15 Summer College Architecture Programs for High School Students

If you’re a high school student interested in architecture or design, summer is a good time to explore those interests in a structured way. One option is to join a college-level summer architecture program. These programs give you a chance to try out studio work, build design skills, and learn how architects think, all while working with tools like sketching, digital modeling, and spatial design.

Many of these programs are hosted by top architecture schools. They let you experience what it’s like to study architecture in college, often with access to real faculty, labs, studios, and even field trips to important buildings or firms. Some are brief and focused on specific themes, while others span a few weeks and provide a deep dive into architectural thinking.

With that, here are 15 architecture summer programs for high school students!

15 Summer College Architecture Programs for High School Students

1. Camp ARCH – Texas A&M University College of Architecture

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Medium selective. Program decisions are based on a holistic review of essays, transcripts, and recommendations.

Dates: July 7 – July 12

Application Deadline: March 1

Eligibility: Open to students entering grades 10–12

Cost: $1,500 (includes meals, housing, class materials, activities, and souvenirs). Limited need-based scholarships are available. To apply, students must submit a separate scholarship essay as part of the application.

Location: Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

Camp ARCH is a one-week summer program at Texas A&M University where you explore architecture, construction science, landscape architecture, or urban planning. You choose a focus area and join studio sessions that reflect what first-year college students study—learning how to design spaces, use industry tools, and build key creative and technical skills.

In the architecture track, you’ll practice drawing, model-making and get introduced to tools and methods used by college-level architecture students. You also work on team projects, take part in critiques, and present your work in workshops with peers and mentors.

Throughout the week, you receive guidance from faculty, tour the Texas A&M campus, and end the program by presenting your final projects during a public showcase.

2. Cornell Precollege Architecture Summer Program – College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Medium selective. Studio sections are capped at 21 students each.

Dates: June 22 – August 2

Application Deadline: Residential: May 1; Commuter: May 19

Eligibility: High school students (typically rising juniors or seniors) with a strong interest in architecture. No prior experience required.

Cost: Residential: $16,754 (includes 6-credit tuition, housing, meals, student services, and health fee); Commuter: $11,199 (includes tuition and student health fee)

Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

This six-week summer program at Cornell gives you a deep introduction to architecture through studio work and college-level classes. Hosted by Cornell’s College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, the program is designed for high school students thinking about a future in architecture or design.

You’ll take two official Cornell courses: a design studio (ARCH 1110) and a lecture on architectural theory (ARCH 1300), both taught by Cornell faculty. You’ll learn how to think spatially, develop your design ideas, and use architectural drawing and modeling tools. Studio sessions take place in Milstein Hall, Cornell’s architecture building designed by Rem Koolhaas and OMA.

3. Exploration of Architecture – USC Summer Pre-College Program

Acceptance rate/cohort size: The program is selective and fills on a rolling basis; the exact cohort size is not published.

Dates: June 15 – July 12

Application Deadline: Domestic students: May 2; International students: March 14

Eligibility: High school students who will have completed 9th grade by June 15; no prerequisites. International students must meet English proficiency requirements.

Cost: Residential: $11,347; Commuter: $7,812; International (residential): $11,949. Includes tuition, materials, room & board, program fees, and health access.

Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Hosted by the USC School of Architecture, this four-week summer program introduces you to the core principles of architectural design through studio work, hands-on projects, and guided mentorship. You’ll spend time sketching, building models, and creating digital renderings while learning key concepts like spatial thinking, composition, and design logic.

The program blends technical and creative work, giving you the chance to explore what it means to study architecture in a college setting. Faculty and practicing architects provide feedback on your projects and offer guidance on portfolio development. You’ll also explore major architectural landmarks around Los Angeles, including visits to places like the Getty Center.

4. TeenArch Studio Summer Institute – UCLA Architecture & Urban Design

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Medium selective. Exact cohort size is not published.

Dates: Residential: June 29 – July 19; Commuter/Virtual: June 30 – July 18

Application Deadline: Residential: June 6; Commuter/Virtual: June 13

Eligibility: Open to students in grades 9–12 as of spring. Students must be at least 15 years old by June 23. Residential participants must be 17 or older by that date.

Cost: Residential: $5,026; Commuter: $3,300; Virtual: $2,339

Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA

UCLA’s TeenArch Studio is a three-week, full-time summer program that introduces you to architecture through hands-on studio work and real design challenges. You’ll build spatial thinking and design skills by creating origami-inspired models, sketching architectural concepts, and developing a pavilion project for the courtyard of Perloff Hall.

The program mirrors a college-level architecture studio. You’ll learn professional tools like diagrammatic drawing and 3D modeling, and get regular feedback through both group and one-on-one critiques. Mentorship comes from UCLA architecture students, alumni, and faculty who guide you through the process and share insights into careers in architecture and how to prepare a strong college portfolio.

5. Imagine Architecture – Carleton University

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; spots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis

Dates: LAB 101: July 7–11 (on-campus), July 28–August 1 (online); LAB 102: July 14–18 (on-campus); LAB 103: July 21–25 (on-campus)

Application Deadline: Rolling until spots are filled

Eligibility: Students in grades 10–12 with an interest in architecture or design

Cost: LAB 101/102/103 (on-campus): $730 + HST per lab; LAB 101 (online): $600 + HST. Discounted rate for all three on-campus LABs: $2,040 + HST

Location: Carleton University, Ottawa, ON (with online option for LAB 101)

Imagine Architecture is a series of immersive, week-long summer studios for high school students who want to explore architecture, design, and urbanism. Hosted by Carleton University’s Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism, the program includes three LABs that each focus on different parts of architectural thinking and creation.

You’ll work on hands-on design projects, learn through studio exercises and lectures, and build skills in areas like sketching, model-making, 3D visualization, and spatial reasoning. There are also portfolio prep workshops to help you start thinking about what it takes to apply to architecture school. You can attend in person in Ottawa or join the virtual option, depending on what works best for you.

6. Cincinnati Architectural Mentoring Program (C.A.M.P.) – Summer CAMP

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Space is limited; early application recommended

Dates: July 13–19

Application Deadline: May 30

Eligibility: Rising 8th and 9th grade students

Cost: $100 tuition; financial assistance available; includes meals, materials, and field trip transport

Location: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH

Hosted at the University of Cincinnati’s School of Architecture and Interior Design, C.A.M.P. is a one-week summer day program for high school students who want to explore architecture through hands-on learning. You’ll take on real design challenges, learn the basics of architectural drawing, and visit buildings like the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal to see architecture in context.

The program includes group projects based on real sites, and you’ll work with architecture students, faculty, and local professionals throughout the week. You’ll also meet mentors from diverse backgrounds and learn how architecture connects to community, identity, and social impact. The week wraps up with a final project exhibition and graduation ceremony.

7. From the Ground Up – University of Houston Design Experience Summer Program

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Medium selective. Exact cohort size is not published.

Dates: June 16 – July 19

Application Deadline: Regular deadline: May 23; Late deadline: June 11 (subject to availability)

Eligibility: Open to high school students. No prior experience in architecture is required.

Cost: $1,500. A non-refundable $200 deposit or full tuition is due within two weeks of acceptance. Need-based scholarships are available. Students must submit a separate scholarship essay as part of the application.

Location: University of Houston, Houston, TX

Hosted by Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design, this five-week summer program introduces high school students to architecture through lectures, studio sessions, and field trips. Each day begins with classes in architectural theory, history, and design thinking, followed by studio work where you’ll apply concepts through hands-on projects.

You’ll also take part in portfolio workshops led by University of Houston faculty to help prepare for architecture school applications. Weekly field trips give you a chance to see real buildings and design work across major Texas cities like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Fort Worth, and Austin.

8. embARC Summer Design Academy – UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Medium selective. The program fills early and does not accept late applications once full. Exact cohort size is not published.

Dates: July 7 – August 1

Application Deadline: Priority (housing + aid): February 18; Final commuter deadline (if space remains): April 15

Eligibility: Open to rising high school seniors (12th grade) and exceptional rising juniors (11th grade). Students must be at least 16 years old by July 6 and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. No prior design experience is required.

Cost: Domestic: $5,136; International: $8,096. Campus housing is available for an additional fee. A few need-based scholarships are offered. A $75 application fee applies.

Location: University of California, Berkeley, CA

Hosted by UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design, the embARC Summer Design Academy is a four-week program for high school students interested in architecture, urban design, and sustainable planning. You’ll take part in studio sessions, lectures, digital design labs, and a hands-on community-based project that connects your design work to real social impact.

Past students have designed bike add-ons for mobile food markets and built small public structures for Bay Area nonprofits. You’ll also go on field trips to major architectural sites around Berkeley and San Francisco.

9. Summer College Architecture Program – Syracuse University School of Architecture

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Medium selective. Cohort size not published.

Dates: July 6 – July 25

Application Deadline: May 20

Eligibility: Open to rising high school juniors, seniors, or high school graduates. No prior design experience required.

Cost: Residential: $6,295; Commuter: $4,831. Additional supply costs are not included. Some scholarships and discounts are available.

Location: Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY

This three-week architecture studio introduces you to college-level design through hands-on projects and structured studio work on Syracuse University’s campus. You’ll begin with short exercises on spatial relationships and composition, then move on to a final project: designing a small pavilion in downtown Syracuse.

You’ll work with traditional and digital tools, including basswood modeling, orthographic drawing, Rhino 3D, and Adobe InDesign. Faculty-led critiques and lectures help you build design vocabulary, problem-solving skills, and portfolio content.

10. Urban Design and Planning Studio – Boston Architectural College (BAC)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment. Selections based on student commitment and fit. Cohort size not published.

Dates: June 30 – August 8

Application Deadline: June 9

Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12 who can attend the full six-week, in-person program in Boston. Must be 14 or older. No international students accepted.

Cost: $4,000 (for 6 college credits); $3,600 (non-credit). Includes lunch and all materials.

Location: Boston Architectural College, Boston, MA

This six-week day program introduces you to urban design and planning through studio work, model-making, and digital mapping. You’ll learn how cities are shaped and how urban design connects to public health, social justice, and climate resilience.

You’ll visit Boston architecture firms, city planning offices, and community organizations, gaining real-world context. The curriculum includes design workshops, lectures, and a civic service project. You’ll end the program by presenting your final urban design proposal to local professionals and civic leaders.

11. Summer Academy – Boston Architectural College (BAC)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment. Studio sizes are capped at 8–10 students per instructor.

Dates: July 7 – August 1 (Online preview opens June 30)

Application Deadline: Online: June 9; Onsite: June 23

Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 9–12 (ages 14+). International students may participate in the online track only.

Cost: $2,000 (credit-bearing, 3 college credits); $1,800 (non-credit). Scholarships available.

Location: Boston Architectural College, Boston, MA, or Online

This four-week design program helps you explore architecture, interior design, and related fields through studio projects, digital tools, and hands-on model making. You can choose between two tracks: Exploration if you’re new to design, or Investigation if you have some experience.

You’ll work with architects and designers on sketching, 3D modeling, and fabrication. The program ends with a final presentation and a digital portfolio. You can join in person as a day student in Boston or attend online, with all materials shipped to you.

12. ArcStart at University of Michigan–Ann Arbor

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Unspecified 

Dates: July 14–August 1

Application Deadline: February 28

Eligibility: Open to rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, as well as rising college freshmen.

Cost: $4,950

Location: Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Ann Arbor, MI

ArcStart at the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor is a three-week residential program that introduces you to architectural design through studio work, hands-on workshops, and guided explorations of the built environment. You’ll learn to use tools like drafting software, physical modeling techniques, and conceptual drawing to develop your own design proposals. 

The curriculum also includes architecture history discussions, problem-solving exercises, and a visit to a professional architecture firm to connect classroom learning with real-world practice. By the end of the program, you’ll assemble a digital portfolio that reflects your studio projects and creative development. 

13. Norwich University Summer Design Academy

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive

Dates: July 6–12

Application Deadline: Rolling until full

Eligibility: Open to students who will be high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors in the Fall

Cost: $1,500

Location: Norwich University, VT

At Norwich University's Summer Design Academy, you’ll spend a week learning the fundamentals of architectural design through a hands-on project where you conceptualize and develop a small building. Each day combines technical demonstrations, modeling workshops, and lectures by faculty to help you explore architectural concepts and represent your ideas through sketching, drafting, and physical model making. 

You’ll also receive one-on-one feedback during studio sessions and participate in daily presentations, culminating in a final public exhibit of your work. The program also includes guest speakers, local field trips, and guidance on building a design portfolio for college applications. 

14. New Jersey Institute of Technology Summer - Introduction to Architecture

Acceptance rate/cohort size: 18 students

Dates: July 14-25

Application Deadline: Rolling

Eligibility: Open to high school students, preferably students entering grades 10th, 11th and 12th in the Fall

Cost: 2,500

Location: Hillier College of Architecture and Design, NJ

The Summer Introduction to Architecture program at New Jersey Institute of Technology is a focused two-week experience to help interested students explore the field early on. In the first week, you’ll work on hands-on studio projects that introduce architectural concepts like three-dimensional design, schematic drawing, and model construction, while also learning field research techniques and architectural terminology. 

The second week allows you to apply and refine those skills through a single intensive project, where you’ll produce detailed drawings and physical models aimed at building your college portfolio. You’ll work in a studio setting with peers, take part in critiques, and go on a field trip that reinforces ideas about scale, form, and spatial design.

15. Discovering Architecture at University of Maryland (ARCH150: Terp Young Scholars)  

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive

Dates: July 14-August 1

Application Deadline: January 7-June 1

Eligibility: Open to motivated high school students from grades 10 to 12 and recent graduates with a GPA of at least 3.0. Applicants. must be between 15 and 18 years old by the start of the program

Cost: Commuter: $1,730 | Online: $1,365

Location: Online or University of Maryland, College Park

Discovering Architecture at the University of Maryland’s Terp Young Scholars program is a three-week summer course designed for high school students interested in the built environment. You’ll engage in studio-based learning that introduces architectural concepts, spatial design, and environmental planning, while also gaining exposure to related fields like landscape architecture and urban design. 

The course includes lectures, site visits, and project-based work where you’ll create and present your own design project, using university-level resources such as design studios and computer labs. Alongside college faculty and graduate students, you’ll also get a taste of academic life in architecture while earning three college credits.

One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.

Also, check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

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