San Diego Jewish Academy first in the county to offer University of California Naturalist Certification to high school students

San Diego Jewish Academy (SDJA), a leader in preschool to 12th grade education for more than 45 years, will be the first school in San Diego County – public or independent – to offer the Summer UC California Naturalist Certification for 9-12 grade students, according to a news release.

“We are extremely proud to be the first school in the region to offer this exceptional opportunity to students throughout the San Diego area,” said Zvi Weiss, Head of School at SDJA, in the news release. “This breakthrough academic opportunity gives students UC credit, real fieldwork, and a college level credential. We are committed to these innovative opportunities that position students for lifelong learning and success.”

The University of California Naturalist Certification is an intensive, hands-on program teaching California’s unique ecology, environmental stewardship, and citizen science through fieldwork, expert lectures, and community projects. The program is open to both SDJA and non-SDJA 9-12 grade students and will begin in summer 2026 with limited space; applications are encouraged early.

Participants will:

•Earn University of California, Davis, academic credits

•Participate in real fieldwork and expert mentorship

•Receive the UC Naturalist Certification which provides a unique and advanced program to highlight on college applications

•Complete an original capstone project

•Work directly with PhDs, naturalists, scientists, and industry experts

•Make a meaningful impact in the community

•Join a statewide network of 4,000+ UC Naturalists

“San Diego Jewish Academy is dedicated to ensuring our students have the most innovative opportunities to inspire them through academics,, and co-curricular opportunities,” added Mike Quigley, Associate Head of School and Head of Maimonides Upper School at SDJA, in the news release. “We’re thrilled to bring this certification program to high schoolers throughout the county.”

For more information and applications, visit https://sdja.com/schools/maimonides-upper-school/uc-naturalist-certification/