Regardless of your chosen focus in the fashion field, jumpstarting your academic journey will not only boost your resume, but it will also prepare you for your future career.
For high schoolers looking to get a head start, many universities offer fashion-focused summer programs that double as college credit. For example, ASU FIDM builds up foundational fashion skills, LIM College exposes students to a hands-on design studio and Parsons delves into the business of styling.
Plus, many schools offer courses tailored toward other fashion-related disciplines: Marist University explores fashion merchandising, Vogue College of Fashion dives into fashion media and Maine College of Art & Design offers a course on jewelry design.
Ahead, we've rounded up a list of 2026 pre-college summer programs, courses and even camps spanning multiple fashion industry fields currently accepting applications.
ACA Project Endeavor Fashion Design
About the program: a two-week, college credit-earning program that offers insights from industry experts and an inside look into sketching, designing, styling, buying and fashion show production.
Location: Los Angeles, CA.
Application deadline: ACA enrollment is limited and determined on a rolling basis.
Program dates: July 5-17, 2026 (July 6-16, 2026 for commuters).
Cost: $5,795 for residential; $2,995 for commuters.
Qualifications: students must be completing Grades 9, 10, 11 or 12 by the summer of 2026.
How to apply: more information here.
ASU FIDM L.A. and Phoenix Fashion Camps
About the program: pre-college Intro to Fashion Design I, Fashion Merchandising and Intro to Fashion Design II programs designed to expose students to the different pathways in the fashion industry, all while building foundational skills and networks.
Locations: Los Angeles, CA and Phoenix, AZ.
Application deadline: June 11, 2026 at 5 p.m. (Intro to Fashion Design I/Fashion Merchandising); June 18, 2026 at 5 p.m. (Intro to Fashion Design II).
Los Angeles Program dates: June 15–19, 2026 (Intro to Fashion Design I/Fashion Merchandising); June 22–26, 2026 (Intro to Fashion Design II).
Phoenix Program dates: June 15–19, 2026 (Intro to Fashion Design I); June 22–26, 2026 (Intro to Fashion Design II).
Cost: $1,300 for L.A., $1,200 for Phoenix.
Qualifications: open to high school and community college students ages 15-19. Sewing experience recommended for Intro to Fashion Design II; no experience necessary for others.
How to apply: more info on L.A. camps here and Phoenix camps here.
Banson NYC Fashion Summer Camp
About the program: an in-person, week-long session through which high school students get a behind-the-scenes look at the fashion industry through seminars and field trips — plus a five-night stay in a Midtown hotel.
Location: New York, NY.
Application deadline: Registration available on a first come, first serve basis.
Program dates: July 26-31, 2026.
Cost: $2,075 per student or $1,875 per student if you register with a friend.
Qualifications: students entering Grades 9 through 12.
How to apply: more information here.
Fashion Institute of Technology Summer High School 4-Day Workshops
About the program: four-day workshops that allow students to immerse themselves in various fashion-related topics (fashion journalism, fashion photography, trend forecasting and entrepreneurship) and become acquainted with FIT's Fashion District campus; see available classes here.
Location: New York, NY.
Application deadline: June 10, 2026.
Program dates: Week one: June 22, 23, 24 and 25, 2026; Week two: June 29, 30, July 1 and 2, 2026.
Cost: $440 for one four-day workshop.
Qualifications: students in Grades 9 through 12 as of Fall 2026.
How to apply: more information here.
Fashion Institute of Technology Summer High School 10-Day Classes
About the program: 10-day courses spanning fashion design, styling, trends, illustration, photography, product development and more; see available classes here.
Location: New York, NY.
Application deadline: June 10, 2026.
Program dates: July 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20 and 21, 2026.
Cost: $550 for one 10-day class.
Qualifications: students in Grades 9 through 12 as of Fall 2026.
How to apply: more information here.
Interlochen Center for the Arts Fashion Summer Program
About the program: a three-week program where students spend six hours per day studying fashion and creating works of wearable art. Students will study the basics of garment construction, construct a line of wearables and showcase the collection in a final show at the end of the program.
Location: Interlochen, MI.
Application deadline: currently accepting applications until the program is full.
Program dates: June 28-July 18, 2026 for Session 1; July 19-Aug. 9, 2026 for Session 2.
Cost: $7,265.
Qualifications: must be high school students in Grades 9 through 12.
How to apply: Applicants should prepare a minimum of five images representing their highest quality of work. More information here.
Istituto Marangoni Miami Fashion Summer Camp
About the program: a two-week pre-college camp exploring the design, styling and business sides of the fashion industry while developing a college fashion portfolio.
Location: Miami, FL.
Application deadline: May 7, 2026.
Program dates: June 1-12, 2026; June 15-26, 2026; June 29-July 10, 2026; July 13-24, 2026; July 27-Aug. 7, 2026.
Cost: $3,000 for domestic students; $3,500 for international students.
Qualifications: must be a current high school student between 14 and 18 years old.
How to apply: more information here.
Kent State University Summer Fashion Academy
About the program: one-week program that explores fashion design and merchandising through the TechStyleLAB, creating a three-dimensional design and learning the foundations of fashion design.
Location: Kent, OH.
Application deadline: registration available until all 30 spots are filled.
Program dates: June 14-20, 2026.
Cost: $1,650.
Qualifications: Students must have completed their sophomore year of high school, be 16 to 18 years old and be interested in exploring a career in the fashion industry.
How to apply: more information here.
LIM College Fashion Academy
About the program: three available courses covering fashion merchandising (with an on-campus and virtual option), fashion styling and a hands-on design studio.
Location: New York, NY or online.
Application deadline: June 22, 2026.
Program dates: July 13-16, 2026.
Cost: courses range from $250 to $350. Students will receive a $50 discount if they enroll in two classes and a $75 discount if they enroll in three classes.
Qualifications: high school students aged 14-18 years old who will be in Grades 9 through 12 as of Fall 2025.
How to apply: more information here.
Maine College of Art & Design Pre-College Art & Design Program
About the program: a three-week residential program allowing students to earn three college credits and build up their portfolio. Students choose two studio majors to pursue, and the program offers fashion & textile as well as metalsmithing & jewelry design.
Location: Portland, ME.
Application deadline: April 15, 2026. Paperwork and full payment due May 1, 2026.
Program dates: July 12–Aug. 1, 2026.
Cost: $5,300 for a single room & board; $4,800 for a shared room & board; a non-refundable $40 application fee.
Qualifications: open to students aged 15-18 in their sophomore, junior and senior years of high school (or the equivalent).
How to apply: complete an application here.
Marist University Summer Pre-College: Fashion Design - Apparel Construction
About the program: a two-week course exploring the various aspects of fashion design portfolio development, including two field trips (with one into NYC).
Location: Poughkeepsie, NY.
Application deadline: accepted on a rolling, space-available basis.
Program dates: June 28-July 11, 2026 for Session I; July 12-25, 2026 for Session II.
Cost: $3,700 per session or $6,660 for students who participate in both sessions.
Qualifications: high school sophomores and juniors, though other high school students (including graduating seniors) are welcome to apply.
How to apply: Submit a high school transcript, recommendation form, short essay and complete application here.
Marist University Summer Pre-College: Fashion Merchandising
About the program: a two-week fashion merchandising course that delves into the business, promotion and product development side of the fashion industry while also featuring guest speakers and field trips.
Location: Poughkeepsie, NY.
Application deadline: accepted on a rolling, space-available basis.
Program dates: June 28-July 11, 2026 for Session I; July 12-July 25, 2026 for Session II.
Cost: $3,700 per session or $6,660 for students who participate in both sessions.
Qualifications: high school sophomores and juniors, though other high school students (including graduating seniors) are welcome to apply.
How to apply: Submit a high school transcript, recommendation form, short essay and complete application here.
MICA Pre-College Summer Intensive: Textile and Fashion Fundamentals
About the program: a college credit-earning program offering studio classes, workshops and artist talks. The Textile and Fashion Fundamentals course teaches students techniques like fabric dyeing, wet felting, weaving, fabric manipulation, surface design and garment construction.
Location: Baltimore, MD.
Application deadline: April 30, 2026.
Program Dates: July 13-24, 2026.
Cost: $3,850 for the residential program; $2,725 for the commuter program; plus a $25 application fee.
Qualifications: Students must be aged 15-17.
How to apply: Apply for the residential program here, and the commuter program here.
Montclair State University Pre-College Summer 2026: Fashion Design
About the program: a one-week residential program for high school students featuring fashion design and fashion merchandising courses. In the fashion design course, students learn foundational techniques in apparel design, and in the fashion merchandising course, students learn how to plan and execute a six-month buying plan.
Location: Montclair, NJ.
Application deadline: June 15, 2026. (Students accepted after June 15 must submit their payment upon acceptance.)
Program dates: July 12–18, 2026 for Session I (Fashion Design); July 26–Aug. 1, 2026 for Session II (Fashion Merchandising).
Cost: $1,900.
Qualifications: must be high school students in Grades 9-11.
How to apply: Complete the application, including a 250-word essay. More information here.
Moore College of Art & Design Summer Art & Design Institute
About the program: an on-campus, four-week program offering a concentration in fashion design where students can sketch concepts, construct designs and learn draping techniques. Students who successfully complete this program will receive three undergraduate-level college credits and become eligible to receive a $10,000 scholarship to attend Moore College of Art & Design's undergraduate programs.
Location: Philadelphia, PA.
Application deadline: deposit deadline is April 15, 2026 and the tuition deadline is May 1, 2026.
Program dates: July 12-Aug. 7, 2026.
Cost: approximately $6,755, in addition to a non-refundable $300 deposit.
Qualifications: must be a high school student in Grades 10 through 12.
How to apply: more information here.
New York University High School Academy Fashion Design
About the program: an introductory course exploring New York's fashion industry with a final project creating a six-piece sketch collection.
Location: New York, NY.
Application deadline: April 29, 2026 for residential students living on campus; June 12, 2026 for commuter students living off campus.
Program dates: July 6–10, 2026 for Session 2; July 20–24, 2026 for Session 4.
Cost: $2,579 per course, plus a non-refundable $50 application fee and an optional $684 housing and dining fee.
Qualifications: high school students who have completed their freshman, sophomore or junior years and have an interest in fashion design.
How to apply: Submit an official high school transcript, a 250-500-word essay and a complete application here.
NSLC High School Summer Fashion Programs: Fashion Management & Design
About the program: a pre-college experience allowing students to create a distinctive brand identity, define their brand's target audience and explore sustainability in fashion. Guest speakers and field trips are also offered.
Location: New York, NY.
Application deadline: June 25, 2026.
Program dates: July 8-16, 2026; July 20-28, 2026.
Cost: $4,595 for residential.
Qualifications: Students must be between the ages of 14-18 and have completed at least one year of high school.
How to apply: more information here.
Otis College of Art and Design Summer of Art
About the program: a variety of art- and design-specific programs, including a fashion design course covering sketching techniques and other technical skills; more information here.
Location: Los Angeles, CA.
Application deadline: June 23, 2026 (the deadline for international students is May 14).
Program dates: July 6–31, 2026.
Cost: $2,690 for an individual class or $4,390 for the full program without housing; $5,615 per course or $7,315 for the full program with housing. More information on tuition and housing here.
Qualifications: students must be 14.5 to 19 years old.
How to apply: more information here.
Parsons Summer Intensive Studies
About the program: a three-week program packed with immersive coursework, project-based learning, field trips, guest speakers and portfolio reviews; fashion design, merchandising and styling courses available here.
Location: New York, NY.
Application deadline: May 8, 2026 (April 1 for international students) for Session 1; June 1, 2026 (April 1 for international students; May 8 for students applying for university housing) for Session 2.
Program dates: June 8–26, 2026 for Session 1; July 6–24, 2026 for Session 2.
Cost: $5,610 plus $265 university fees and a $50 non-refundable application fee.
Qualifications: students aged 16 to 18, regardless of skill level.
How to apply: pay the application fee, write a 150-200-word personal statement and submit an application here.
Parsons Summer Academy (Grades 3-12)
About the program: classes for creative students ranging from third to 12th grade, including fashion and accessory design; full offering here.
Location: New York, NY.
Application deadline: July 15, 2026.
Program dates: July 27-Aug. 7, 2026. (Students in Grades 3 through 8 will have half-day sessions from 9 a.m.-11:50 a.m., while students in Grades 9 through 12 will have full-day sessions from 9 a.m.–3:50 p.m.)
Cost: $860 plus fees for Grades 3 through 8; $1,720 plus fees for students Grades 9 through 12.
Qualifications: students in Grades 3 through 12 will attend in-person; students will need a digital camera (mobile devices cameras work for Grades 3 through 8) and class supplies (estimated cost: $75-$125).
How to apply: more information here.
Pratt Summer Pre-College Intensive
About the program: two hands-on courses held over four weeks for current high school students to earn four college credits. It offers fashion-related courses including fashion design, jewelry/metal arts and photography.
Location: Brooklyn, NY.
Application deadline: May 1, 2026 (payment deadline is May 31, 2026).
Program dates: July 6–31, 2026.
Cost: $65 non-refundable application fee; $8,192 for residential students; $5,452 for commuter students.
Qualifications: must be high school students who will be between 16 and 18 years old before Dec. 31, 2026; must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or international student with a valid U.S. F1 visa; all experience levels are welcome.
How to apply: more information here.
Rhode Island School of Design Pre-College
About the program: Rising high school juniors and seniors spend five weeks following a college-level curriculum through studio classes, critiques and projects; learn more about its fashion design curriculum here.
Location: Providence, RI.
Application deadline: applications are reviewed in order of submission on a rolling basis; if you apply after March 11, you must pay full tuition and fees within five business days after acceptance.
Program dates: June 27–Aug. 1, 2026.
Cost: $60 non-refundable application fee; $12,495 for the residential program; $9,595 for the commuter program.
Qualifications: must be between 16 and 18 years old, a current high school student between 10th and 11th grade or 11th and 12th grade during the summer of 2026.
How to apply: more information here.
Savannah College of Art and Design Summer Seminars
About the program: workshops in Atlanta and Savannah, GA, covering topics such as draping, sketching and fashion marketing through lectures, demonstrations, studio work and local field trips.
Location: Atlanta, GA and Savannah, GA.
Application deadline: May 29, 2026. April 13, 2026 for scholarship applications.
Atlanta program dates: June 21–26, 2026 for Session 1; July 5–10, 2026 for Session 2; July 12–17, 2026 for Session 3.
Savannah program dates: June 21–26, 2026 for Session 1; July 5–10, 2026 for Session 2; July 12–17, 2026 for Session 3; July 19–24, 2026 for Session 4.
Cost: $1,450 for commuter students and $1,750 for on-campus students, plus a $100 non-refundable registration fee (per session).
Qualifications: must be a current high school freshman, sophomore or junior.
How to apply: Complete an online registration form linked here for Atlanta and here for Savannah.
School of Fashion Design Pre-College Workshop in Fashion Design
About the program: an in-person program for high school students to receive an introduction to the fashion design process, from conception to garment completion. Students will learn how to take measurements, how to operate a sewing machine, design development, pattern manipulation and more.
Location: Boston, MA.
Application deadline: available on a first come first serve basis.
Program dates: July 6-27, 2026 for Session 1; July 29-Aug. 19, 2026 for Session 2.
Cost: $975, plus $125 in supplies and a $25 non-refundable registration fee.
Qualifications: for students currently enrolled in high school Grades 9-12; no prior experience necessary.
How to apply: more information here.
School of the Art Institute of Chicago Early College Program Summer Institute
About the program: five sessions offering a range of creative, college credit-earning courses, including fashion design and fashion construction; see the available courses here.
Location: Chicago, IL.
Application deadline: April 20, 2026 is the priority deadline.
Program dates: June 15–26, 2026 for Session 1; June 29–July 10, 2026 for Session 2; July 13–24, 2026 for Session 3; June 29–July 24, 2026 for Session 4; July 27–31, 2026 for Session 5.
Cost: approximately $1,908 for a one-week session; approximately $3,816 for a two-week session; approximately $7,632 for a four-week session; $100 non-refundable tuition deposit.
Qualifications: students must be between 15 and 18 years old and have completed their sophomore year of high school by the start of the program.
How to apply: more information here.
Syracuse University Summer College: Fashion Design Creative Process
About the program: an on-campus summer college program offering a two-week, noncredit course exploring how fashion design evolves, how a designer creates a collection and the inner workings of the fashion industry. See the full list of courses here.
Location: Syracuse, NY.
Application deadline: May 1, 2026.
Program dates: July 5-17, 2026.
Cost: $4,995 for residential students; $4,024 for commuter students.
Qualifications: High school students who are 15 years or older by their move-in date are eligible to attend.
How to apply: Submit a completed application, high school transcript, an essay and a $65 non-refundable application fee. More information here.
The Fashion Class Fashion Summer Fashion Sewing Camp (Ages 6-12)
About the program: weekly sessions teaching children about design and how to sew real and wearable clothing using a sewing machine; learn more about it here.
Location: New York, NY.
Application deadline: registration available until all spots are filled.
Program dates: weekly starting June 15 through Aug. 28, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: $999 per week (all supplies included).
Qualifications: must be between the ages of 6 and 12. No sewing experience is required.
How to apply: more information here.
The Fashion Class Fashion Design Summer Camp (Ages 13-17)
About the program: an in-person camp teaching teens how to sew, sketch their own designs and create a portfolio. Students also learn the business side of the fashion industry through guest speakers and showroom visits.
Location: New York, NY.
Application deadline: registration available until all 20 spots are filled.
Program dates: July 6-10, 2026; July 13-17, 2026; July 20-24, 2026; and/or July 27-31, 2026.
Cost: $1,400 per week (all supplies included).
Qualifications: must be between the ages of 13 and 17.
How to apply: more information here.
Vogue College of Fashion Vogue Summer School
About the program: a two-week, pre-college summer program geared toward high school students interested in learning more about fashion communication, business, media and styling. Students will visit designer studios and flagship stores while learning from Vogue and Condé Nast journalists and experts.
Location: New York, NY.
Application deadline: available on a first come, first served basis.
Program dates: June 7-19, 2026; June 21-July 3, 2026; July 5-17, 2026; July 19-31, 2026.
Cost: $7,695 for the residential program and $6,195for commuters; A non-refundable initial payment of $1,500 is due within two weeks of receiving your acceptance letter in order to register for the program.
Qualifications: must be between 15 and 18 years old.
How to apply: more information here.
* This article was originally published here