Merced, CA (December 16, 2025) — UC Merced is expanding its academic reach in a major way by becoming one of the University of California campuses hosting the California State Summer School for Math and Science (COSMOS) — a highly competitive, four-week residential STEM program for California’s top high school students.
COSMOS is designed for ambitious students who excel in science, technology, engineering, and math subjects and want to go beyond the typical high school classroom. Since it began in 1998, the program has been recognized as one of the state’s most prestigious pre-college STEM experiences, previously hosted only at UC Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Cruz. UC Merced’s addition this coming summer marks a major milestone for the San Joaquin Valley — and especially for students from Los Banos, Merced County, and surrounding communities who have dreamed of advanced STEM opportunities without leaving the region.
Unlike a typical summer camp, COSMOS is a fully residential academic experience. Students live on campus for four weeks, working closely with UC faculty, graduate students, and mentors in small “clusters” that dive deeply into hands-on research and real-world STEM challenges. Each cluster focuses on a specific theme, from AI at scale and quantum materials to nanomaterials and bioluminescence biology, giving students a chance to explore cutting-edge topics not usually available in high school.
For many participants, COSMOS isn’t just about challenging coursework, it’s an eye-opening introduction to college life. Students work on projects, present research, and build both academic skills and lifelong friendships. Attendees live together, attend classes from morning into the evening, and even go on field trips that broaden their perspective on science and teamwork. Teachers say students often come away more confident and more prepared for college success.
Applications for COSMOS at UC Merced open in early January of each year, and acceptance is extremely competitive. Statewide, the program receives nearly nine applications for every one spot, and most admitted students have near-top GPAs. Financial aid is available so that cost won’t block deserving students from participating.
UC Merced’s first COSMOS session is scheduled to begin July 5, 2026, giving local high schoolers a chance to compete for spots without having to travel far from home. School leaders and families in the Central Valley are hopeful the program will encourage more young scientists from this region to pursue careers in STEM and help fill the state’s increasing demand for skilled innovators.
For students in Los Banos and nearby towns with a passion for math and science, this summer program could be the opportunity that puts them on a path to cutting-edge research and future careers in engineering, computing, biotechnology, or space science.
