If you’re a high school student passionate about fashion, the industry can feel as exciting as it is elusive. You might sketch designs, follow runway trends, or experiment with sewing and styling, yet still wonder what working in fashion actually looks like beyond the magazine spreads and social media highlights. One of the best ways to understand the industry is through a fashion internship that gives you real-world exposure.

Imagine spending your summer working alongside designers, stylists, or fashion marketers, contributing to lookbooks, assisting with photoshoots, helping coordinate runway shows, or supporting brand development. These internships place you inside the fashion world’s creative and professional rhythm, showing you how trends move from concept to consumer and how teams collaborate to bring ideas to life.

How do you choose the right fashion internships for high school students?

With so many creative roles and opportunities, it can be hard to know which internships offer meaningful experience and which are more observational than practical. That’s why thoughtful selection matters: it helps you find internships that align with your interests, help you build skills, and strengthen your creative and professional profile.

Fashion internships can be found at design studios, fashion houses, retail brands, magazines, visual merchandising teams, and fashion tech startups. Depending on the role, you might help with trend research, social media content, customer engagement, sketching concepts, or supporting merchandising and logistics. Programs range from introductory placements to more selective experiences that give you substantive responsibility and professional insight.

To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 15 Fashion Internships for High School Students. They’ve been selected for their real-world experience, mentorship opportunities, and ability to help you take your first steps toward a fashion career.

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

15 Fashion Internships for High School Students

1. Fashion Institute of Technology High School Summer Live Program

Location: New York City
Cost/Stipend: USD 550
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 6-9, 13-16, or 20-21 July
Application Deadline: 10th June
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 to 12, not open for international students (only US citizens and permanent residents)

The FIT High School Summer Live Program is a ten-day program designed especially for you who love fashion and would like to learn more about the fashion industry, making it one of the most hands-on fashion internships for high school students in New York City. Right at the heart of New York City, in this course, you get to create portfolio pieces, explore majors at FIT, and develop friendships with peers who have the same passion as you.

Each class is three-hours long and is offered either in the morning or the afternoon. In this program, you can choose up to two classes with themes revolving around sewing, human anatomy for artists, draping for fashion design, and so much more. At the end of the program, you get to go home with a portfolio and a ton of experience.

Why it stands out: It combines hands-on fashion classes in New York City with portfolio development and early exposure to FIT majors in a short, intensive format.

2. Immerse Education Fashion & Design Summer School

Location: Barnard College, Columbia University, New York
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through their bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Average of 7 participants per class
Dates: Rolling admissions
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students aged 15 to 18 years old from around the world

The fashion industry is a massive world full of opportunities from every side. If you are a high school student who is looking to kickstart your journey in the fashion world before college, the Immerse Education Fashion and Design Summer School is the right option for you. In this course, you get to explore professional paths in fashion, learn the basic foundation of fashion design, create a personal project, and earn a certificate of excellence at the end of the program.

During the program, Immerse also helps you through 1:1 tutorials, conducting seminars from experts, and creating friendship bonds through day trips and excursions in your free time. In short, this program will really prepare you for reality in the fashion industry.

Why it stands out: The program balances academic foundations, personal projects, and one-on-one mentorship while offering structured insight into real fashion career pathways.

3. LIM College Fashion Academy

Location: New York and virtual
Cost/Stipend: Ranges from USD 195 to USD 275 for non-credit courses, USD 1295 for the “Business of Fashion” course
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 13-16 July
Application Deadline: 22nd June
Eligibility: High school students worldwide, grades 9 to 12 worldwide

The LIM College Fashion Academy opens its doors to high school students to experience what it’s like to study and work in the fashion industry through their annual Summer Fashion Academy. For four days, you get to dip your toes in fashion by attending workshops such as Fashion Field Trips, Fashion Merchandising, Digital Design, Fashion Styling, Fashion Media, Fashion Marketing, and Fashion & Lifestyle Business Startup.

This year, an additional course has been launched, called The Business of Fashion, where you are able to focus more on the business side of the fashion industry. In addition to attending these workshops, you also get access to weekly live virtual sessions with LIM alumni who have successfully thrived in the fashion industry. 

Why it stands out: It offers a rare blend of fashion business, creative workshops, and direct access to LIM alumni working in the global fashion industry.

4. Pratt’s Summer Pre-College Program

Location: New York City
Cost/Stipend: USD 65 application fee, USD 8192 for residential program, USD 5452 for commuter program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 6-31 July
Application Deadline: 1st February (scholarship deadline), 1st April (international student deadline), 1st May (rolling application deadline)
Eligibility: High school students between 16 and 18 years old, US citizens, permanent resident or international students with a valid F1 visa. International students are encouraged to apply

High school students interested in art and design can experience college-level study through Pratt Institute’s PreCollege Summer Intensive Program. Over four weeks, you get to enroll in two credit-bearing courses of your choice and earn four college credits. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, portfolio development, and exposure to disciplines such as fashion design, illustration, photography, animation, architecture, and writing.

For you who choose the fashion design course, the curriculum focuses on inspiration research, sketching, hand sewing, and draping, culminating in a mini collection that reflects your personal aesthetic. Beyond the classroom, you draw inspiration from Brooklyn’s vibrant arts scene and New York City’s broader creative culture.

Why it stands out: It allows students to explore multiple creative majors, earn transferable college credits, and build a portfolio while living and studying in one of New York City’s most influential art and design environments.

5. Texas Women University Teen Fashion Design Camp

Location: North Texas
Cost/Stipend: USD 595
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 9-13 June and 7-11 July
Application Deadline: Not disclosed
Eligibility: Teens aged 13 to 18 years old and enroll in high school from anywhere in the world

The Texas Women University (TWU) Teen Fashion Design Camp focuses on teaching teenagers the practical aspect of fashion. During this five-day camp, you get to learn skills such as sewing, designing concepts, learning more about textiles, color theory, and fashion show production. The Teen Fashion Design Camp is separated into two types of camp according to age: junior (ages 9 to 13) and teen (ages 13 to 18 years old).

This is a commuter program, but if you want to experience living on campus, the TWU provides a lodging package that costs USD 380 for double rooms and USD 400 for single rooms. At the end of the program, you will host a mini fashion show and an end-of-camp reception for parents, family, and friends.

Why it stands out: The camp emphasizes practical garment construction and culminates in a student-produced fashion show that mirrors real industry workflows.

6. Broadway Sacramento Internship Program

Location: Sacramento, CA
Cost/Stipend: USD 25 stipend per day
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Diverse dates per different department from May to August
Application Deadline: 13th March
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors, not disclosed if international students may apply

If you are interested in theater, especially the backstage work of a theater production, interning at Broadway Sacramento can be a unique experience for you. In this internship program, ranging between 9 and 11 weeks, you can choose which track to focus on: Stage Management, Wardrobe, Costume, Production Center, Sound, or Wigs and Makeup. The Costume and Wardrobe departments are such a fitting choice if you’re into fashion design and want to try something unorthodox.

In these departments, you can learn more about costume coordination, fittings, properly handling and care theater costumes, and so many other skills about garment. During these internship sessions, you will also be directly hands-on, helping their real-life production titles such as Frozen and Hairspray, so you will really feel what it’s like working in a real theater performance day.

Why it stands out: You get to learn more about garments and costume especially for the theater industry.

7. Parsons School of Design Summer Intensive Studies

Location: New York
Cost/Stipend: USD 5610, USD 265 university fees
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Session 1: 8-26 June, Session 2: 6-24 July
Application Deadline: 1st April for international students, 1st May for US students
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 to 18 years old from all over the world

Parsons School of Design, with its summer program, invites US high school students to understand fine arts and fashion design more deeply through its Summer Intensive Studies, making it one of the more academically rigorous fashion internships for high school students. With two sessions each in June and July, you get the chance to cultivate inspiration through project-based learning, art and design field trips, and engaging talks with industry players.

Through this summer school, you will earn a deeper understanding of the arts and its specialized skills, technical and creative skills necessary to thrive in the industry, and a chance to engage with other students with the same passion. What’s interesting is that attending this summer school will also earn you three college credits and portfolio preparation for college. Scholarships are available for you who are motivated but have financial challenges.

Why it stands out: Participants earn college credits while building a fashion-focused portfolio through project-based learning at one of the world’s leading design schools.

8. URBN Internship

Location: Philadelphia
Cost/Stipend: Interns get a stipend with a competitive hourly rate
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 1st June – 7th August
Application Deadline: 3rd November
Eligibility: General high school students, not disclosed if international students may apply or if the program is open to students going to school in other countries

Each summer, URBN (Urban Outfitters) welcomes creative high school students from across the country in its prestigious internship program. For 10 weeks, you will learn the skills to succeed in a fast-paced fashion industry. This internship is perfect for you if you’re an individual who is creative, entrepreneurial, and a self-starter.

The internship program is paid, so you can expect to be paid a fair, competitive stipend. Not only working, but there will be summer events, industry visits, insight into company initiatives, and if you do a very good job, you might get a full-time offer at URBN.

Why it stands out: This internship offers direct exposure to a global fashion corporation, allowing students to work on real projects across both creative and business teams.

9. Vogue Summer School

Location: New York
Cost/Stipend: USD 7440 (residential), USD 5940 (commuter)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 21st June – 3rd July, 5-17 July, 19-31 July
Application Deadline: February 27th
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12, at least 15 years of age, from anywhere in the world

Get the inside look at the fashion industry by joining Summer School by Vogue, one of the most influential fashion magazines in the world, and a standout option among fashion internships for high school students. For two weeks, you get to explore potential college majors and careers in the fashion business through hands-on lessons in styling, media, business, and communication.

This Summer School offers four types of majors: Fashion Communication, Fashion Business, Fashion Media, and Fashion Styling, each with its own focus. Besides learning in class, the summer school also includes visits to major NYC museums, as well as sites such as Vogue HQ, flagship stores around the Garment District on Fifth Avenue, neighborhoods such as East Village and Noho, and diverse designer studios and ateliers. 

Why it stands out: The program provides behind-the-scenes access to fashion media, business, and styling through industry-led classes and curated NYC site visits.

10. Teen Vogue x Parsons Online Fashion Certificate

Location: Virtual, self-study
Cost/Stipend: USD 999
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 15th September
Application Deadline: Not disclosed
Eligibility: Students and professionals around the world interested in the design side of the fashion industry

This online course gives you more than 60 on-demand modules that are taught by Parsons faculty, Teen Vogue editors, and leading experts, making you fully balanced in understanding fashion from an academic and industry perspective. Not limiting on high school students, but this program is for learners of all ages who are interested and curious about the fashion industry and want to learn about marketing and globalization of fashion.

The courses are not only presented through video, but there is also project-based learning to develop real-life skills. Since it’s online, you are flexible to learn on your own pace and to review course content and submit assignments anytime.

Why it stands out: Learners gain flexible, industry-informed fashion education through on-demand modules taught by Parsons faculty and fashion media professionals.

11. Kent State University Summer Fashion Academy

Location: Kent, Ohio
Cost/Stipend: USD 1600
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30 participants
Dates: 8-14 June
Application Deadline: TBD in Spring
Eligibility: Have completed the sophomore year of high school, aged between 16 and 18 years old, passionate about fashion, international students are encouraged to apply

Every summer, Kent State University hosts a one-week program called the Summer Fashion Academy for high school students who are interested in the world of fashion design. Through carefully curated workshops and activities that examine both design and business aspects, you will come home with a richer experience and knowledge about fashion design.

In five days, you will create a 3D design from idea to furnished garment, use the digitally equipped TechStyleLAB to create an accessory, explore the foundation of fashion design, gain access to resources from the university, and create relationships with peers having the same passion for fashion design. The cost is all-inclusive with accommodation in Kent State housing (double occupancy), meals, supplies, and materials.

Why it stands out: Students complete a full design cycle from concept to finished garment while using advanced facilities like the university’s TechStyleLAB.

12. This Way ONWard by GAP

Location: Nationwide, partners of GAP and GAP stores
Cost/Stipend: Participants get a stipend, amount unknown
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Rolling admission
Application Deadline: Rolling admission
Eligibility: Socioeconomically disadvantaged youth aged 16 to 24 years old, international participants may apply, depending on work permit or visa status

This Way Onward is a special program by GAP to provide access and jobs, especially to youths aged 16-24 years old who come from challenging socioeconomic backgrounds. Through this program, you get to work with partners of GAP and nationwide GAP stores to enhance your skills.

GAP will provide you with assistance in transportation, clothing, financial education, and career coaching to address barriers in employment. There is also a possibility of working at GAP’s distribution centers.

Why it stands out: The program focuses on equitable access to paid work experience, pairing retail and logistics roles with career coaching and financial education.

13. Drexel University Fashion Design Reimagined Program

Location: Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: USD 2400
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 16 students
Dates: 12-18 July
Application Deadline: 12th June
Eligibility: High school students who have completed their sophomore year and are at least 16 years old, open to students around the world

High school students interested in pursuing fashion design can immerse themselves in Drexel University’s Fashion Design Reimagined Program, one of the more immersive fashion internships for high school students. For a one-week residential program, you get to live at Drexel University and experience hands-on studio projects, lectures and insights, field trips, and build your portfolio to jumpstart your fashion career.

Apart from attending classes and learning, you also get to experience social activities like a silk screen workshop, evening trips, excursions, and opportunities to relax and socialize with your classmates. This program is very prestigious and limited to only 16 students. The cost of this program includes accommodation, field trips, school materials, and food during the program.

Why it stands out: With a highly selective cohort, the program offers immersive studio learning and portfolio development within a residential university setting.

14. Banson NYC Fashion Summer Camp

Location: New York City
Cost/Stipend: Not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20 participants
Dates: 26-31 June
Application Deadline: Not disclosed
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 to 12, international students may apply

Are you thinking about a career or college major in fashion? Are you curious about how buyers select merchandise or what’s up behind a studio? The Banson NYC offers its annual Fashion Summer Camp to answer these questions. For one week, you will be taken to studios and offices of prominent brands in the fashion industry and even take part in a photoshoot in Central Park.

At the end of the camp, the school will treat you to a pampering spa day. You get to stay in a hotel in Midtown Manhattan with a Resident Advisor. This program only accepts 20 students, and acceptance is first-come, first-served.

Why it stands out: Participants gain firsthand exposure to fashion studios, brand offices, and real-world shoots while staying in the heart of Manhattan.

15. Design Hive at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

Location: New York City
Cost/Stipend: USD 2000 stipend during the program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 2nd December – 19th May
Application Deadline: Not disclosed
Eligibility: High school students based in New York City, also open to high school international students on a student visa in New York City

Design Hive is an initiative by Cooper Hewitt for high school students to embrace design idea iteration to a fully working product and is considered one of the more innovative fashion internships for high school students. This is a program held from December to May in the afternoons, so you can totally mix school work with this program.

This program will pay you USD 2000 as a final stipend, paid in two payments of USD 1000 each time during the program. If you are accepted to this program, you must be able to attend all sessions and be available to meet at Cooper Hewitt. 

Why it stands out: This paid program guides students through the full design-thinking process, from concept development to a market-ready product.

From Runway Dreams to Real-World Careers

Fashion can start as sketches and saved outfits, but internships turn interest into direction. You see deadlines, teamwork, and the standards behind every polished look.

On set, in studios, or with brand teams, you’ll learn research, styling, marketing, and production flow. Small tasks build big professional confidence over time, fast.

The Fashion Internships for High School Students listed here show how early exposure strengthens portfolios, clarifies roles, and helps you choose courses with purpose ahead.

Want to explore where fashion can lead next? Visit our Career Exploration blogs for pathways, skills, and study routes, then pick your direction today with confidence.