College for Kids

College for Kids is a summer youth enrichment program offered through Merced College Community Education that provides engaging, hands-on learning experiences designed to inspire creativity, exploration, skill development, and lifelong learning. Programs are open to students entering 1st through 8th grade. Course offerings may include STEM, technology, arts, sports, academic enrichment, creative exploration, aquatics, and other interactive learning opportunities that encourage curiosity and confidence. College for Kids classes are held on the Merced College campus at 3600 M Street, Merced, CA 95348. Specific class locations and program details will be provided prior to the start of each session.

The safety and success of our students are a top priority. College for Kids liaisons and staff assist students in getting to their next class and designated lunch areas throughout the day, helping ensure smooth and safe transitions between activities. Students may be dropped off up to 10 minutes before their first class. Parents and guardians are responsible for picking up their child promptly from their last registered class of the day. We strongly encourage families to arrive a few minutes before the scheduled end time of the student’s final class. It is important that parents and guardians are on time for pick-up. Following dismissal, College for Kids liaisons will continue escorting students to their next scheduled activity, the designated lunch area, or the College for Kids office. Instructors and classroom staff are unable to remain with students after class has concluded. If a parent or guardian is not present when a student’s final class ends, the student will be escorted to the designated lunch area or the College for Kids office until they are picked up. 

The health and safety of all participants is important to us. If a student develops a fever, complains of an upset stomach, earache, severe cold symptoms, an unidentified rash, or other signs of illness while attending College for Kids, the student will be escorted to the College for Kids office and a parent or guardian will be contacted to pick up the child as soon as possible. To help maintain a healthy learning environment, please keep your child at home if they are ill or experiencing symptoms that could affect their participation or the well-being of other students. We understand that illnesses and unexpected situations can occur. To provide a high-quality experience for all students, instructors are hired and supplies are purchased in advance based on enrollment. As a result, refunds, credits, and make-up classes are not available for missed days due to illness or other absences.

To help create an engaging and independent learning environment, College for Kids classes are designed for enrolled students only. Parents, guardians, family members, and other guests may not attend class with their child unless specifically invited for a special event or presentation. This policy helps minimize distractions, encourages student participation and confidence, and ensures a consistent learning experience for all participants. Our instructors and staff are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for every student.

Yes. Parking permits are available for parents and guardians of College for Kids participants. Permits can be obtained from the College for Kids office. When requesting a permit, please be prepared to provide your vehicle information, including your license plate number. Permits are valid only for parking in unmarked parking spaces. Please do not park in spaces designated for Staff or other restricted areas. To avoid parking citations, permits must be clearly displayed on your vehicle dashboard at all times while on campus. Participants and visitors are responsible for any parking citations issued by Merced College Campus Police if a permit is not displayed or parking regulations are not followed.

We encourage families to register with confidence and understand that plans can change. Participants enrolled in College for Kids may be eligible for a refund when the request is submitted at least 14 days before the program start date. To request a refund, please contact the Community Education office at (209) 386-6609. Once a class or program begins, fees are nonrefundable. Cash payments are refunded by check and mailed to the address on file, while credit card payments are refunded to the original form of payment. If a program is unable to be offered as scheduled, participants will be notified and any applicable refunds will be processed automatically.