About EPIC
Our Mission
EPIC-Engineering Possibilities in College shares Cal Poly’s College of Engineering mission “to educate students for careers of service, leadership, and distinction in engineering or other fields by using a Learn by Doing, hands-on approach." As one of the college’s outreach programs, EPIC aims to facilitate a participant’s exploration of engineering fields and build a community of like-minded individuals.
Our History
EPIC-Engineering Possibilities in College summer camp began in 2007 with 20 middle/high school female students as a Cal Poly student half-day camp project. Since then, EPIC has expanded to include up to six sessions accommodating over 800 participants. Each week/session is offered for either Middle School or High School students, respectively. Sessions have been offered both residential and virtual, allowing participants to experience campus life and the ability to envision themselves as college students.
Hands-On Labs
At EPIC, participants explore the world of engineering through live virtual and in-person engineering labs. Participants learn about the fields of engineering through hands-on labs taught by university professors and industry professionals. They will have the opportunity to design, build, and test their own engineering project!
Engineering topics/classes
Please check out the EPIC 2026 tab and click under each session for a list of topics/labs.
Social Activities
EPIC isn’t all work and no play. Participants will be able to make new friends, go hiking, swim, participate in field games, and get to know the campus.
EPIC 2026 DATES AND DEADLINES
Program Dates
- Session 1 June 28 -July 2 7th - 8thGrade
- Session 2 July 5-10 9th - 11th Grade
- Session 3 July 12-17 9th - 11th Grade
- Session 4 July 19-24 9th - 11th Grade
Grades are based on current spring enrollment. Students who graduate high school in spring 2026 are not eligible to apply.
Dates and Deadlines
January 5, 2026 - Online application opens APPLY NOW
February 6, 2026 - Early admission application closes
March 31, 2026 - Early admission decision notifications go out. Online application closes.
April 10, 2026 - Early admission offer acceptance or decline
April 17, 2026 - Regular admission decision notifications go out
May 1, 2026 - Regular admission offer acceptance or decline
May 8, 2026 – Waitlist status notifications go out
May 15, 2026 All required material must be electronically signed and submitted
Eligibility Criteria
Acceptance into EPIC is based on the essay written, interest to learn about engineering, and indication that the student has applied themselves to their studies based on g.p.a, classes taken, and extracurricular activities. The EPIC program does its best to determine which students will gain the most from the program.
Application Process
To apply, click APPLY NOW. The application will require general family and student information, along with a no longer than 250-word (1 page) essay answering why they would like to attend EPIC. Students must have a non-school-related email address listed on the application. A parent's email address may be used for students as long as the students have access to the emails sent from EPIC. Although the program is not first-come-first-serve, we strongly encourage you to apply early and submit before the deadline if you are applying for a need-based scholarship.
Applicants do not need to submit a letter of recommendation or send in transcripts. There is also no fee to apply. Payment is submitted once the applicant is admitted to the program.
2026 Registration Fee
Registration FEE for 2026 coming soon!
Session 1 June 28-July 2 7th-8th Grade
Session 2 July 5-10 9th-11th Grade
Session 3 July 12-17 9th-11th Grade
Session 4 July 19-24 9th-11th Grade
The fee covers the following:
- Housing
- All meals and snacks
- Engineering Classes
- All activities
- Engineering week group project
- Speaker Series: Cal Poly Admissions, Industry Speaker, College Life, Engineering Majors, Engineering Student Panels
- Social Events: Pool, Movie Night, Bowling, Hikes
- Tours: Cal Poly, College of Engineering, and Housing
- EPIC camp t-shirt, cinch bag, lanyard
Scholarships
EPIC offers partial scholarships to campers based on financial need. We strongly encourage participants to apply for a need-based scholarship as soon as possible, as funds are very limited.
Transportation
Unfortunately, EPIC is not able to provide transportation for participants. Participants from outside San Luis Obispo County who choose to fly in may choose to fly into the San Luis Obispo airport or use the Amtrak train, both of which are about 15 minutes away. Parents/Guardians are then responsible for scheduling transportation to and from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
Admission Criteria
Decisions are made based on the essay written, interest to learn about engineering, and indication that student have applied themselves to their studies based on g.p.a., classes taken, and extracurricular activities. The EPIC program does its best to determine which students will gain the most from the program.
Deadline to Confirm Attendance
Attendance will be confirmed by submitting payment. Please submit payment by the deadline provided in the admission email.
Waitlist
Participants who are admitted from the waitlist will have a week from the date to accept, complete registration, and finalize payment.
Payment Deadline
The payment deadline will be stated in the admission email along with the scholarship code if one has been awarded. The discount will be applied to the registration fee. All payments must be made online using a credit card. Checks are not accepted. Participants who fail to pay by the deadline will be dropped.
Refund Policy
Conference and Event Planning must receive registration and full payment to allow event participation. Registrations will not be processed with incomplete or missing payment.
Please note that the registration fee does include a $300.00 non-refundable deposit and an additional $200.00 non-refundable “materials” fee. Conference and Event Planning must receive cancellation requests in writing 15 days before the event starts in order to receive a full refund, less the $500.00 non-refundable deposit and a 3% payment handling fee. Refunds will not be given for cancellations received within 15 days prior to the start of the Epic session.
- Registration fees cannot be transferred.
- No refund will be given in the event of dismissal or voluntary departure from the program at any time.
More Information
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page for more information. If you still have questions, email us at epic@calpoly.edu.
