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 for high school students who have demonstrated an aptitude for academic and professional careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. Talented and motivated students completing grades 8–12 work with renowned faculty, researchers, and scientists in state-of-the-art facilities while exploring advanced STEM topics far beyond the courses usually offered in California high schools. COSMOS uses challenging curricula that are both hands-on and lab-intensive.
• Ages: 13–18 years old
• Schedule: Intensive four-week summer residential pre-college program; online applications available January 7, 2026, 8:00 AM, with a deadline for all application material on February 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM
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, and each campus can accommodate about 160–200 participants. COSMOS is limited to California high school students only, 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 the instructional format or remaining program duration may temporarily change to remote instruction in case of sudden circumstances that prevent in-person instruction of the planned curriculum. The mission of COSMOS is “Preparing the next generation of STEM leaders,” and COSMOS funding relies on donors.
The COSMOS 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 March 11, 2026.
• Ages: 13–18 years old
• Schedule: Intensive four-week summer residential pre-college program; online applications available January 7, 2026, 8:00 AM, with a deadline for all application material on February 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM
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, and each campus can accommodate about 160–200 participants. COSMOS is limited to California high school students only, 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 the instructional format or remaining program duration may temporarily change to remote instruction in case of sudden circumstances that prevent in-person instruction of the planned curriculum. The mission of COSMOS is “Preparing the next generation of STEM leaders,” and COSMOS funding relies on donors.
The COSMOS 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 March 11, 2026.
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