Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still apply for the camp?
The application deadline was April 30th, however if you are serious about attending EPIC and were unable to complete an application before the deadline, you still have the option of turning in an application. You will be automatically put on the waitlist. We have received an overwhelming response this year and have a long waiting list! You still might have a chance of getting in but there are no guarantees. We will begin accepting waitlisted students starting June 1st up to the week before the camp. If at anytime you know that you will not be able to attend and are on the waitlist, please let us know as soon as possible.
How much does the camp cost?
The registration fee for the 2009 EPIC summer program is $350.00 per student.
Is there a residential option for my out of town student?
Residential options are not currently available for the EPIC program. We are hoping to provide a residential option in 2010. Families from out of town may wish to consider a family vacation during the week of the camp. San Luis Obispo and the Central Coast communities are popular tourist destination. Visit http://www.sanluisobispocounty.com/ or http://visitslo.com/ for information.
I would like my high school student to attend, but cannot afford the cost of the camp. Is there assistance available?
Thanks to the donations from our industry sponsors, some scholarships are available. A scholarship application must be completed online, along with the application. Click here to get started.
If I'm on the waiting list, when will I know if I've been accepted?
Students can be called off the waiting list up until the week before the camp, if accepted campers cancel. If you are from out of town and unable to wait to make accommodation plans, you should withdraw your application. It is our goal to insure we fill the full 140 slots for the camp and have no spaces unfilled.
When will I know if I've been accepted?
We will begin accepting applicants to the camp in late March. For new applicants, you will hear of your acceptance within four weeks of your application date.
Can my student drive him/herself to the camp?
Yes. If your student is legally eligible to drive, he or she may choose to drive themselves to Cal Poly. A parking permit will be given and parking rules must be followed at all times.
What transportation is provided?
Bus pick-up and drop-off locations are provided at some high school locations, based on the highest population of students attending EPIC. Typically, the pickup and drop off locations are in Santa Maria, Arroyo Grande, Atascadero and Paso Robles.
What are the times of the program?
The program runs from 9:00am until 5pm daily.
Will food be provided?
Lunch will be provided daily, along with water and afternoon snacks. Camp attendees should be fed an appropriate breakfast at home.
Why is a social security number required?
Some of the industry tour locations require a background check on all visitors. The social security number is required only for the tours. If your student does not have a SSN, they can request to go on a tour that does not require this information.
What should my student bring to camp?
Students should bring a picture ID (driver's license or school ID card), an open mind and a willing attitude. They should be fed a substantial breakfast to sustain them until lunch time. Lunch, water bottles and afternoon snacks will be provided. On the first day, students will be given a bag filled with gifts, including notebook and pens/pencils. Students will write their name on these bags and should bring the bag each day to carry their things.
How will my student be assigned to a group?
Students will be assigned to groups based on their track preferences. Each "group" will be made up of 10 high school students and one Cal Poly college student counselor. The groups will be either upper classmen (juniors & seniors) or lower classmen (freshman & sophomores). Each lab session will accommodate two groups, which could be lower or upper classmen groups.
Will my freshman be grouped with seniors?
Students will be placed in a group based on their grade level. Freshman and sophomore students will be grouped together and juniors and seniors will be grouped together. This structure allows for younger students to feel more confident and less intimidated by older students. A group of upper classmen may be in the same lab with as a group of lower classmen. However, students will form their lab teams primarily on their assigned group.
What is the Friday Showcase and who is invited?
The Friday Showcase is an expo of the student's work during the week. Parents and friends are invited and encouraged to attend. This is an opportunity for students to show off what they did during the week, as well as an opportunity to talk with the engineering departments and professors one-on-one.
Can I volunteer to help?
Parents or guardians may volunteer to help with the camp. Opportunities include being a lab assistant or chaperoning on the tours. Please contact Teana Fredeen to volunteer at tfredeen@calpoly.edu.