Summer Cultural Heritage Program

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The UCLA Cultural Heritage Summer Program is part of the Waystation Initiative at UCLA which advances ethical frameworks for the voluntary return and shared stewardship of cultural heritage through interdisciplinary research, education, and global partnership. Learn more about the Waystation Initiative here.

Level Up Your Learning: Dive into Global Heritage, Hands-On Research &

Real-World Impact!

The Cultural Heritage Summer Program is a 4-week immersive experience for undergraduate and city college students, especially those interested in or preparing to transfer to undergraduate program or applying to grad school. Through mentorship and research, you’ll explore how cultural heritage connects the past, present, and future, all while building your academic and professional skills.

  • Collaborate with experts: Work closely with scholars and students from multiple campuses on meaningful, real-world research projects.
  • Learn hands-on: Engage directly with cultural objects from around the world and learn about their origins, importance, and ethical considerations.
  • Explore Heritage Justice: Gain an understanding of decolonization efforts and how cultural objects are protected, stewarded, and restituted in the 21st century. Learn about the importance of heritage and the effect that its removal has on nations and communities.

*No tuition costs*

*Lunch provided*

*Free parking*

*Conference travel and registration paid*

Program Objectives

  • Research Collaboration: Work with others to build strong research projects and make lasting academic connections.

  • Critical Thinking & Professional Skills: Gain the tools to develop research designs, abstracts, and statements of purpose.

  • Conference Prep: Learn how to deliver a powerful presentation and impress at professional events.

Details

Four week on-site program July 21 - August 11, 2025
Plus 9 months of mentoring towards a conference presentation
On-site at UCLA in the Cotsen Institute of Archaeology
Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:00AM - 4:00PM

 

Application process

Apply now for the UCLA Cultural Heritage Summer Program and take your academic journey to the next level!

Application deadline is May 15th, 2025
Notification of acceptance by May 30, 2025

Apply here

Download the program flyer here and a preliminary schedule here.

For more information about the program, email waystation@ioa.ucla.edu