Best Architecture Summer Programs

Best Architecture Summer Programs – 2026

February 20, 2026

architecture summer programs for high school students

From prehistoric stone circles to modern-day sustainably built structures, architecture has undergone a spectacular number of changes since its Neolithic period origins and will continue evolving in response to societal needs and demands. A unique blend of STEM and art, it’s an excellent career choice for students who are creative, technologically savvy, and design-oriented; undergraduate programs typically include courses in architectural history, design, theory, modeling, studio art, math, and physics. However, a Bachelor of Architecture–the degree accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board–takes five years rather than the standard four, and students must complete nearly 4,000 internship hours and pass a six-part examination in order to be eligible for licensure. As such, it’s wise to engage with the profession before declaring a major, and architecture summer programs for high school students not only provide essential industry exposure but also foundational design skills. Below, we’ve highlighted the best options.

1)

Location: Newark, NJ
Instructional Method: In-person (commuter)
Program Length: 1 or 2 weeks
Cost: $1,250 (1 week) / $2,500 (2 weeks)
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Application Deadline: May (applications are accepted on a rolling basis starting in January)

At the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), students can choose from three architecture-related programs: Introduction to Architecture, Interior Design, and Industrial Design. A Portfolio Building Workshop is also offered. All programs offer an intensive and collaborative studio environment as well as the opportunity to create pieces that can be used for future portfolios.

Additionally, each of these architecture summer programs incorporates plenty of hands-on learning. For example, Introduction to Architecture students create a variety of drawings and models while engaging with practicing architects. Likewise, Interior Design students use various types of materials in myriad spaces and produce a final design project. Industrial Design students develop software, digital media, and design thinking skills while creating and prototyping functioning products.

The program does not provide housing, so students must arrange daily transportation to campus. Moreover, students are treated to an incredibly straightforward application process–there are no portfolios, transcripts, or recommendations required.

2) Wentworth Institute of Technology SummerFAB Program

Location: Boston, MA
Instructional Method: In-person (commuter)
Program Length: 4 weeks
Cost: Free (fully grant-funded)
Eligibility: Rising juniors & seniors who are Boston residents or attend Boston Public Schools
Application Deadline: Rolling (application opens in January)

If you’re a teen in the Boston area, you’ll want to check out , Wentworth’s four-week summer architecture program for high school students. This program goes beyond ideation, enabling participants to actually design and construct full-scale architectural solutions to local challenges in partnership with the community. Accordingly, the program has three phases: Design, Fabricate, and Build.

During the first two phases, students learn foundational design and construction skills, such as drawing and safety principles. They’ll then transition into observational and analytical activities that include exploring public spaces in Boston, learning how to visualize and express ideas, and understanding methods of design inquiry. Hand-on exercises in drawing, model-making, and 3-D architectural prototyping prepare you for the final phase: Build. During this phase, your group will use the prototypes created in previous phases as a blueprint to create a full-scale, built version of your design, ultimately resulting in temporary or permanent on-site installations. For example, last year’s students designed and built three pavilions, each showcasing different materials and methods, for installation in a local Boston neighborhood.

Since these programs are only for Boston teens, students also develop a network of local, like-minded peers.

3) Miami University Summer Scholars Program

Location: Oxford, OH
Instructional Method: In-person (residential)
Program Length: 1 week
Cost: $1,080
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
Application Deadline: May (application opens in March)

Course offerings in engineering, business, art, science, fashion, architecture, health professions, media production, computer science, and more. Students participate in lively discussions, hands-on projects, and real-world experiences with our faculty. The Architecture course available is Beginning Design: Architecture and Interior Design.

In this track, students will work in the design studios, be taught by Miami professors, and build from your own imagination. With a curriculum geared toward improving designs for creating competitive architecture and interior design portfolios, you will identify and examine several design topics. In multiple phases through a series of rigorous investigations and discoveries, you will practice fundamental design principles. The overriding emphasis will be placed on the “process” of design. Where might it start? How does it evolve? Learn to develop your own ideas and use them to drive the creation of space and form.

4)

Location: Boston, MA
Instructional Method: In-person (commuter) and online
Program Length: 4 weeks
Cost: $1,800 (not for credit) / $2,000 (3 college credits)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
Application Deadline: June

Boston Architectural College offers an immersive Summer Academy, which is geared toward aspiring architects, interior designers, and industrial designers, to name a few. As such, any student interested in a design career will receive a solid level of fundamental skill development at these architecture summer programs for high school students. Best of all, students can earn up to three college credits.

The Academy is offered on-campus and remotely; students can choose the option that works best for them. That said, the programs are structured slightly differently. On-campus students attend lectures, participate in hands-on projects, collaborate in small teams, and visit notable sites around Boston while virtual students attend remote tours and receive supply kits with which to complete design projects at home. Both on-campus and remote students develop digital design, sketching, drawing, digital fabrication, and presentation skills as well as a comprehensive portfolio. Finally, all students can choose from three focus areas: Architecture, Interior Architecture, or Landscape Architecture.

If you hope to gain skills in urban planning, BAC offers the Studio, an add-on program that students can undertake in conjunction with Summer Academy. This is a pre-professional experience where students cover topics like community-based planning, social justice, and climate change while building competency in digital fabrication, model building, and digital mapping. Moreover, there is a civic service-learning component, leadership training, and final presentation to local professionals as well as BAC faculty. Note that the Fellowship is only offered in person.

5)

Location: College Station, TX
Instructional Method: In-person (residential)
Program Length: 1 week
Cost: $1,500
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Application Deadline: March 1 (application opens in January)

At Camp ARCH, students pick a specific area on which to concentrate during the course of the program: Architecture, Construction Science, or Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning. Additionally, they live in dorms and have the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a full-time Aggie, so if Texas A&M is on your college list, these architecture summer programs for high school students could be an excellent option.

Each of the three tracks has its own learning objectives and outcomes. For example, Architecture courses focus on the overall design process as well as how students can incorporate different tools and methods into their projects. Alternatively, Construction Science develops safety awareness skills, plan reading, teamwork, and scheduling, among others. It also introduces students to the myriad careers available within the construction sciences sector. Finally, Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning students collaborate extensively while honing their understanding of visualization, data-driven problem-solving, and urban analytics.

The application for these architecture summer programs is extensive, requiring students to submit a transcript, letter of recommendation, and essay.

6)

Location: Ithaca, NY
Instructional Method: In-person (commuter or residential)
Program Length: 6 weeks
Cost: $11,807 (commuter) / $18,402 (residential)
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
Application Deadline: May 5

If you’re seriously considering an undergraduate architecture degree Cornell’s rigorous experience could be the perfect fit. Offered by the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, students engage in a combination of studio and lecture-style classes over the course of six weeks.

Topics to be covered include landscape architecture, design principles, and building technology, among others. Moreover, students take on a series of design projects that culminate in a larger final project, and all projects are suitable for future portfolios. Cornell faculty members and guest professionals provide formal project critiques. Most importantly, students learn to think and problem-solve like architects.

Students who successfully complete the program earn six college credits as well as an official Cornell transcript. Moreover, the only prerequisite is a “serious interest in architectural design.” Interested in applying to these architecture summer programs for high school students? You’ll want to do so as early as possible, as applications are accepted on a rolling basis and programs fill quickly.

7)

Location: Atlanta, GA
Instructional Method: In-person (residential)
Program Length: 2 weeks
Cost: $5,500
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
Application Deadline: Rolling (application opens in January, and students should plan to apply as early as possible)

At Georgia Tech, the College of Design offers degrees in architecture, construction science & management, and industrial design. As such, they offer four related pre-college programs: Architecture, Industrial Design, Building Construction, or Urban Planning.

During the Architecture course, students’ main objective is to complete a design project that can be used for future portfolios. Along the way, they’ll develop skills in drawing and making. Similarly, Building Construction students engage in a number of hands-on activities that include site visits, modeling, and 3D printing – all meant to expose them to the number of diverse career paths possible within the field. Industrial Design gives students the opportunity to practice drawing and modeling while developing a consumer product.

All students live on campus, and tuition covers meals as well as all materials. Since these architecture summer programs for high school students are first-come, first-served, students should plan to apply as soon as the application opens. Note that a transcript and essay are required.

Final Thoughts –Architecture Summer Programs for High School Students

In today’s changing world, architects have an enormous responsibility to create sustainable structures, consider the effects of climate change, and efficiently utilize local resources. Accordingly, passionate and driven students can begin preparing themselves for the profession and developing essential skills by participating in one of the many stellar architecture summer programs, where they’ll build a foundation that will benefit them for years to come.

Looking for architecture summer programs for high school students in your area? Consider checking out the following:

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Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).

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