If you’re a high school student drawn to creativity, whether that’s design, film, fashion, media, or the arts, you may already enjoy expressing ideas in unique ways. But beyond school projects, you might wonder what it’s like to turn creativity into a real career. Creative industries summer schools for high school students offer a focused way to explore this, introducing you to a broad and dynamic field that combines artistic skills with technology, storytelling, and innovation.

Imagine spending your summer working on design briefs, creating short films, developing fashion concepts, or building digital media projects. Picture learning from industry professionals, collaborating with other creative students, and presenting your work in a portfolio or showcase. Through hands-on learning and real-world insight, you can begin to understand how creative careers actually function.

How do you choose the right creative industries summer schools for high school students?

With so many options available, it’s important to look for programs that emphasize practical, project-based learning rather than just theory. The best programs are often taught by professionals and focus on building a portfolio you can use for future applications. 

Across these programs, you might take part in workshops, collaborative projects, and critiques. You could design a product, produce a short film, develop a marketing campaign, or create a fashion collection, building both technical skills and creative confidence.

You’ll learn from experienced creatives, collaborate with like-minded peers, and develop essential skills such as creativity, communication, and problem-solving. Along the way, you’ll build a portfolio, gain insight into different creative career paths, and develop a clearer understanding of what studying in the creative industries might involve.

To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 15 Creative Industries Summer Schools for High School Students. They’ve been selected for their hands-on learning opportunities, industry relevance, and ability to help you turn creativity into real-world skills.

For more opportunities, you can check out summer programs for high school students and summer internships for high school students.

15 Creative Industries Summer Schools for High School Students

1. California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA)

Location: Cal Poly Pomona, CA
Cost/Stipend: CA State Residents – $5,174; Out-of-State and International Students – $10,475
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 20 students
Dates: July 4th – August 1st
Application Deadline: February 28th
Eligibility: Students worldwide enrolled in grades 8-12

The California State Summer School for the Arts is a four-week, pre-professional residential program where you train intensively in disciplines like visual arts, animation, film, creative writing, architecture, and performing arts. You will work in a structured studio environment with personalized instruction, building technical skills while developing portfolio-ready projects.

The program includes guest lectures, masterclasses, screenings, and interdisciplinary collaborations that expose you to different creative fields. You will also experience college life on campus, living in dorms and working closely with a community of like-minded artists. By the end, you present your work in final showcases and may earn recognition as a California Arts Scholar along with college credit.

Why it stands out: A state-supported, pre-professional arts program that combines intensive training, industry mentorship, and strong portfolio outcomes in a residential setting.

2. Immerse Education’s Creative Industries Summer School

Location: Singapore, London, Cambridge
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts; rolling admissions
Program Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Eligibility: Students around the world aged 15-18

Among the most career-focused creative industries summer schools for high school students, Immerse Education’s summer school introduces you to careers in media, design, advertising, and publishing through hands-on learning. You participate in workshops and collaborative projects where you develop brand concepts, create content, and explore storytelling and visual communication.

The program is guided by industry professionals and includes exposure to real-world workflows through case discussions and practical exercises. A key component is a final portfolio project, where you produce creative work that reflects your ideas and skills. Throughout the experience, you build abilities in ideation, collaboration, and presenting creative concepts clearly.

Why it stands out: Strong focus on producing a polished portfolio project you can use for college or creative applications.

3. NYU Tisch Summer High School Program

Location: New York University, New York City
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on the program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 5th – August 1st
Application Deadline: January 14th
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors; International students can apply

The New York University Tisch School of the Arts Summer High School Program is a four-week intensive based on the school’s undergraduate curriculum, offering structured, college-level training in the arts. You apply to a specific track, such as filmmaking, drama, game design, photography, or recorded music, and spend the program building skills through projects, collaboration, and professional instruction.

Classes are rigorous and graded, giving you a realistic preview of studying at an art school. You will also experience creative life in New York City while working alongside peers with similar interests. The program concludes with a final showcase where you present your work and can earn up to six college credits.

Why it stands out: Direct exposure to a top-tier art school curriculum with specialized tracks and college credit in a professional creative environment.

4. Cooper Union Summer Art Intensive

Location: Cooper Union, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Tuition depends on the course chosen; Check details here
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; Classes are limited to 16 students
Dates: July 13th – August 6th
Application Deadline: July 5th
Eligibility: Ages 15-18 & rising sophomore–rising senior or equivalent; International students are eligible 

The Cooper Union Summer Art Intensive is a college-level program where you explore studio art through focused courses in areas like drawing, animation, painting, and graphic design. You will work in a structured studio environment with professional instruction, supported by undergraduate teaching assistants, while building technical and creative skills.

The program includes workshops, visiting artist sessions, and field trips to major New York institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art. You will also engage with peers in a collaborative setting, gaining exposure to different artistic perspectives and practices. The experience concludes with a final exhibition where you present your work.

Why it stands out: Combines studio learning with direct exposure to New York’s art scene and ends with a public exhibition of your work.

5. UCLA Summer Art Institute

Location: UCLA campus, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Residential: $6,641, Commuter: $4,936
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Residential: July 12th – August 1st, Commuter: June 22nd – July 10th
Application Deadline: Applications open March 6th
Eligibility: Students around the world in grades 9-12 in spring (15-18 years old)

The University of California, Los Angeles Summer Art Institute is an intensive, studio-based program where you explore college-level art practice through focused instruction and hands-on work. You choose a specialization such as drawing, painting, photography, or sculpture, and spend each session developing projects through daily studio time, critiques, and one-on-one faculty feedback.

The curriculum blends technical skill-building with conceptual thinking, helping you expand both your creative process and artistic vocabulary. You will also attend artist lectures and participate in discussions that mirror a university art environment. Each session carries college credit and ends with an exhibition of your work.

Why it stands out: Short, credit-bearing studio intensives with strong emphasis on critiques, conceptual development, and exhibition experience.

6. USC SCA Summer Program

Location: USC SCA campus, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Varies; Check exact details here
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive admissions
Dates: June 25th – August 7th
Application Deadline: May 1st
Eligibility: Students aged 16 years and older from around the world

The USC School of Cinematic Arts Summer Program is a six-week intensive where you study filmmaking, screenwriting, animation, or the film and television business through college-level courses. You will learn through hands-on projects, directing, editing, writing, or designing, while working with industry-standard equipment and collaborating with peers.

Classes are taught by faculty and professionals from the film industry, giving you direct exposure to real creative workflows.The program also includes screenings, seminars, and interactions with filmmakers and media professionals. By the end, you build a portfolio of work and can earn transferable college credit.

Why it stands out: One of the oldest and most established film programs, offering direct access to industry professionals and real production experience on a top-tier campus.

7. Berklee Aspire Summer Program

Location: Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Tuition: $5,430, Housing: $4,200, Registration fee: $50
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited capacity
Dates: July 5th – August 7th
Application Deadline: June 1st
Eligibility: High school students from all nationalities aged 15 or above with at least six months of playing or singing experience

The Berklee College of Music Aspire Summer Program is a five-week intensive where you develop your skills in music performance, production, and musicianship through a college-level curriculum. You will focus on a primary instrument or voice while taking part in private lessons, ensemble work, and classes in areas like improvisation, music theory, and stage performance.

The program also introduces you to broader aspects of the music industry, including songwriting, music business, and production. You will collaborate with peers through rehearsals, jam sessions, and group performances, building both technical and creative skills. The experience concludes with live concerts, and you can earn college credit while experiencing Berklee’s undergraduate environment.

Why it stands out: Offers a full-scale music school experience with performance, industry exposure, and live concerts, all within a credit-bearing program.

8. UNCSA Summer Composition/Music Technology Intensive

Location: Hybrid at University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), Winston-Salem, NC, and online
Cost/Stipend: Commuter: $1,587, Residential: $2,131
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small cohort
Dates: July 6-17
Application Deadline: May 1st
Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen through rising college sophomores; international students are welcome to apply

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts Summer Composition/Music Technology Intensive is a two-week program where you develop your skills in music composition using both electronic and acoustic techniques. The hybrid format begins with an online week focused on composing and refining your work through private lessons and seminars, followed by an in-person week of immersive training.

You will take part in studio classes, music theory and instrumentation sessions, and music technology workshops, while also exploring topics like copyright and college applications. The program includes a professional reading or recording session, giving you the chance to hear your compositions performed. Throughout, you receive individualized feedback from faculty, helping you build a stronger creative and technical foundation.

Why it stands out: Combines composition, music technology, and a professional recording experience with personalized mentorship in a hybrid format.

9. UNCSA Filmmaking Summer Intensive

Location: University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), Winston-Salem, NC
Cost/Stipend: Commuter: $3,152, Residential: $5,329
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited space
Dates: June 21st – July 18th
Application Deadline: May 1st
Eligibility: High school students and rising college freshmen around the world

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts Filmmaking Summer Intensive is a hands-on program where you learn the core aspects of filmmaking, including screenwriting, directing, producing, cinematography, and digital editing. Based at Studio Village, an on-campus working film set, you will engage in lectures, workshops, and collaborative production work. The program is designed for both beginners and more experienced students, with coursework adapted to your level.

A key part of the experience is creating your own short narrative film, applying what you learn with guidance from faculty and student filmmakers. The curriculum emphasizes practical storytelling, technical skills, and teamwork in a real production environment.

Why it stands out: Access to a dedicated on-campus film set with a strong focus on actually producing your own short films.

10. Pratt Summer PreCollege Intensive

Location: Pratt Brooklyn campus, New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Residential: $8,192, Commuter: $5,452; Application fee: $65
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited seats
Dates: Not disclosed
Application Deadline: International students: April 1st, Rolling deadline: May 1st
Eligibility: High school students worldwide who will be between 16 and 18 years old

The Pratt Institute Summer Pre-College Intensive is a four-week residential program where you take credit-bearing courses in art, design, architecture, or writing on Pratt’s Brooklyn campus. You will work in a studio-based environment, developing technical skills while building a strong portfolio through guided projects and critiques.

The program is taught by Pratt faculty, giving you a realistic experience of college-level creative education. You will also live in residence halls, collaborate with peers from around the world, and engage with New York City’s arts scene. By the end, you earn four college credits alongside a refined body of work.

Why it stands out: Combines college credit, portfolio development, and a fully immersive NYC art school experience in a residential setting.

11. Summer of Art by Otis College of Art & Design

Location: Otis College of Art and Design, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on the program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Unspecified
Dates: July 6-31
Application Deadline: June 23rd; International students: May 14th
Eligibility: High school students around the globe ages 14.5 to 19 years

The Otis College of Art and Design Summer of Art is a four-week, studio-based pre-college program where you explore college-level art and design through hands-on coursework. You can choose from a range of specializations while developing technical skills and refining your creative process under the guidance of practicing artists and designers.

The program places a strong focus on portfolio development, with critiques and feedback that mirror real admissions expectations. Full-day participants can also earn transferable college credit, adding academic value to the experience. Set in Los Angeles, you also gain exposure to a vibrant creative environment and industry context.

Why it stands out: Combines portfolio-focused studio training with college credit and direct access to industry-experienced faculty in a major creative hub.

12. Summer at CCS

Location: CCS campus, Detroit, MI
Cost/Stipend: Resident: $3,995, Commuter: $3,645 (Scholarship available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Unspecified
Dates: July 12-31
Application Deadline: NA; Students who require a visa should apply by April 1st
Eligibility: High school students worldwide

The College for Creative Studies Precollege Summer Experience (Summer at CCS) is a three-week intensive where you explore art and design through a chosen studio concentration. You can specialize in areas like animation, illustration, fashion, product design, or transportation design, working on hands-on projects that build both technical and conceptual skills.

The program emphasizes portfolio development, with guidance from industry professionals and feedback from admissions counselors. You will experiment with tools, materials, and digital techniques while developing your own creative style. The experience ends with a final exhibition where you present your work.

Why it stands out: Strong industry-focused studio options with direct portfolio feedback and exposure to real design workflows.

13. Parsons Paris Summer Intensive

Location: Parsons Paris Saint-Roch campus in Paris, France
Cost/Stipend: $9,999
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 27th – July 18th
Application Deadline: May 1st
Eligibility: Students must be 16 to 18 years old by the start of the course; International students are also eligible

The Parsons Paris Summer Intensive is a studio-based program where you explore art and design in the heart of Paris. You can choose from courses in areas like fashion design, painting, drawing, photography, and visual communication, while earning college credit.

The program combines hands-on studio work with guided visits to major museums and cultural landmarks across the city. You will develop both technical skills and design thinking, while building a portfolio aligned with college-level expectations. Studying in a global design hub also exposes you to contemporary creative industries and European artistic influences.

Why it stands out: Blends portfolio-focused studio learning with direct exposure to Paris’s global art, fashion, and design scene.

14. Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Program – School of Art

Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: Depends on the program duration and type
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: 3 weeks: June 20th – July 11th; 6 weeks: June 20th – August 1st
Application Deadline: Early and international deadline: February 1st; Final deadline: March 1st
Eligibility: Current sophomore or junior in high school, at least 16 years old; international students are welcome to apply

The Carnegie Mellon University Pre-College Program – School of Art is a rigorous summer experience where you engage in college-level studio courses, workshops, and critiques. You will attend structured classes throughout the week, combining technical skill-building with conceptual exploration across different artistic approaches.

The program emphasizes both traditional techniques and the use of contemporary tools and technologies to develop your creative ideas. You will work closely with CMU faculty in small classes, receiving individual feedback and participating in one-on-one portfolio reviews. By the end, you will have a refined portfolio and a clearer understanding of how to approach art at the university level.

Why it stands out: Strong balance of technical training and conceptual development with personalized portfolio reviews from university faculty.

15. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Pre-College Program

Location: Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI
Cost/Stipend: Residential program: $12,495; Commuter program: $9,595; Application Fee (non-refundable): $60
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 500 students
Dates: June 29th – July 31st
Application Deadline: Applications open November 5th
Eligibility: High school between 10th and 11th grade or 11th and 12th grade during the summer; Age: 16-18; International students can apply

The Rhode Island School of Design Pre-College Program is a five-week immersive experience for high school students interested in fine arts, design, and architecture. You will follow a college-level studio curriculum with full-day classes, critiques, and hands-on projects that push you to experiment with different materials and techniques.

The program emphasizes developing your artistic voice while working closely with professional artists and RISD faculty. You will also participate in museum visits, artist talks, and collaborative studio work alongside peers from around the world. By the end, you will have a stronger, portfolio-ready body of work and a clearer understanding of art school expectations.

Why it stands out: Intensive studio-based learning at a top art school with a strong focus on portfolio development and creative experimentation.

From Studio Learning To Career Clarity

Creative work can feel broad at first, but a focused summer school helps you test which formats actually energise you.

The 15 creative industries summer schools for high school students featured here cover film, music, design, fashion, media, architecture, and portfolio development.

By making, presenting, and refining work, you begin to see whether you prefer studio practice, production, storytelling, performance, or visual communication.

Follow that curiosity further with our Career Exploration blogs, where creative interests become clearer pathways, sharper skills, and smarter next steps.