15 Fashion Summer Programs for High School Students
If you are a high school student interested in exploring fashion, a summer program is a great way to find out whether this field is a good fit for you. These programs introduce you to many aspects of the fashion industry, including styling, merchandising, trend forecasting, branding, and the creative processes behind building a collection or a brand. You might analyze trends, explore retail strategies, learn how fashion companies operate, create mood boards, experiment with visual presentation, or even study how digital tools shape modern fashion careers.
Why should I participate in a fashion summer program in high school?
Joining a fashion summer program allows you to meet industry professionals, connect with mentors, and work with students who share your interests. Whether you’re drawn to styling, business, creative direction, fashion writing, marketing, or the cultural influence of fashion, these summer programs can strengthen your college applications and prepare you for future jobs. Through practical learning, collaborative projects, and industry exposure, you’ll get a chance to understand how the fashion industry functions beyond designing clothes.
Here are 15 fashion-focused summer opportunities for high school students to explore.
1. Gap Inc.'s This Way Onward
Location: Local Old Navy stores / Virtual
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Year-round program
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students aged 16-24
Gap Inc.’s This Way Onward program is a summer internship that provides hands-on experience and mentorship in the fashion retail industry. During the program, you will work with store managers, job coaches, and team members who will show you what it takes to succeed in retail. You will participate in workshops that help you explore different career paths, build professional skills, and connect with mentors who can guide you. Throughout your internship, you will develop skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, motivation, and overall job readiness, while gaining real-world, on-the-job experience in a supportive environment. If you perform well, you may also be considered for an entry-level position as a brand associate at Old Navy, which gives you a clear first step toward a career in the fashion retail industry.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
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 and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
3. URBN Internships
Location: Navy Yard, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: Competitive hourly rate (exact amount not specified)
Dates: June 1-August 7
Application Deadline: November 3
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
URBN’s summer internship introduces you to how the fashion and retail industry works from the inside. As an intern, you will take on tasks such as trend research, data projects, and creative teamwork, which help you understand the responsibilities involved in professional fashion. Most interns work at URBN’s Philadelphia Navy Yard headquarters, although some positions may be offered remotely. Along with the day-to-day work, you will also join leadership sessions, group activities, and off-site trips that allow you to connect with others, strengthen your communication and teamwork skills, and learn more about different areas of the fashion world. This mix of practical experience and community-building gives you a well-rounded look at the industry and helps you grow both personally and professionally.
4. Immerse Education’s Fashion & Design Track
Location: London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo
Cost: Varies according to program. Financial aid available
Program Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18
The Career Insights Program helps high school students explore different career paths in major global cities. The London track introduces you to opportunities in business, finance, and creative fields. The New York track shows you how the media, fashion, and entertainment industries work. The San Francisco track focuses on technology and the startup environment in Silicon Valley. The Tokyo track gives you a look into technology, engineering, and design in a city known for innovation. Throughout the program, you will work on projects with real companies, take part in workshops, and visit offices, studios, factories, and headquarters. You will also receive weekly one-on-one career coaching with feedback on your resume and overall profile, and the program ends with a presentation of your work to industry professionals.
5. Banson NYC Fashion Summer Camp
Location: New York City (Midtown Manhattan)
Stipend: Not specified
Dates: July 26 – 31
Application Deadline: Rolling until 20 seats are reached
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9-12
The Banson NYC Fashion Summer Camp offers you the opportunity to explore the fashion world through hands-on activities and guidance from experts. You’ll learn in the classroom and explore design studios, showrooms, and museums to understand how fashion design, merchandising, and buying work. The camp includes group dinners and enjoyable activities, and with only 20 students in each session, you have the opportunity to meet other fashion-interested teens, collaborate on projects, and get an authentic look at how the industry operates.
6. The North Carolina Theatre Conservatory (Raleigh)
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Stipend: Production internships are currently unpaid
Dates: Summer (dates and schedules are flexible). Opportunities are also available for fall and spring
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Individuals aged 15+ who can commute to and from the conservatory
The North Carolina Theatre Conservatory offers production internships for students who want to see how fashion and performance blend on stage. You can work in the costume, wardrobe, or makeup departments. In these roles, you’ll help with designing, styling, and preparing character looks for live theatre shows. As an intern, you will work closely with experienced theatre artists and designers, and learn how costumes, makeup, and other visual details shape a character and support the story. This internship gives you real hands-on experience and is a strong option for anyone interested in the fashion side of the entertainment world.
7. Parsons School of Design-Summer Intensive Studies
Location: Parsons’ NYC Greenwich Village campus, NYC, NY
Cost: $5,610+ $265 (fee)
Dates: June 8-26 (Session 1) and July 6-24 (Session 2)
Application Deadline: May 8 (Session 1), June 1 (Session 2)
Eligibility: Students aged 16-18
In this program, you will explore a creative subject of your choice while studying at Parsons School of Design. Over three weeks, you’ll learn from experienced faculty and experience New York City’s active art and fashion scene. You will take part in studio classes, workshops, field trips, and talks with industry professionals. Throughout the program, you will work on your own projects and build portfolio pieces that can support future college applications.
8. Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
Location: FIT in New York City
Cost: 10-day class is $550.00 (with all fees)
Dates: July 6 – 21
Application Deadline: June 10
Eligibility: Middle school and high school students
The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Precollege Program gives you a real introduction to the fashion and creative fields while letting you experience New York City up close. The program covers a wide range of subjects such as fashion design, art, merchandising, marketing, photography, interior design, and media, so you can explore different interests and understand how each area fits into the larger fashion industry. You can choose either 10-day classes or short 4-day workshops offered throughout the fall, spring, and summer, depending on what suits your schedule. During the program, you learn in a college-like setting with guidance from skilled mentors and industry experts, gaining practical skills and insight that can help you move toward future creative studies or careers.
9. Drexel University Fashion Design Reimagined
Location: On-campus at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cost: $2,220
Dates: July 16–22
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students who have completed their sophomore year by July and are at least 16 years old
The Fashion Design Reimagined Program at Drexel University is a selective summer experience that accepts only 18 students each year. In this program, you will work in Drexel’s fashion studios, attending demonstrations and experimenting with fabrics and materials to bring your apparel designs to life. You will also learn directly from Drexel faculty and industry professionals through lectures and workshops, gaining insight into modern fashion practices. The program gives you the opportunity to use cutting-edge tools such as Shima Seiki’s Apex knitwear design simulator and Clo-3D fashion design software, providing real-world experience with the same technology used by top designers.
10. Pratt Institute Summer Pre-College program
Location: Brooklyn campus, New York City, USA
Cost: $8,192 (Residential) and $5,452 (Commuter); $65 (Application fee)
Dates: July 6-31
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students aged roughly 16-18 by December 31
The Pratt Institute Summer Pre-College Program allows you to experience what it’s like to study at one of the nation’s leading art and design schools. You will take college-level coursework, participate in studio practice, and explore your creativity through two fashion-focused courses and workshops. The program includes visits to cultural landmarks around New York City and hands-on work in Pratt’s professional studios using state-of-the-art equipment, all under the guidance of faculty with real industry experience. Through this program, you will strengthen your artistic skills, explore potential college majors, build a portfolio to support your applications, and even earn elective college credits, all while getting a firsthand look at campus life at Pratt.
11. Texas Woman’s University (TWU) Fashion Design Camps
Location: Denton, Texas, on the TWU campus
Cost: $595
Dates: July-July (dates vary by camps)
Application Deadline: Not Specified
Eligibility: Aged 13-18 years old
The Teen Fashion Design Camp at Texas Woman’s University is a five-day hands-on program where you can explore your passion for fashion. The camp teaches you the basics of sewing and apparel construction while giving you the chance to work on projects in fashion sketching, trend boards, design concepts, textiles, and color theory. You will be guided by TWU fashion faculty, local professionals, and undergraduate mentors who will help you develop your skills and bring your ideas to life. The week ends with a mini fashion show where you can showcase your own creations on the runway, giving you a real taste of the fashion world and the creative process behind designing and presenting garments.
12. Interlochen Arts Camp – Fashion Program
Location: Interlochen Center for the Arts, Michigan
Cost: $7,265
Program Dates: Session 1: June 28 – July 18, and Session 2: July 19 – August 9
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school students
Over the course of three weeks at Interlochen Arts Camp, high school students dive deep into the fundamentals of fashion design, gaining both creative and technical skills. You will work on sewing, garment construction, and fashion figure drawing while studying the techniques and inspirations of historical and contemporary designers. Throughout the program, you will develop a cohesive line of wearable art, learning how to plan your collection, select materials, and present your designs effectively. The camp offers lectures, one-on-one tutorials, and mentorship from professional artists and guest instructors, providing valuable insight into the creative process and the professional world of fashion.
13. Idyllwild Arts Fashion Design Intensive
Location: Idyllwild Arts campus, Idyllwild, CA
Cost: $5,275
Program Dates: Session I: June 28 – July 11, and Session II: July 12 – July 25
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to students ages 14–17; no prior fashion experience is required
The Fashion Design Intensive at Idyllwild Arts offers a focused, two-week dive into the creative and technical sides of fashion for teens. During the program, you’ll work in a professional studio environment where you will develop concepts, build mood boards, select fabrics, and design original garments from start to finish. You’ll learn essential skills such as patternmaking, cutting, and sewing, and receive close guidance from experienced instructors as you bring your ideas to life. The program also encourages experimentation and personal expression, helping you shape your own design voice. It all culminates in a final runway show, where you present your completed pieces to an audience, giving you a real sense of what it’s like to work in the fashion industry.
14. LIM College Summer Fashion Academy
Location: Manhattan, New York City
Cost: Non‑credit workshops: $195–$275 each, and Business of Fashion course: $1,295
Program Dates: July 10–August 3
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Current high school students looking to explore fashion careers and build practical skills
In this program, students have the opportunity to dive into the fashion industry in New York City through LIM College’s Summer Fashion Academy. You will explore areas such as merchandising, marketing, styling, digital design, and fashion business while participating in classes, workshops, and group projects that demonstrate how fashion products are designed, promoted, and sold. Industry professionals and faculty will guide you throughout the program, sharing their experience. The academy offers both in-person and online options, so you can choose what fits you best and connect with other students who are passionate about fashion. By the end of the program, you will gain practical experience, a better understanding of the fashion world, and insight into the many career paths it offers.
15. NYU High School Summer Art Intensive: Curating Fashion
Location: New York City
Cost: $2,600
Program Dates: July 5–25
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: High school students ages 15 – 18 who will be entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade
The NYU High School Summer Art Intensive: Curating Fashion gives you a two-week experience in New York City where you’ll learn how fashion can be explored and presented as art. You will research garments, analyze their history and cultural significance, and develop themes for exhibitions while working with NYU faculty and guest speakers from the fashion and museum world. The program includes studio workshops, museum visits, and collaborative projects where you design and present a group-curated fashion exhibition. By participating, you will gain hands-on experience in fashion curation, strengthen your critical thinking and creative skills, and develop a deeper understanding of how fashion communicates ideas, culture, and artistic vision.
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