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 six annual sessions accommodating over 800 participants each year. Each week/session is offered for either Middle School or High School students respectively. Sessions are offered both residential and virtual giving participants an opportunity 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 2024 tab and click under each session for a list of topics/labs.

Social Activities

EPIC isn’t all work and no play. Participants will have the opportunity to make new friends go hiking, swimming, participate in field game names, and get to know campus. 

EPIC 2024 DATES

 

Program Dates

  • Session 1   June 30 -July 5      Rising 6th-8th Grade      (Residential) 
  • Session 2   July 7-12               Rising 9th-12th Grade     (Residential)               
  • Session 3   July 14-19             Rising 9th-12th Grade   (Residential) 
  • Session 4   July 21-26             Rising 9th-12th Grade (Residential)

Grades are based on Fall 2024 enrollment. Students who have graduated H.S. are not eligible to apply.

Eligibility Criteria

Acceptance into EPIC is based on the essay written, interest to learn about engineering, and indication 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 on the APPLY button on the Home page. The application will require general family and student information along with a no longer than 250 words (1 page) essay answering why they would like to attend EPIC. Students must have a non-school issues email address listed on the application. A parent email address may be used for students as long as the students will 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.

2024 Registration Fee $1,975

Fee covers the following:

  • Housing (Sunday evening - Friday afternoon)
  • 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: Scavenger hunt, talent show, recreation center, pool, movie night, bowling
  • 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 the airport to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. 

Admission Criteria

Decisions are made based on the essay written, interest to learn about engineering, and indication 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.

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 admitted 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 $100.00 non-refundable deposit and an additional $150.00 non-refundable “materials” fee. Conference and Event Planning must receive cancelation requests in writing 15 days prior to event start in order to receive a full refund less the $250.00 non-refundable deposit and a 3% payment handling fee. Refunds will not be given for cancelations 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.

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