About

The MASTERMIND Summer Program offered by the USC Viterbi K-12 STEM Center is an in-person, mathematics-focused initiative for high school students affiliated with select preparatory pipelines such as USC MESA, Upward Bound Math and Science, and USC Bovard Scholars. Held on USC’s campus, the program strengthens foundational math skills by situating them within an applied engineering framework.

For the Summer 2026 session (June 22 – July 17), the program is structured into two tracks: a standard MASTERMIND level for students in Geometry or Algebra 2, and an Advanced track for seniors preparing for Calculus. The curriculum utilizes the ALEKS personalized learning platform alongside MATLAB labs, where students visualize mathematical concepts through code and real-world engineering simulations. Instruction takes place Monday through Friday for approximately six hours per day.

Eligibility is restricted to rising or graduating seniors who are affiliated with one of the Viterbi STEM Center’s partner networks. Because the program is a core part of USC’s outreach mission, it is available at no cost to admitted students, and lunch is provided daily. The program does not confer college credit but provides a transcript-style certificate of completion.

Participants leave with enhanced facility in computational tools and the analytic capacity required for first-year engineering study. By bridging adaptive math practice with forward-looking STEM preparation, MASTERMIND ensures that students from historically underrepresented backgrounds are academically positioned for the rigors of a top-tier engineering curriculum.