Animation brings together art, storytelling, technology, and creativity in a way few other fields can. From animated films and television shows to video games and digital media, animation plays a major role in the content we interact with every day. For students interested in the field, animation summer camps for high school students can be a strong way to explore animation beyond the classroom.

Whether you’re interested in 2D animation, 3D modelling, character design, storyboarding, visual storytelling, or filmmaking, these camps offer opportunities to develop practical skills while working on creative projects. Many combine hands-on learning with mentorship, workshops, portfolio development, and exposure to industry-standard tools and techniques.

What kinds of animation summer camps are available for high school students?

With so many options available, finding the right program can feel overwhelming. Some camps focus on traditional animation and drawing, while others emphasize digital animation, filmmaking, game design, visual effects, or anime-inspired art. Choosing a program that matches your interests can help you gain valuable experience and make the most of your summer.

Many universities, art schools, film academies, and creative organizations offer specialized animation programs that allow students to learn from professionals, collaborate with peers, and create original projects. These experiences can help you strengthen your technical and artistic abilities, build a portfolio, and gain insight into potential careers in animation and related creative industries.

To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 15 animation summer camps for high school students. We selected these programs based on their learning opportunities, hands-on experiences, industry exposure, and overall value for aspiring animators.

If you’re interested in art as well, you can check out summer art programs for high school students.

Key Takeaways

• Costs range from free, as with CalArts’ CAPSA and the Academy of Interactive Entertainment’s Work Experience Program, to $8,413 for The Experiment in International Living’s Japan Anime & Manga program.
• Several free or paid programs offer direct income, including Arts for Learning Miami’s ArtWorks Animation Internship, which pays $13 per hour over six weeks.
• Program length ranges from one week, as with Vancouver Film School’s Summer Intensives, to four weeks, as with Pratt Institute’s Pre-College Intensive and CalArts’ CAPSA.
• Several programs offer transferable college credit, including Pratt Institute’s 3D Animation Track and the School of Visual Arts Pre-College Program.
• The Moving Picture Institute’s Hollywood Career Launch Program stands out as the most selective and industry-connected option, placing interns directly at major production companies with an acceptance rate under 1%.
• Most paid programs welcome international students, while a few, including CalArts’ CAPSA, are designed specifically for local Los Angeles students.
• Immerse Education’s Film & Animation Summer Internship is one of the few options open to students worldwide aged 15 to 18, combining 3D animation and storytelling instruction in Tokyo with 1:1 career coaching.

15 Animation Summer Camps for High School Students

1. SVA Pre-College Animation Program

Location: Virtual or NYC campus
Cost: Virtual 3D animation: $2,900; In-person: $3,400; Financial aid available
Dates: July 13-31
Application Deadline: Rolling (first come first serve basis). Participation through registration
Eligibility: High school students ages 14-18; Open to international students 

The SVA Pre-College Animation Program allows high school students to explore the principles of animation along with narrative and drawing. You’ll participate in sessions focused on drawing and animation through the first week of the program. Moving forward, you’ll engage in the practical application of animation principles through animating stories and characters, along with exploring animation as a medium.

You’ll be introduced to the production pipeline and get to combine skills in digital animation and digital drawing to engage in storytelling. If you’re interested in learning about animation through storytelling, this program could be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You will learn the fundamentals of animation through drawing, storytelling, and character development while creating animated projects and exploring the animation production process.

2. Immerse Education’s Film & Animation Summer School

Location: Tokyo
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students worldwide aged 15-18

The Immerse’s Career Insights Program lets high school students explore careers in major global industry hubs. The Film & Animation track is designed to provide students with skills in 3D animation, storytelling, and film production under the guidance of leading academics and industry experts.

Participants engage in project-based learning with established companies, attend interactive workshops, and visit offices, factories, and headquarters. The program also includes in-person weekly 1:1 career coaching sessions and sessions where you will receive personalized feedback on your resume and overall profile. You’ll also present your findings to industry experts at the end of the program. You can find more details about the application here!

Why it stands out: It’s a unique opportunity to study in Tokyo, a global hub for anime and cinematic innovation, with expert mentorship in storytelling, 3D animation, and production, while you create your own personal projects for a portfolio.

3. California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) Animation Track

Location: Valencia, CA (CalArts campus).
Cost: California residents: $5,174; Non-California residents: 10,475; A non-refundable $20 application fee. Financial aid available
Dates: July 6th – August 1st
Application Deadline: February 28th
Eligibility: Grade 8th-12th students; Preference is given to California residents 

California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) Animation Track offers a hands-on learning experience to high school students. You’ll learn through core classes, interactions with guest artists, and also go on field trips.

Through core classes, you’ll attend workshops, animation film screenings, and work on a range of projects in digital and traditional animation techniques. You’ll explore different topics such as storyboarding, digital animation, life drawing and more. As the program proceeds, you’ll get to finish five animated projects and gain in-depth knowledge in the field.

Why it stands out: You will develop animation skills through workshops, studio projects, and mentorship from industry professionals while exploring techniques such as storyboarding, life drawing, and digital and traditional animation.

4. Vancouver Film School (VFS) Summer Intensives

Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Cost: Approximately $825 CAD (varies by specific workshops)
Dates: Vary by workshop. More information here
Application Deadline: 1-week before the workshop begins
Eligibility: Students aged 16 with a minimum band of 6.0 in IELTS; Open to international students 

Vancouver Film School (VFS) Summer Intensives offer a five-day on-campus learning experience to high school students. The program offers workshops in a range of areas, including animation, writing, game design, makeup design, digital design, and film. Through the Introduction to Animation, Film, and Design workshop, you’ll engage in hands-on project-based learning.

You’ll develop a range of skills in 2D design, digital filmmaking, sound design, and storyboarding. You’ll learn different media art forms and disciplines in creating a fascinating experience. By the end of the workshop, you’ll work on creating a video project by applying the knowledge and techniques learned throughout, and have the chance to build a strong portfolio for yourself.

Why it stands out: You will explore animation, film, and digital design through hands-on projects while developing creative skills in storyboarding, filmmaking, sound design, and visual storytelling to build a portfolio-ready project.

5. Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) Work Experience Program

Location: Campuses in Seattle, Lafayette (USA), and Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra (Australia)
Cost: Free ( A nominal registration fee might be applicable)
Dates: Available year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling year-round
Eligibility: Year 10-12 students worldwide

The Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) Work Experience Program offers a one-week learning experience to high school students. You’ll gain knowledge about digital and interactive entertainment industries, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and join a course based on your interests. You’ll get to explore a range of courses in animation, game design, game programming, filmmaking, and more.

The program offers beginner, introductory, and career courses in different areas. If you’re interested in gaining knowledge about 3D animation, QA testing, and programming through a practical learning experience, this program could be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You will gain hands-on experience in the digital entertainment industry while exploring specialized fields such as game design, animation, filmmaking, and programming.

6. The Experiment in International Living: Japan Anime & Manga

Location: Multiple locations in Japan, including Tokyo
Cost: $8,413
Dates: Not specified
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility:  Domestic and international high school students

The Experiment in International Living: Japan Anime & Manga offers an interactive learning environment to high school students. You’ll attend classes taught by leading anime professionals in Japan while also exploring Japan’s pop culture through neighborhood visits, game participation, and engaging in local high school activities with your peers.

The program will help you develop a range of technical skills, including digital animation, anime techniques such as inking and color blending, and Japanese language skills. You’ll also have the chance to learn problem-solving, adaptability, intercultural communication, and resourcefulness.

Why it stands out: You will explore anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture through hands-on workshops, cultural immersion, and instruction from industry professionals while developing artistic, language, and cross-cultural communication skills.

7. Pratt Institute Pre-College Intensive – 3D Animation Track

Location: Brooklyn, NY campus.
Cost/Stipend: Residential: $8,192; Commuter: $5,452
Dates: July 6-31
Application Deadline: Varies. More information here
Eligibility: High school students ages 16-18; International students are welcome 

Pratt Institute Pre-College Intensive – 3D Animation Track offers a four-week learning experience to high school students. You’ll have the chance to explore two classes of your interest based on a range of options, including animation, photography, fashion, illustration, architecture, writing, and more.

You’ll be taught by experienced faculty, interact with students from all around the world, and engage in a culturally immersive experience at Brooklyn. The program will help you build your portfolio, learn through state-of-the-art studios and classrooms, and earn college credits.

Why it stands out: You will explore 3D animation through college-level coursework while developing creative and technical skills, building your portfolio, and earning college credits in a professional studio environment.

8. University of North Carolina School of The Arts (UNSCA) Animation Summer Intensive

Location: University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Cost: Varies. More information here
Dates: Session 1: June 21st – July 3rd; Session 2: July 5-17
Application Deadline: May 8th
Eligibility: Rising and current high school students from around the world

University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNSCA) Animation Summer Intensive offers introductory and advanced learning sessions to high school students. You’ll gain knowledge about the fundamental concepts in animation and develop valuable skills as an animator.

You’ll explore the different elements of animation, such as storyboarding, directing, animation production, cinematography, visual storytelling, editing, and sound design.  You’ll attend workshops focused on screenwriting and character design, along with exploring more in-depth topics through the advanced program. 

Why it stands out: You will gain hands-on experience in animation while exploring the creative and technical processes behind storytelling, character design, filmmaking, and production.

9. School of Visual Arts Pre-College Program

Location: School of Visual Arts, New York, and Virtual
Cost/Stipend: In-person: $3,400; Virtual: $2,800;  a non-refundable $75 registration fee, along with optional housing costs; merit-based President’s Scholarships available
Dates: July 13-31
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students ages 14-18; International students meeting English proficiency requirements are welcome to apply 

The School of Visual Arts Pre-College Program offers a credit-based learning experience to high school students. You’ll get to explore a range of courses in animation, including animation, real-time animated film production, computer animation, and more.

You’ll gain knowledge about the important aspects of digital, traditional, and 3D animation while developing character design, editing, and sound design skills. You’ll also have the chance to engage in the creation of an animated short film and share your work with friends and family at a final exhibition organised by the end of the program.

Why it stands out: You will explore digital, traditional, and 3D animation through college-level coursework while developing skills in character design, storytelling, editing, and animation production. You’ll also create an animated short film to showcase at a final exhibition.

10. New York Film Academy 3D Animation Summer Camp

Location: In-person: Los Angeles, California, and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies by camps
Dates: Vary by camps
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students ages 14-17; international student eligibility not specified

New York Film Academy 3D Animation Summer Camp offers multiple workshops and camps to high school students. You’ll learn the basic concepts in animation and explore a range of topics, including timing, character development, movement, weight, and more.

You’ll get to develop fundamental skills in drawing, storyboarding, painting, and sculpting. The program allows you to learn from professional animators at the NYFA and engage in hands-on learning through creating original short films.

Why it stands out: You will learn the fundamentals of 3D animation while developing skills in character design, storyboarding, and visual storytelling through hands-on projects and original film creation.

11. The Cooper Union Summer Art Intensive

Location: The Cooper Union campus, Manhattan, NY
Cost/Stipend: $4,350
Dates: July 13th – August 6th
Application Deadline: July 5th
Eligibility: High school students ages 15-18; Open to international students 

The Cooper Union Summer Art Intensive offers an immersive learning experience to high school students. You’ll get to explore a range of courses, including animation, graphic design, painting, studio practice, and drawing. You’ll participate in special focus workshops, attend social events, and have the chance to go on field trips to studios, museums, and galleries.

You’ll get to observe work created by artists and designers in guest classes, participate in a final exhibition, and attend a celebratory event as the program concludes.

Why it stands out: You will explore art and design through studio-based courses, workshops, and field trips while developing creative skills and showcasing your work in a final exhibition.

12. CalArts Community Arts Partnership Summer Arts (CAPSA)

Location: Susan Miller Dorsey High School, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Dates: July 6-31
Application Deadline: May 25th
Eligibility: High school students in Los Angeles; international student eligibility not specified

CalArts Community Arts Partnership Summer Arts (CAPSA) offers a free, four-week learning opportunity to high school students. You’ll have the opportunity to explore creative labs based on your interest areas, including animation, music, film, and visual arts.

The animation lab allows you to develop fundamental skills in animation films while gaining knowledge about multiple media and finding a unique voice as an artist. The program does not require prior experience in the field and concludes with a day-long student showcase. 

Why it stands out: You will explore animation through hands-on creative projects while developing foundational filmmaking skills, experimenting with different artistic mediums, and building your voice as an artist.

13. Moving Picture Institute – Hollywood Career Launch Program (Intern Placement)

Location: Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY; Washington, DC (placement-dependent)
Cost/Stipend: Free; living stipend provided for the internship duration
Dates: Typically 12 weeks; summer placements best to apply by February; rolling applications accepted year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling; summer positions should be submitted as early as possible, typically by February
Eligibility: Open to students and recent graduates; some advanced placements for intermediate-level filmmakers. Must be eligible to work in the US. International students should confirm work authorization eligibility before applying

The Moving Picture Institute’s Hollywood Career Launch Program places interns at partner production companies in Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, DC, providing a living stipend for the duration of the placement. Since 2006, MPI has awarded over 265 paid internships; past placements have included Millennium Media (The Expendables), BRON Studios (Joker), Skybound Entertainment (The Walking Dead), and studios with connections to FOX, Disney, AMC, CAA, and NBC.

In addition, through MPI’s partnership with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, you are eligible for selection to attend Academy Gold, giving you access to panels with Academy members, studio screenings, and career mentorship. Most applicants are students or recent graduates; intermediate-level filmmakers are also considered. The acceptance rate is under 1%.

Why it stands out: The only programme on this list that places interns directly at major Hollywood production companies with eligibility for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Gold programme as an added track for selected participants.

14. Arts for Learning Miami – ArtWorks Animation Internship

Location: Miami, Florida, at Lewis Arts Studio or the Koubek Center.
Cost/Stipend: Free; $13 per hour is paid to interns
Dates: 6 weeks between June and July
Application Deadline: Applications open in Spring
Eligibility: High school students in Florida (minimum age: 14 years); Must be Florida residents, and meet 19 work eligibility requirements

Arts for Learning Miami – ArtWorks Animation Internship offers a five-week paid learning opportunity to high school students. You’ll get to work in collaboration and engage in the creation of unique animated pieces, exploring areas such as production workflows, content development, and storyboarding.

You’ll participate in workshops and develop a range of skills in time management, communication, workplace behaviour, and collaboration. By the end of the program, you’ll attend a showcase, sharing your work with others and having a chance to build a strong portfolio.

Why it stands out: You will gain hands-on animation experience through collaborative projects while developing skills in storyboarding, content development, production workflows, and professional workplace practices.

15. Gobelins Paris Summer School (Character Animation)

Location: Paris, Saint-Marcel
Cost: €2800 (for package 2 only)
Dates: June 29th – July 10th or June 29th – July 17th
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Students worldwide below 18 years of age, having good English proficiency, and existing skills in drawing or animation; international student eligibility not specified

Gobelins Paris Summer School (Character Animation) offers a two-week immersive learning experience to high school students. You’ll attend morning lectures along with workshops conducted during the afternoon.

The lectures will allow you to explore Gobelins methods on advanced techniques in Animation, gain knowledge about portfolio building, and learn from world-leading industry experts. The workshops will help 2D and 3D learners to gain knowledge about acting exercises, gain access to state-of-the-art digital facilities, and receive valuable feedback from your tutors. 

Why it stands out: You will explore advanced character animation techniques through expert-led lectures and hands-on workshops while developing acting, animation, and portfolio-building skills with personalized feedback from industry professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions: Animation Summer Camps for High School Students

What is an animation summer camp for high school students?

An animation summer camp gives high school students hands-on exposure to 2D, 3D, or traditional animation techniques, often through studio projects, mentorship, and portfolio development. Programs typically combine workshops, lectures, and hands-on production work, often hosted at art schools or film academies. Most run between one week and four weeks. Many conclude with a finished short film, showcase, or final exhibition.

Do I need prior animation or drawing experience to apply?

No, several programs are specifically designed for beginners. CalArts’ CAPSA explicitly requires no prior experience in the field, and Vancouver Film School’s Summer Intensives are built as an introduction to animation, film, and design. Immerse Education’s Film & Animation Summer Internship similarly introduces 3D animation and storytelling fundamentals from the ground up under expert mentorship.

How much do animation summer camps cost?

Costs range from free to $8,413 for The Experiment in International Living’s Japan Anime & Manga program. Free options include CalArts’ CAPSA and the Academy of Interactive Entertainment’s Work Experience Program. Immerse Education’s Film & Animation Summer Internship offers bursary support that can help reduce costs for eligible students.

Can international students attend these camps?

Yes, most programs on this list welcome international students, including the SVA Pre-College Animation Program, Pratt Institute’s 3D Animation Track, and Gobelins Paris Summer School. A few, including CalArts’ CAPSA and Arts for Learning Miami’s internship, are restricted to local students in Los Angeles or Florida. Immerse Education’s Film & Animation Summer Internship is open to students worldwide aged 15 to 18.

What age do I need to be to apply?

Age requirements vary by program, generally falling between 14 and 18. The SVA Pre-College Animation Program and School of Visual Arts Pre-College Program both accept students starting at age 14, while Vancouver Film School requires students to be at least 16. Immerse Education’s Film & Animation Summer Internship accepts students aged 15 to 18 from anywhere in the world.

Will I leave with a finished animation project?

Yes, nearly every program on this list culminates in a completed animated piece or short film. The School of Visual Arts Pre-College Program has students create an animated short film for a final exhibition, and CalArts’ CAPSA concludes with a day-long student showcase. Immerse Education’s Film & Animation Summer Internship follows a similar structure, with students creating personal projects for their portfolio and presenting their work to industry experts.

How do these camps help with college applications?

Completing an animation summer camp demonstrates genuine creative interest and gives students portfolio-ready work to reference in applications. Programs like Pratt Institute’s 3D Animation Track offer transferable college credit alongside portfolio development, while the Moving Picture Institute’s program provides direct industry placement and Academy Gold eligibility. Immerse Education’s Film & Animation Summer Internship provides personalized resume feedback and a final presentation to industry experts, both useful talking points for interviews.

Build Your Portfolio, Shape Your Future

Animation can be more than a creative interest. With the right programme, you can practise storytelling, develop technical skills, and create original work.

The 15 animation summer camps for high school students listed here show different routes into 2D animation, 3D modelling, filmmaking, anime, and visual effects.

Some camps focus on portfolio development and college credit, while others offer industry mentorship, paid internships, cultural immersion, or final showcase opportunities.

Ready to explore where your creativity could lead? Visit our Career Exploration blogs for guides, ideas, and next steps.