10 Graphic Design Programs for High School Students
In the fast-evolving world of design and technology, gaining early exposure to graphic design can be a game-changer for high school students. Pre-college programs offer a hands-on experience that goes beyond the classroom, allowing students to apply their creativity in real-world scenarios. Whether you're passionate about animation, digital illustration, or branding, a pre-college program can provide you with the skills and experience that will make your college application stand out. Moreover, these experiences can help you build a portfolio that showcases your work, making you a competitive candidate for design schools or future job opportunities.
To help you get started, we have put together a list of 10 graphic design programs for high school students!
1. Pratt Institute PreCollege Program in Graphic Design
The Pratt Institute’s Pre-College Program is a great opportunity for high school students to get involved in graphic design. Over the course of the program, students will engage in hands-on projects that challenge their creativity and technical skills. They’ll have access to Pratt’s state-of-the-art design studios and facilities, allowing them to produce professional-quality work. In addition to studio work, students will benefit from field trips to design agencies and studios across New York City, offering real-world insights into the design industry.
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $3,500 (Financial Aid Available)
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Application Deadline: April 15, 2025
Program Dates: July 2025 - August 2025
Cohort Size: 20 students
Projects/Topics: Digital media, branding, typography, and poster design.
Additional Aspects: Access to Pratt’s studios, field trips to design agencies in New York City, and mentorship from Pratt faculty.
2. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Rising Star Program
The SCAD Rising Star Program is a demanding and rewarding pre-college experience customized for high school students serious about pursuing a career in graphic design. Participants in the Rising Star Program can earn college credits while still in high school, giving them a head start on their higher education journey. The program includes access to SCAD’s extensive facilities, including cutting-edge design labs and studios. Mentorship from SCAD’s outstanding faculty ensures that students receive expert guidance as they develop their portfolios.
Location: Savannah, GA
Cost: $6,000 (Includes Tuition and Housing; Scholarships Available)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
Program Dates: June 2025 - July 2025
Cohort Size: 25 students
Projects/Topics: Comprehensive study of graphic design, including branding, digital media, and printmaking.
Additional Aspects: Access to SCAD’s extensive facilities, mentorship from SCAD faculty, and the opportunity to earn college credits.
3. Smithsonian National Museum of American History Graphic Design Internship
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History has designed a special graphic design internship program to help high school students gain practical experience. This internship involves working on a variety of design projects, such as creating promotional materials, assisting with exhibition design, and developing digital content for the museum’s website. Interns benefit from mentorship by museum staff and have the opportunity to participate in field visits to other Smithsonian museums. The program also includes portfolio development sessions, providing students with valuable skills and experience that will enhance their future college applications.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free (Stipend Provided)
Eligibility: High school students with basic graphic design skills
Application Deadline: December 1, 2024
Program Dates: January 2025 - March 2025
Cohort Size: 15 students
Projects/Topics: Design promotional materials, assist in exhibition design, and develop digital content for the museum's website.
Additional Aspects: Field visits to other Smithsonian museums, mentorship from museum staff, and portfolio development sessions.
4. Parsons School of Design Pre-College Graphic Design Internship
The Parsons School of Design’s Pre-College Graphic Design Internship offers high school students a chance to explore the fundamentals of graphic design in one of the world’s most renowned art and design schools. Located in New York City, this program covers key areas such as branding, typography, and digital illustration. Students work on projects that challenge their creativity and technical abilities, all while receiving personalized feedback from Parsons faculty. The program also includes studio visits and portfolio reviews, helping students develop a strong portfolio that will be crucial for college applications and future design careers.
Location: New York City, NY
Cost: $2,500 (Scholarships Available)
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a passion for design
Application Deadline: November 30, 2024
Program Dates: January 2025 - March 2025
Cohort Size: 25 students
Projects/Topics: Branding, typography, and digital illustration.
Additional Aspects: Studio visits, portfolio reviews, and mentorship from Parsons faculty.
5. RISD Pre-College Program in Graphic Design
The RISD Pre-College Program is an intensive six-week experience for high school juniors and seniors interested in graphic design. Located in Providence, RI, this program introduces students to design principles, typography, and project-based learning. Participants have access to RISD’s state-of-the-art facilities, where they work on individual and group projects that push the boundaries of their creativity. The program culminates in a final exhibition of student work, providing an opportunity to showcase their talents. With mentorship from RISD faculty, students gain a deeper understanding of the design process and develop a portfolio that reflects their unique vision and skills.
Location: Providence, RI
Cost: $4,000 (Financial Aid Available)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Application Deadline: February 1, 2025
Program Dates: June 2025 - August 2025
Cohort Size: 30 students
Projects/Topics: Introduction to design principles, typography, and project-based learning in graphic design.
Additional Aspects: Access to RISD's state-of-the-art facilities, mentorship, and a final exhibition of student work.
6. Cooper Union Summer Art Intensive
The Cooper Union Summer Art Intensive is a dynamic program that provides high school students with an immersive experience in graphic design, digital media, and printmaking. Located in New York City, this program offers a strict curriculum for students to experiment with different mediums and techniques. Participants benefit from field visits to top design studios in the city, gaining insights into the professional world of graphic design. A highlight of this program is the mentorship you will receive from Cooper Union faculty to help provide you with guidance and support. By the end of the program, students will have a refined portfolio that shows their growth as designers.
Location: New York City, NY
Cost: $2,700 (Scholarships Available)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
Program Dates: July 2025 - August 2025
Cohort Size: 20 students
Projects/Topics: Graphic design, digital media, and printmaking.
Additional Aspects: Field visits to New York City design studios, mentorship, and portfolio development.
7. CalArts Summer Graphic Design Program
The CalArts Summer Graphic Design Program in Valencia, CA, is a four-week intensive course designed for high school students passionate about graphic design. This program covers a range of topics, including motion graphics, branding, and digital illustration, allowing students to explore different aspects of the field. Participants have the opportunity to work in CalArts’ renowned design studios, where they receive mentorship from experienced faculty and industry professionals. Workshops and collaborative projects are key components of the program, helping students build a portfolio that showcases their skills and creativity. The experience culminates in a final presentation, where students can display their work to peers and instructors.
Location: Valencia, CA
Cost: $3,200 (Financial Aid Available)
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Application Deadline: April 1, 2025
Program Dates: July 2025 - August 2025
Cohort Size: 25 students
Projects/Topics: Motion graphics, branding, and digital illustration.
Additional Aspects: Workshops with industry professionals, mentorship, and access to CalArts' design studios.
8. Otis College of Art and Design Pre-College Graphic Design Internship
Otis College of Art and Design offers a pre-college graphic design internship in Los Angeles, CA, where high school students can immerse themselves in the world of graphic design. This program focuses on typography, branding, and digital media, providing students with the skills needed to create compelling visual communications. Interns have access to Otis’ state-of-the-art facilities and receive guidance from the college’s experienced faculty. The program also includes studio visits, where students can see professional designers at work, and a final portfolio review, which helps students refine their work and prepare for future academic and career opportunities in design.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $2,800 (Scholarships Available)
Eligibility: High school students passionate about graphic design
Application Deadline: May 1, 2025
Program Dates: June 2025 - August 2025
Cohort Size: 20 students
Projects/Topics: Typography, branding, and digital media.
Additional Aspects: Studio visits, mentorship from Otis faculty, and a final portfolio review.
9. UCLA Design Media Arts Summer Institute
The UCLA Design Media Arts Summer Institute is a rigorous program that introduces high school students to the interdisciplinary world of design, animation, and interactive media. Located in Los Angeles, CA, this program offers a blend of technical training and creative exploration, allowing students to work on projects that span graphic design, animation, and digital media. Participants receive mentorship from UCLA faculty and have access to the university’s cutting-edge facilities. The program culminates in a final presentation, where students showcase their projects to peers and instructors, gaining valuable feedback and experience that will be beneficial for their future studies in design.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $3,000 (Financial Aid Available)
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10-12
Application Deadline: May 15, 2025
Program Dates: July 2025 - August 2025
Cohort Size: 30 students
Projects/Topics: Graphic design, animation, and interactive media.
Additional Aspects: Workshops with UCLA faculty, mentorship, and a final presentation of projects.
10. University of the Arts Pre-College Graphic Design Program
The University of the Arts Pre-College Graphic Design Program in Philadelphia, PA, is an intensive summer experience designed for high school students interested in pursuing a career in graphic design. This program covers a range of topics, including digital illustration, branding, and typography, allowing students to develop a strong foundation in design principles. Participants have access to the university’s design labs and receive mentorship from experienced faculty, who guide them through the creative process. The program also includes portfolio development sessions, helping students prepare a body of work that will be crucial for college applications and future design opportunities.
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $2,200 (Scholarships Available)
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Application Deadline: June 1, 2025
Program Dates: July 2025 - August 2025
Cohort Size: 25 students
Projects/Topics: Digital illustration, branding, and typography.
Additional Aspects: Access to University of the Arts' design labs, mentorship, and portfolio development.
Bonus Opportunity - Ladder Internship Program
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries from tech/deep tech, AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. Past founders have included YCombinator alumni, founders raising over 30 million dollars, or founders who previously worked at Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form.
Interns are offered one-on-one training in communication, time management, and other such valuable skills and will also have the opportunity to attend group training sessions with other interns in their cohort. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
Cost: $1990 (Financial Aid Available)
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort.
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI is founded by Harvard graduate students. Through the programs, you get a chance to work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. You can apply here!
Image Source - Parsons Logo