Schedule: An intensive four-week summer residential pre-college program
The program is limited to California high school students only, and talented and motivated students completing grades 8–12 may apply. Students apply to one of the University of California COSMOS campuses: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Los Angeles, UC Merced, UC San Diego, or UC Santa Cruz. Each campus can accommodate about 160–200 participants, and the selection is competitive, with a typical COSMOS student having a GPA of 3.5 or above. COSMOS is a full residential and in-person program, but in case of sudden circumstances that prevent in-person instruction of the planned curriculum, COSMOS may temporarily change the instructional format or remaining program duration to remote instruction to complete the program for affected students. COSMOS funding relies on donors, and its stated mission is “Preparing the next generation of STEM leaders.”
The leadership team includes Niels Grønbech Jensen, Executive Director; Helen Barr, Assistant Director; Stefanie Smart, Program Coordinator; Geri Bryan, Event Coordinator; and Will Lamb, Director of Development.
Last updated June 11, 2026.
• Ages: 13–18 years old
• Schedule: An intensive four-week summer residential pre-college program
The program is limited to California high school students only, and talented and motivated students completing grades 8–12 may apply. Students apply to one of the University of California COSMOS campuses: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Los Angeles, UC Merced, UC San Diego, or UC Santa Cruz. Each campus can accommodate about 160–200 participants, and the selection is competitive, with a typical COSMOS student having a GPA of 3.5 or above. COSMOS is a full residential and in-person program, but in case of sudden circumstances that prevent in-person instruction of the planned curriculum, COSMOS may temporarily change the instructional format or remaining program duration to remote instruction to complete the program for affected students. COSMOS funding relies on donors, and its stated mission is “Preparing the next generation of STEM leaders.”
The leadership team includes Niels Grønbech Jensen, Executive Director; Helen Barr, Assistant Director; Stefanie Smart, Program Coordinator; Geri Bryan, Event Coordinator; and Will Lamb, Director of Development.
Last updated June 11, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.