Summer Session Sponsored Programs
Silicon Valley Innovation Academy (SVIA)
The Silicon Valley Innovation Academy (SVIA) is an exclusive opportunity for 80 students to see, touch, taste, hear and feel the culture of Silicon Valley–a hands-on startup experience that takes you through the process from napkin to prototype.
SVIA gives you the opportunity to spend 7 weeks learning from expert coaches and mentors throughout Silicon Valley. Stanford Summer Session supports your journey with access to leaders of innovation and ideation through panels, site visits and coaching sessions. Top student teams will have the chance to present ideas to successful entrepreneurs at Stanford Sharks, an event modeled after the popular Shark Tank show. For more information, visit the SVIA webpage.
Stanford 2 to 4: A Veteran’s Accelerator
Stanford 2 to 4: A Veteran’s Accelerator is an all-inclusive scholarship program that aims to provide U.S. Military Veterans, who are currently enrolled in community colleges, important academic skills to combine with and build upon their vast Veteran experiences to thrive in a competitive 4-year university. The scholarship program covers all expenses, including tuition and fees, private bedroom accommodations in a shared suite, a dining plan and book stipend. For more information, visit the Stanford 2 to 4: A Veteran’s Accelerator webpage.
Other Special Programs
The following special programs are affiliated with Stanford Summer Session, but may be sponsored by another group or department on campus. Information about each opportunity is listed below, including any specific admission requirements and contact information to learn more.
Chinese Language Program: Stanford/Peking University
The Chinese Language Program: Stanford/Peking University combines an intensive five-week language program at Stanford with a four-week practicum at Peking University in Beijing, China. Intensive Chinese is offered at the first, second, and third-year levels on the Stanford campus. At Peking University, there are five levels of instruction based on proficiency. Classes meet for four hours of instruction, Monday through Friday, and each course is equivalent to one year of instruction. To apply, students must submit a Stanford/Peking University Program application, a letter of recommendation, and a personal statement to the Stanford Language Center by April 15, 2016. For further information and an application, visit the Chinese Language Program: Stanford/Peking University website, or email Amy Keohane.
Hopkins Marine Station Program
The Hopkins Marine Station program offers a Marine Biology curriculum in the Summer Quarter. Courses are open to students in all majors. The program provides upper-level undergraduate and graduate students with courses in biological and environmental sciences related to life in the oceans. Students live in residence in Pacific Grove, California. To apply, students must submit a Hopkins Marine Station application by April 16, 2016. For an application, visit the Hopkins Marine website or email Judy Thompson for more information.
English for Foreign Students Program (EFS)
The English for Foreign Students (EFS) program in the Stanford Language Center provides courses to international students in English as a second language (ESL). From the beginning of July to the middle of August, EFS offers a six-week Intensive English and Academic Orientation program for new international graduate students and visiting scholars, in addition to a variety of ESL courses for continuing Stanford graduate students. Students interested in the intensive courses for graduate students and visiting scholars should apply directly to the EFS program. There are also a few eight-week EFS courses available for international students admitted to Stanford Summer Session. For further information about any of these courses, please visit the EFS website or email Tracey Riesen.
Intensive Language Study Program
The American Language and Culture (ALC) program combines daily morning English language classes with educational field trips, lectures and panel discussions aimed at exploring contemporary American culture. A major focus for this program is the language and culture of San Francisco and Silicon Valley.
This four-week program is jointly offered by the English for Foreign Students (EFS) program in the Stanford Language Center and VIA, a nonprofit organization based at Stanford that has promoted US-Asia international education and exchange since 1963. To be eligible, a student must be currently attending or recently graduated from a university in Asia. Students must submit an application and complete a one-on-one interview (in person or over the phone) in order to be eligible to the program. For further information, visit the ALC website or email Kazutoh Ishida.
