FUTURES Programs

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About Futures

The UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies Futures initiative gives high school students the opportunity to explore career and college pathways through programs that offer practical and applied learning in high demand fields. Our courses and programs not only provide students with real-world skills and personal development, but also with opportunities for internships, professional employment, and educational advancement. In addition, parents/guardians have the opportunity to take these courses alongside their students, strengthening the sense of community and pride within the family unit. These programs are specifically designed for high school students and adhere to the same rigor and standard of excellence upheld by the University.

About the Department of Education and Community Outreach (ECO)

The Department of Education and Community Outreach offers a uniquely holistic and service-based approach to education, incorporating opportunities for students in PreK- postsecondary; parents; teachers and school personnel; community members; and adults over the age of 50. ECO attends to the needs of over 30,000 learners per annum in contextually grounded, dynamic and personalized ways, employing face-to-face, blended and online formats. Beyond courses, certificates and programs leading to professional licensure, ECO works with communities across the globe to cultivate capacity and to serve as catalysts for transformation.

ECO serves as home to a host of cutting-edge programs and initiatives aligned with the needs of education and industry, including Sally Ride Science, the Futures initiative, and the University of California Professional Development Institute (UCPDI), a system-wide applied research organization. ECO partners with schools, districts and postsecondary institutions across the United States in support of developing avenues for enhanced access, equity and inclusion in education. ECO also works cooperatively public libraries, YMCAs and other community-based organizations to bring to them the best of what the University of California has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What credit do students receive for participating in Futures?

• Students receive three (3) pre-college credits per course. Some participating high school locations accept these credits to serve as elective credits on students’ high school transcripts potentially being applied to high school graduation requirements. Contact your school counselor to confirm credit acceptance PRIOR to enrolling in the courses. In addition, some higher education institutions will accept these credits as transferable credits to be applied to undergraduate requirements. Please contact the institution as to specific guidelines on credit transfers. Students can request official transcripts from UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies to include in college applications and for professional pursuits.

• How do students enroll?

• Students enroll directly through the Futures website. Upon choosing a course within one of the program offerings, add the course to your cart and select your grading preference. Read and accept the terms and conduct policies to move forward with checkout. If you have a UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies student account, login to process your enrollment. If you do not have a UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies student account, create a new account here, then login with your new credentials. Follow the above steps until enrollment and payment is processed. If you have questions during this process, please contact Student Services at (858) 534-3400, option 3.

• How do students request transcripts?

• Visit UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies’s website and click order your transcript. Login with your student account credentials and follow the step-by-step prompts. If you have questions during this process, please contact Student Services at (858) 534-3400, option 3.

• What opportunities await students upon completion of the program?

• Students will have access to internship opportunities through Extended Studies’ affiliation with San Diego Workforce Partnership. Students themselves are ultimately responsible for applying for internships. By participating in this program, students will gain a specific set of skills that make them standout in collegiate applications and future career pursuits.

• Do students need to take courses in a certain order?

• Yes, courses will be offered in sequential order as curriculum builds upon proceeding courses.

• Are scholarships available for the Futures program?

• Scholarship opportunities are open to students who qualify to free or reduced lunch and are awarded on a first-come, first-served, basis. Students must apply through the online application posted on the UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies website within the designated timeframe. Scholarship applications open during the month of August and close during the month of September. Students will receive notification via email if they received or did not receive a scholarship. It is important to note that students who receive scholarship opportunities are required to complete the entire program or may be financially responsible for reimbursing UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies up to $1,200. All scholarship questions should be directed to precollege@ucsd.edu.

• Is financing or payment plans for Futures tuition an option through UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies?

• Yes, payment plans are available on a case-by-case basis through UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. In addition to the tuition cost, there is a $40 processing charge. To qualify for payment plans, you must commit to all courses within a program. Payments are evenly broken up during the duration of a program and are automatically charged to a credit card on file one time per month. For more information on payment plans, please contact precollege@ucsd.edu.

• How do students request their Award of Completion?

• Once students have completed all three required courses within a Futures program track, students need to request an audit of their completion status by emailing precollege@ucsd.edu. A UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies staff member will complete the audit and contact Extended Studies' Student Services team to process the Award of Completion. Awards of Completion will be mailed directly to the address listed in the student account.

• What grade is considered a passing grade for a Futures course?

• Students are required to earn a C- or higher to receive credit for a course and apply the course toward the requirement to earn a certificate of completion.

• When do new Futures courses start?

• Futures courses run in line with a traditional academic year with enrollment opening by August and classes running from approximately September to June.

Have Questions?

Fill out the below form or contact us directly at precollege@ucsd.edu or 858-534-0804.