If you're a fashion-loving high school student, there are more ways than ever before that you can get your hands dirty in fashion design. From pre-college programs and summer camps to online mentorship and creative passion projects, all of these options enable you to develop your skills, develop your portfolio, and get a sense of the actual world of fashion. Here are 10 detailed opportunities to kick-start:
1. California College of the Arts (CCA) Pre-College Fashion Design Program
Location:San Francisco, CA
Dates: July 8 – August 2, 2025
Eligibility: High school students, 15–18 years old, who have finished sophomore, junior, or senior year
Details:
This four-week studio experience plunges you into the entire scope of fashion design, from researching ideas and keeping a sketchbook to making wearable designs. You’ll complete three major projects, learn illustration, pattern-making, and sewing, and experiment with both traditional and experimental design methods. The program features excursions, guest speakers, and culminates in a tactile portfolio and 3D-sewn garments based on your own concepts. You’ll leave with a deep understanding of the design process and a portfolio ready for college applications.
2. Texas Woman’s University Fashion Design Camps
Location: Denton, TX
Dates: June–July (several sessions for the ages 13–18)
Eligibility: Ages 13–18
Details:
TWU's five-day camps are filled with hands-on work every day: sewing, constructing clothes, drawing, making trend boards, textiles, color theory, and even designing a mini-fashion show. Campers learn alongside TWU faculty and local industry experts, and the week ends with a mini-fashion show and reception for friends and family. Materials, lunches, and snacks are provided. The camps are perfect for beginners and those who want to hone their skills.
3. Kent State University Summer Fashion Academy
Location: Kent, OH
Dates: June 8–14, 2025
Eligibility: High school students (ages 16–18) who have completed sophomore year
Details:
This one-week residential course brings you face-to-face with the creative and business aspects of fashion. You'll develop a 3D garment, design an accessory in the TechStyleLAB, and learn about the history and role of fashion in society. The academy provides you with access to world-class teachers and facilities, and you'll work both individually and in groups on diverse projects. A fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and live on campus at a leading fashion school.
4. DesignX Fashion Design Camp
Location: Silicon Valley, CA
Dates: Summer, sessions vary
Eligibility: Several levels for grades 2–12
Details:
DesignX provides level-of-camp summer camps where students learn to draw, stitch, and decorate their own wearable garments. From concept to material choice to the use of patterns, pinning, hand-stitching and machine sewing, and final runway presentations, the training is comprehensive. Upcycling and sustainable practices are frequently included, and classes finish off with a dazzling fashion show. Camp is structured for growth, with students advancing through levels as skills improve.
5. Polygence Fashion Passion Projects
Location: Online
Dates: Throughout the year, 6-week terms
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
Details:
Polygence offers small group, mentor-led courses where you can study facets of fashion research or creativity - the history of fashion, creating a collection or sustainable materials. You will have personalized support, while being part of a group, and will complete a one-of-a-kind project that is sharable on college apps or portfolios. The courses are flexible and remote accessible.
6. NYU SPS High School Academy: Fashion Design in New York City
Location: New York, NY
Dates: Summer (see website for current session dates)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11
Details:
This pre-college experience provides behind-the-scenes exposure to NYC fashion. You'll study design, marketing, merchandising, and styling, and hear from industry professionals about trends and careers. The course features site visits, lectures, and a final project where you'll sketch and develop a six-piece collection. It's an excellent way to see the pace of New York's fashion world and decide if working in fashion is for you.
7. Parsons Inside Fashion Design (Pre-College, Online)
Location: Online (Parsons Paris)
Dates: Self-paced (25 hours total)
Eligibility: High school students
Details:
Through video lectures, assignments, and mentorship from Parsons faculty, you’ll learn how top designers research, conceptualize, and construct garments. The course covers trend forecasting, collection design, and sustainable materials. You’ll create your own illustrated collection and receive feedback from university mentors. A certificate of completion from Parsons Paris is awarded at the end.
8. Parsons Design Explorations: Fashion Design (Virtual Summer Program)
Location: Online
Dates: Four weeks, summer (meets four days a week)
Eligibility: High school students
Details:
This studio-based program emphasizes concept development, experimental making, and visual presentation. Teams of students are working on design projects, getting feedback from Parsons professors, and studying how social issues relate to fashion. The program is structured to develop creativity and critical thinking, and students graduate with a project ready for a portfolio.
9. The School of The New York Times: Fashion as Design
Location: New York, NY
Dates: Summer (usually 1–2 weeks)
Eligibility: High school students
Details:This program allows you to research the cultural, historical, and artistic dimensions of fashion through lectures, workshops, and site visits with New York Times editors and fashion professionals. You'll work on hands-on projects, examine the cultural perception of fashion through articles and documentaries, and develop your own creative voice. This program is suited for students who are interested both intellectually and creatively in the study of fashion.
10. Self-Directed Fashion Projects
Location: Anywhere
Dates: Flexible
Eligibility: All high school students
Details:
If you wish to be different, perhaps you might initiate your own fashion venture—such as creating new clothes out of old ones, establishing a mini-brand, or creating fashion photography. Such projects show initiative, originality, and genuine interest in fashion, and they're excellent means for an in-college portfolio or posting on social media.
These opportunities allow high school students to develop their design skills, discover careers in the industry, and build solid portfolios, be it on campus, online, or independently. If you’re ready to take your passion for fashion to the next level of real experience, the time is now!
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Research offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE Research helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Research official website and take your college preparation to the next level!
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