If you’re a high schooler in Massachusetts interested in art, look no further!
If you want to develop your artistic skills and explore creative fields, joining a summer art program in the state is a solid way to start. Massachusetts offers many programs where you can learn from experienced artists, work in professional studios, and build a strong portfolio. Whether you’re into painting, digital design, sculpture, or photography, these programs provide focused training and hands-on experience.
These programs introduce you to different art forms and creative perspectives. You’ll get to experiment with new materials, collaborate on projects, and showcase your work in exhibitions. Some programs even offer workshops on art history, visual storytelling, and design thinking, helping you understand the broader context of your creations.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to work on your skills, these 15 summer art programs in Massachusetts offer a mix of creativity, learning, and real-world experience!
15 Summer Art Programs for High School Students in Massachusetts
1. Boston University’s Visual Arts Summer Institute
Location: Boston, MA
Cost: $3,700 + $300 supplies (tentative, based on the previous year). Partial need-based scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through March 15
Program Dates: June 30 – July 25
Eligibility: High school students aged 15 – 18 years
Boston University’s VASI program gives high school students a chance to experience life at an art school while building a strong portfolio. Over four weeks, you’ll take classes in drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and art conversations, learning different materials and methods for a professional art practice. The program also offers workshops on topics like photography, graphic design, and community-based arts projects.
You’ll be assigned your own studio space at the School of Visual Arts, where you can work on your projects and develop your creative style. At the end of the program, you’ll collaborate with other students to install an exhibition of your work in Boston University’s Gallery 5, gaining real-world experience in showcasing art. You’ll also have a chance to earn 3 college credits upon successful completion.
2. MassArt’s Summer Intensives
Location: Boston, MA
Cost: $990 for a half-day on-campus class; $895 for a half-day virtual class; and $1,980 for full-day on-campus classes
Application Deadline: June 1
Program Dates: July 7 to July 18
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10 – 12
Massachusetts College of Art and Design’s Summer Intensives is a 2-week program designed for high school students looking to build their portfolio, develop their practice, and explore new techniques and mediums. Through studio-based classes, you’ll get hands-on experience, work with professionals, and receive mentorship to strengthen your creative skills.
The program offers a wide range of courses, including illustration, animation, drawing, architecture, and painting from observation. You’ll have the freedom to focus on your area of interest while experimenting with different styles and materials.
3. MassArt’s Pre-College Summer Studios
Location: Boston, MA
Cost: $3,905 (On-Campus Version) and 3,550 (Virtual Version). For-credit cost includes an additional $615 credit fee.
Application Deadline: May 5
Program Dates: July 21 – August 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Massachusetts College of Art and Design’s 4-week Pre-College Summer Studios is designed for high school students interested in visual arts and creative thinking. Through hands-on classes, you’ll strengthen your foundational skills and explore different artistic approaches. The program includes three core classes: 2D Fundamentals, 3D Fundamentals, and Issues & Images, giving you a well-rounded understanding of art-making.
You’ll also choose an elective course based on your interests, with options like animation, illustration, printmaking, and mixed media. If you’re looking to earn college credit, you can apply for the for-credit option, which grants 3 college credits upon completing the program.
4. Montserrat College of Art’s Pre-College Program
Location: Beverly, MA
Cost: $4,200 (including optional campus housing)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions as space remains available; payment deadline is June 21
Program Dates: July 13 – August 2
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 years and older
Montserrat College of Art’s 3-week residential program helps high school students build their portfolio and experience life at an art school. You’ll take foundational courses in drawing and writing and choose two electives such as painting, comic art, animation, graphic design, digital photography, printmaking, or writing for visual media.
The program accepts around 75 students, giving you a small and focused learning environment. You’ll work on projects that develop your creative practice and expand your skills. By the end of the program, you’ll earn 3 college credits and prepare a portfolio for future art studies.
5. Boston University’s High School Honors
Location: Boston, MA
Cost: $7,005 + $60 application fee. Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: May 23
Program Dates: June 29 – August 8
Eligibility: Academically motivated high school students entering their junior or senior year
Boston University’s 6-week High School Honors program lets you take art courses in subjects like Art History, Photography, Visual Arts, Film and Television, and more. As a residential student, you can enroll in 2 courses and earn up to 8 college credits.
You’ll learn alongside undergraduate students and gain access to BU’s faculty, academic advising, and resources. The program also helps you build skills in areas like critical thinking, creative problem-solving, time management, and collaboration.
6. Museum of Fine Arts STEAM Team
Location: Boston, MA
Stipend: $15 per hour
Application Deadline: Applications open in February and are reviewed on a rolling basis
Program Dates: 12-month program
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
The Museum of Fine Arts STEAM Team is a 12-month paid fellowship in Boston, MA, where you’ll explore careers that combine Art and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). You’ll earn $15 per hour while working closely with MFA mentors and gaining a behind-the-scenes look at museum operations.
Throughout the program, you’ll engage in hands-on activities related to art and design within the context of STEAM, exploring how art techniques and technology intersect. You’ll visit local businesses, artists, and organizations to see how they apply innovative art practices. The fellowship also allows you to develop skills like creativity, problem-solving, and technical knowledge.
7. Harvard Summer School’s Secondary School Program
Location: Cambridge, MA
Cost: $4,050 (4-credits) or $7,900 (8-credits) for 7-Week Online or Commuting; $14,950 (8-credits) for 7-Week Residential; and $8,650 (4-credits) for 4-Week Residential
Application Deadline: April 9
Program Dates: July 13 – August 9 (4-week program) and June 21 – August 9 (7-week program)
Eligibility: Students who will graduate from high school and enter college, and are at least 16 years old by June 21 and will not turn 19 years old before July 31.
Harvard Summer School offers 4- or 7-week programs for high school students to take college-level courses and build important soft skills like time management and career planning. You’ll choose from a range of art-focused courses like Animating Sculptures, Drawing in the Digital Age, Painting in Time, Creating Comics and Graphic Novels, and more.
In these courses, you will develop artistic skills and learn how to apply advanced techniques in your chosen field. You’ll gain experience in project management, collaboration, and creative problem-solving as you work on assignments and projects.
8. Northeastern University’s Accelerate Pre-College Programs: Design & the Modern Makerspace
Location: Boston, MA
Cost: $6,895. Need-based financial aid is available
Application Deadline: March 15
Program Dates: July 6 – 18
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors by the start of the residential program
Northeastern University’s Design & the Modern Makerspace program is a hands-on, 2-week course in Boston, MA where you’ll learn design thinking and digital crafting techniques. The program focuses on how contemporary digital design and fabrication tools are shaping the work of modern artists.
You’ll explore printing, textiles, and jewelry making, incorporating tools like laser cutters and 3D printers into your projects. You may also hear from guest speakers in the field. By the end of the program, you will complete an original capstone project to add to your portfolio.
9. Tufts Pre-College Programs: SMFA Studio Art
Location: Medford, MA
Cost: $5,195 (commuter) or $6,995 (residential) + $250 (materials fee)
Application Deadline: May 1
Program Dates: July 7 – 25 (Commuter) or July 6 – 27 (Residential)
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10 – 12
The SMFA Studio Art program offers a chance to develop your art practice, explore new mediums and techniques, and take an interdisciplinary approach to creating art. The program starts with 3 foundation classes in Drawing and Painting, Sculpture/3D, and Animation to help you build your technical skills.
You will have open studio time to develop your work, collaborate with other students, and receive guidance from instructors. The program also includes group critiques, visits to the SMFA art library, and field trips to museums, allowing you to expand your understanding of the art world.
10. UMass Amherst Pre-College Programs’ Painting & Portfolio Preparation
Location: Amherst, MA
Cost: $3,907 (In-Person) or $2,262 (Commuter)
Application Deadline: May 1
Program Dates: June 29 – July 12
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores – seniors
The Painting and Portfolio Preparation program at UMass Amherst helps high school students improve their watercolor and acrylic painting skills while preparing a portfolio for college admissions. You’ll learn various techniques like layering, blending, and textural effects, along with principles of color theory, composition, and design. The program includes practical projects to strengthen your artistic abilities, with portfolio-building guidance from instructors.
11. Boston Architectural College’s (BAC) Pre-College Program
Location: Boston, MA
Cost: $2,000 (For credit) or $1,800 (Non-credit)
Application Deadline: March 1 (For early-bird discount) or June 23
Program Dates: July 7 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores – seniors
The BAC Pre-College Program offers a hands-on approach to design in small classes (8-10 students). You’ll engage in ideation, iteration, sketching, drawing, digital design, digital fabrication, model making, and presentation skills. During the program, you’ll tackle real-world design challenges in a studio setting. The curriculum includes lectures, hands-on feedback from design professionals, design exercises, workshops, site visits, and more.
12. New Bedford Art Museum’s Student Artist Internship Program (SAIP)
Location: New Bedford, MA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: December 31 (tentative, based on previous year)
Program Dates: 8 weeks. Artists and students set their meeting schedule with a minimum of 4 hours per week.
Eligibility: High school seniors who are 18 years or older
The Student Artist Internship Program (SAIP) at the New Bedford Art Museum offers high school seniors the chance to explore various artistic media, including painting, sculpture, and glass, while collaborating with established artists. During the 8-week program, you will have dedicated studio sessions to work on your art.
You’ll also learn how to write art project proposals, gaining insight into fundraising and financial management for art projects. At the end of the program, you will have the opportunity to showcase your work at the New Bedford Art Museum.
13. Walnut Hill School for the Arts Visual Art Summer Exploration
Location: Natick, MA
Cost: $2,000 + $50 application fee. $1,800 for room and board
Application Deadline: April 1
Program Dates: July 13 – 26
Eligibility: Students aged 13 – 17
The Visual Art Summer Exploration program offers tailored sessions in painting, drawing, printmaking, and ceramics. Each of these four disciplines includes hands-on projects, with individual feedback to help you improve your skills. You will also participate in a guided visit to the MFA Boston, gaining exposure to a variety of artworks. The program concludes with a celebratory showcase, where you’ll present your artwork to family and friends.
14. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Application Deadline: Summer: February 18 (early), March 17 (priority), April 14 (regular I), and May 12 (regular II)
Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Program Dates: Summer: June – August, fall: September – December, winter: December – February, spring: March – June
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4). No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required!
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler.
The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
15. Horizon Academic Research Program
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Spring: February 16; Summer: February 16 (early), March 23 (priority), April 20 (regular-I), May 18 (regular-II)!
Program Dates: Spring: March 3; Summer: June 16! Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! 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, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more! You can also choose a completely original research topic, including art, based on your interests. It is one of the very few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!
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.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields, under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student, as well as detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and college applications. Apply here!
Image source: Boston University
