For high school students interested in architecture, research programs offer a way to explore the field beyond classroom learning. These programs can help you develop technical skills, engage with architectural theory, and even work with professional tools like AutoCAD. Some programs focus on architectural history and urban design, while others emphasize computational modeling or sustainable design. Many also include mentorship opportunities, allowing students to work alongside experts in the field.
Below, we’ve compiled 12 architecture research programs for high school students, including research immersions, internships, and mentorship programs. Programs vary in cost, format, and focus, so feel free to shortlist based on your interests and goals!
1. Horizon Academic Research Program – Architecture Track
Location: Virtual
Program Dates:
- Summer: June 16 – July 25
- Fall: March 3 – June 16
- Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: High school students, typically in 10th or 11th grade, with a 3.67+ GPA. Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, public health and safety, social psychology, and medicine. It is one of the few research programs that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research. For those interested in architecture or urban planning, the Environmental Health and Engineering course covers sustainability topics such as agricultural production, urbanization, walkable cities, infrastructure, resource use, and modern engineering innovations.
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program includes a letter of recommendation for every student, plus comprehensive feedback on projects that can assist with future work and college applications. You can apply here
2. Boston Society for Architecture Arch/Design High School Internships
Location: Local architecture firms in Boston, MA (In-Person)
Program Dates: July 7–August 15
Application Deadline: Applications open February 21; interviews and hiring take place April–May
Eligibility: High school students in Boston Public Schools (Grades 9–12)
Cost: Paid internship
This six-week internship connects Boston Public School students with local architecture firms, providing hands-on experience in design, drafting, and firm operations. You will work on real-world projects while learning industry-standard tools and workflows, gaining exposure to disciplines like urban planning, sustainable design, and architectural visualization.
The program also includes “Summer Fridays,” where you will participate in firm tours, neighbourhood design explorations, and mentorship activities. With placements at firms such as Payette, Elkus Manfredi Architects, and Goody Clancy, you can experience different approaches to architectural practice. As a paid opportunity, this internship offers both professional development and financial accessibility for students interested in exploring architecture as a career.
3. Boston Architectural College Summer Academy
Location: Boston, MA (On-Campus) or Online
Eligibility: High school students (Grades 9–12, ages 14+)
Program Dates: July 7–August 1 (Online preview opens June 30)
Application Deadline: Online track: June 9; Onsite track: June 23
Cost: $2,000 (credit-bearing, 3 college credits); $1,800 (non-credit); scholarships available
The BAC Summer Academy introduces high school students to architecture, interior design, and landscape design through hands-on projects, studio work, and digital modelling. You can engage in sketching, drawing, digital fabrication, and model-making, with options to explore either foundational design skills (Exploration Track) or more specialized challenges (Investigation Track).
The program is offered both online and in-person, and you will be working individually and in small teams under faculty mentorship. Online participants receive a mailed materials kit and complete projects remotely, while on-campus students benefit from site visits and in-person critiques. The program concludes with a final portfolio presentation, providing you with structured feedback on your design process and skills.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program – Architecture Track
Subject Areas: STEM, humanities, and social sciences
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Application Deadline: The Spring Cohort application deadline is February 9, 2025. Summer deadlines are usually in March, April, and May.
Program Dates: June to August (summer). Fall, winter, and spring cohorts are also available.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, offers high school students the opportunity to work one-on-one with PhD mentors to develop an independent research project in their subject area. If selected, you’ll work closely with mentors to create a college-level research paper based on your project, with additional support from writing coaches.
During this period, you’ll engage in thorough research, participate in workshops, and gradually refine your work. By the end of the program, you will have completed a research paper and gained experience in research methods, critical thinking, and academic writing. More details about the application are here. You can choose your subject track in the application form, such as architecture, for your preferred research experience.
5. IIT Architecture Studio High School Summer Program
Location: Chicago, IL (In-Person, Residential and Commuter Options)
Eligibility: High school students (Grades 9–12, ages 14–17)
Program Dates: July 7–18
Application Deadline: May 1
Cost: $2,500 (Overnight); $1,550 (Commuter)
The Experiment in Architecture program at Illinois Institute of Technology is a two-week studio introducing high school students to architectural design, visualization, and spatial thinking. You will engage in hands-on exercises, field trips, and firm visits while learning fundamental concepts like drafting, 3D modeling, and digital representation.
The program emphasizes iterative design through sketching, physical model-making, and software-based experimentation. You will receive guidance from IIT faculty and professionals, participating in critiques and discussions that mirror the studio culture of architecture school. By the end of the program, you will complete a final project and portfolio, preparing you for future architectural studies.
6. Camp Taliesin West Summer Camps
Location: Taliesin West, Scottsdale, AZ (In-Person)
Eligibility: High school students (Ages 12–16)
Program Dates:
- Advanced Architecture: Creating for Clients: June 9–13, July 21–25
- Shaping a City: Urban Planning: July 14–18
Application Deadline: Rolling until spots are filled
Cost: $400 (General); $360 (Member Discount)
The Camp Taliesin West summer program introduces students to architecture, urban planning, and design through interactive projects inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s work. You’ll explore concepts like organic architecture, sustainable design, and client-driven innovation, using hands-on model-making and digital tools to develop their ideas.
The Advanced Architecture session focuses on designing structures for unique environments while Shaping a City explores urban planning through collaborative city-building exercises. The program includes guided site explorations, design critiques, and guest lectures from practising architects. You will complete the camp with a final presentation of your projects, showcasing your work to family and friends.
7. Architectural Foundation of San Francisco’s Build SF Summer Design Institute
Location: Online
Eligibility: High school students
Program Dates:
- Session 1: June 9–27
- Session 2: July 7–25
Application Deadline: Rolling until full (Early bird pricing available up to one week before the program starts)
Cost: $3,500 (Early bird: $3,000); Need-based financial aid available
The Build SF Summer Design Institute is a three-week online program that introduces high school students to architecture and design through hands-on projects, digital modeling, and professional mentorship. You can develop skills in sketching, physical model-making, and computer-aided design while receiving twice-weekly guidance from architects and designers.
The program emphasizes both individual creativity and collaborative teamwork, culminating in a final design challenge where you present your work for critique. Sessions are structured around design studio-style learning, with interactive lectures and personalized feedback. You will leave the program with a portfolio of original work that can strengthen your college applications and future career opportunities.
8. UC Berkeley embARC Summer Design Academy
Location: UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA (In-Person)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (Grade 12) and exceptional rising juniors (Grade 11); Must be at least 16 years old by July 6
Program Dates: July 7–August 1
Application Deadline:
- Priority Deadline (Financial Aid & Housing): February 18
- Final Commuter Deadline: April 15 (Rolling until full)
Cost: $5,136 (Domestic); $8,096 (International); Limited need-based scholarships available
The embARC Summer Design Academy is a four-week, college-level program that introduces students to architecture, urban design, and city planning through studio work, workshops, and community-based projects. You’ll develop skills in hand drafting, 3D modelling, digital design, and material exploration while engaging with UC Berkeley faculty and local professionals.
The curriculum includes guest lectures, site visits around the Bay Area, and a Community Build project where you’ll collaborate with a nonprofit to design and construct a real-world solution. The program culminates in a portfolio review, helping you build a strong application for college architecture and design programs. You will earn college credit and receive an official UC Berkeley transcript upon completion.
9. Young Women’s Design and Building Institute
Location: Girls Garage, Berkeley, CA (In-Person)
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th grade girls and gender-expansive youth
Program Dates:
- Cohort 1: June 16–20
- Cohort 2: June 23–27
Application Deadline: March 1 (Notifications sent by March 15)
Cost: Free
The Young Women’s Design and Building Institute is a one-week immersive program where you can design and construct real-world projects for local nonprofits. You’ll engage in hands-on carpentry, welding, architectural drafting, and applied STEM skills while working collaboratively in a small cohort. The curriculum includes material sourcing, fabrication techniques, and discussions on design and community impact.
Led by experienced builders, architects, and educators, the program prioritizes students from the Bay Area, particularly those with limited access to similar opportunities. By the end of the week, you will complete a tangible project, gaining both technical skills and mentorship in the design and construction fields.
10. WashU Architecture Discovery Program
Location: Washington University in St. Louis, MO (In-Person)
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors in high school
Program Dates: July 13–26
Application Deadline: March 30 (Rolling admissions, early applications encouraged)
Cost: $4,220 (Includes tuition, supplies, housing, meals, and field trips); Scholarships available based on financial need and academic merit
The Architecture Discovery Program at WashU is a two-week intensive that introduces students to architectural design, drawing techniques, and spatial thinking. You’ll engage in studio-based projects, developing technical and conceptual skills through sketching, model-making, and digital representation.
The curriculum includes field trips to architectural landmarks and professional studios, as well as critiques with faculty and guest reviewers. You will earn 2 college credits and complete a final project for your design portfolio. If you are exploring architecture as a potential college major or career path, this program could be helpful for you.
11. Southern California Institute of Architecture’s Design Immersion Days
Location: SCI-Arc, Los Angeles, CA (In-Person)
Eligibility: High school students
Program Dates: June 16–July 11
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Cost: $3,350 (Full scholarships available based on financial need)
The Design Immersion Days (DID) program is a four-week summer experience introducing high school students to architectural design and digital fabrication. Throughout the program, you’ll engage in hands-on projects, 3D modelling, physical model-making, and digital rendering using software like Rhino, Photoshop, and Illustrator. The program replicates a college-level studio environment, incorporating one-on-one critiques with SCI-Arc faculty and collaborative discussions with peers.
You’ll also explore the architectural landscape of Los Angeles through private tours of design firms, museums, and iconic structures like the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The program culminates in a final exhibition, where you present your projects to a panel of architects and designers, leaving you with a refined creative portfolio for college applications.
12. Norwich University’s Architecture Summer Design Academy
Location: Norwich University, Northfield, VT (In-Person)
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Program Dates: July 6–12
Application Deadline: Preferred deadline: March 15 (Rolling until full)
Cost: $1,500 (Includes tuition, meals, lodging, and materials)
The Architecture Summer Design Academy at Norwich University is a one-week immersive program where students explore architectural design through sketching, model-building, and digital drafting. You can develop your own small building projects, learn architectural concepts and design principles through technical demonstrations, faculty-led lectures, and hands-on workshops.
The program includes daily desk critiques, field trips, and a final portfolio review, culminating in a public exhibition where you can present your work. No prior experience is required—just an interest in architecture and a willingness to experiment with different design techniques.
Image source: Norwich University
