Stanford Summer Engineering Academy

Coming Summer 2025

A new summer bridge program for incoming students that includes the best of LSP, SSEA, SOAR, and THRIVE.

See summerbridge.stanford.edu for details

For 26 years the Stanford Summer Engineering Academy (SSEA) welcomed  cohorts of first-year students to campus for a dynamic academic and residential experience. SSEA has made a meaningful impact on many  generations of Stanford engineering students, and we are confident that this transition will continue to support and benefit students at Stanford. The SSEA community will hold an indelible footprint on the legacy of the School of Engineering.

As we look ahead to the upcoming Stanford Summer Bridge experience, the Office of Student Affairs will continue to support current engineering students that have participated in SSEA by engaging in initiatives throughout the academic year that build community and foster belonging.

SSEA Objectives

Give students a real feel for life on campus with discussions on how to transition to college, and the opportunity to bond with fellow cohort members. Students also have the chance to explore campus and the Bay Area.

Prepare students for college-level engineering studies by engaging them with computer science and math classes, lab projects, and resource fairs. 

Challenge students to think critically through sessions exploring technological impacts in society, visits with industry partners, and daily guest lectures by Stanford faculty from the School of Engineering.

SSEA Seminar

SSEA offers a seminar during the Autumn quarter for access to additional advising and support along with a community of peers and mentors to reinforce ​and build off of the skills and strategies acquired from the summer.

Students learn and fine-tune their leadership skills in areas including: goal-setting, networking, career/interest exploration, time management, team dynamics, effective communication, and self-advocacy.