If you’re fascinated by the intersection of creativity and science, architecture might be the field for you. It combines design, engineering, and environmental studies, offering many possibilities. Starting early in an architecture program helps you explore areas like sustainability and urban planning while learning valuable skills.
But cost can often be a barrier. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 10 free architecture programs for high school students. These programs provide mentorship, hands-on learning, and a chance to explore architecture without worrying about expenses. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
10 Free Architecture Programs for High School Students
1. Horizon’s Academic Research Program (HARP) – Architecture/Design Track
Cost: 100% financial aid available
Location: Virtual
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.67 or higher
Subject Areas: Sustainable design, architectural theory, urban planning, research methodology
Horizon’s Academic Research Program (HARP) – Architecture/Design track gives you the opportunity to explore topics in architecture and design. This trimester-long program allows you to focus on areas like sustainable design, urban planning, or architectural theory, with the option to choose between quantitative and qualitative research.
You will be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar from a top university, who will guide you in creating a 20-page, university-level research paper. Your work can be submitted to academic journals for publication.
This program offers you the chance to engage in research, receive a letter of recommendation, and get feedback to help with future projects and college applications.
2. Columbia GSAPP Summer Intro Program
Cost: Financial aid available
Location: Online and in-person options (New York, NY)
Application Deadline: May 15
Program Dates: 5-week intensive course in Summer
Eligibility: Open to high school students and pre-college individuals interested in exploring architecture and related fields
Subject Areas: Introduction to architecture, historic preservation, real estate, urban planning, design studio, visual studies, architectural technology, history/theory
Columbia GSAPP’s Summer Intro Program is a 5-week course that gives high school students foundational training in architecture, historic preservation, urban planning, and real estate. You can choose to participate either online or in person. In the program, you’ll work in design studios, take part in hands-on exercises, and attend lectures by GSAPP faculty. You’ll also engage in studio reviews, desk critiques, and thematic lectures, introducing you to key concepts in architecture, technology, and urban design. The hybrid format provides flexibility while giving you access to Columbia’s media archives, readings, and faculty support. This program is ideal for students wanting to explore these fields in depth.
3. Lumiere Research Program – Architecture Focus
Cost: 100% financial aid available
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: High school students with a passion for architecture and design
Subject Areas: Sustainable building concepts, design thinking, architectural modeling, urban design
Lumiere offers an immersive research experience that pairs students with mentors from top universities. You can join the architecture track and study architectural theory, design thinking, and advanced modeling techniques. Projects might range from sustainable building concepts to modernist design principles, with detailed mentorship and guidance. The tracks are divided into three types based approach and timeline of each program – individual research program, premium research & publication program, research fellowship.
4. Summer Exploratory Experience in Design (SEED) by Sasaki Foundation
Cost: Free (with paid stipend)
Location: Boston, MA (with online options available)
Application Deadline: November 8
Program Dates: June – August (6 weeks)
Eligibility: Current high school students
Subject Areas: Architecture, interior design, urban planning, landscape architecture, design software, hand sketching
The SEED program by the Sasaki Foundation introduces high school students to the professional fields of architecture, interior design, planning and urban design, and landscape architecture.You’ll work with Sasaki’s team, learning skills such as computer-aided drawing, hand sketching, and collaborative design techniques. The program ends with a project presentation where you can showcase your work. If you can’t attend in person, SEED also offers an online option for better accessibility. The curriculum, updated every year, gives you hands-on experience in design fundamentals and the professional culture of an architectural firm.
5. Hip Hop Architecture Camp
Cost: Free
Location: Boston, MA; Phoenix, AZ
Application Deadline: February
Program Dates: Summer
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 6-12
Subject Areas: Architecture, urban planning, design thinking, community-focused design, material exploration, lighting, and set design for media
Hip Hop Architecture Camp introduces students to architecture and urban planning through the perspective of hip-hop culture. Founded by architect Michael Ford, the camp emphasizes creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking (the “4Cs”) to encourage community-focused design. You will participate in hands-on activities, exploring design elements like materials, textures, and lighting while working on a music video set. The program also encourages students to explore how architecture can empower communities, with awards given for standout projects at the end of the camp.
6. Girls Garage Programs for Girls
Cost: Free
Location: Girls Garage, Berkeley, California
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions and multiple deadlines based on modules.
Program Dates: Summer sessions and some workshops are year round.
Eligibility: Open to 9th-12th grade girls and gender-expansive youth, with preference given to youth of color or those in financial need.
Subject Areas: Architecture, Engineering, Carpentry, and Design
The Girls Garage program is designed for girls in the Bay Area, offering hands-on experience in architecture and design. You’ll work on real-world projects for nonprofit clients, gaining skills in carpentry, architectural drafting, screen printing, and more. Past projects include creating a float for the SF Pride Parade. Each cohort has 12 students, with an acceptance rate of 30-40%. In addition to the core program, Girls Garage offers workshops and programs in subjects like engineering, carpentry, and design.
7. Architecture Discovery Program at Washington University in St. Louis
Cost: $4,220, Financial aid available.
Location: St. Louis, MO (in-person)
Application Deadline: March 30
Program Dates: July 13 – July 26
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors.
Subject Areas: Digital fabrication, model-making, architectural drafting
The Architecture Discovery Program (ADP) introduces you to the fundamentals of architecture and design through a two-week, intensive program. You’ll receive individual instruction from the faculty at Sam Fox School and gain hands-on experience in digital fabrication, model-making, and drafting, preparing you for more advanced architectural studies.
You’ll also have the opportunity to explore St. Louis, visiting top museums, galleries, and historic sites, immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant art and design scene. Upon completing the program, you’ll earn 2 college credits.
8. Chicago Architecture Center Teen Fellows
Cost: Free (includes stipend each semester)
Location: Chicago, IL
Application Deadline: March 31
Program Dates: June 23 – May 9
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors attending school in Chicago, with the ability to commit to the full program
Subject Areas: Architecture fundamentals, urban planning, model-making, digital design, site analysis, portfolio development, career exploration in architecture
The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) Teen Fellows program provides Chicago-based high school students a comprehensive introduction to architecture over three semesters. You will be engaged in field trips, site visits, and hands-on projects to understand the role of the built environment in urban life. With opportunities to experiment with materials, design physical and digital models, and develop locally-focused projects, you gain skills in architecture and urban planning.
The program also includes college courses at Harold Washington College, portfolio development, and networking opportunities with industry professionals. Upon completion, students may qualify for paid summer internships, further enhancing their architecture experience.
9. Cornell’s Introduction to Architecture Summer Program
Cost: Financial aid available
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: June 2
Program Dates: June 24 – August 2
Eligibility: High school students interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in architecture
Subject Areas: Design theory, urban design, sustainable architecture, digital modeling
Cornell’s College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP) offers an online Introduction to Architecture Summer Program for High school students interested in architecture degrees. This intensive program will introduce you to architectural concepts, principles, and problem-solving methods in a studio setting. You’ll work in small groups, attend lectures, and participate in workshops focused on representational techniques and portfolio design. No prior knowledge is needed—just a genuine interest in architectural design. The program includes two online three-credit courses: Introduction to Architecture: Design Studio (ARCH 1110) and Introduction to Architecture: Lectures (ARCH 1300), totaling six credits.
10. UC Berkeley’s EmbARC Summer Design Academy
Cost: $75 application fee (financial aid available for tuition and housing)
Location: Berkeley, CA (in-person)
Application Deadline: March 11
Program Dates: July 7 – August 1
Eligibility: High school seniors who are entering their 12th grade, aged 16 by June 30 and have GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Subject Areas: Spatial analysis, sustainable design, environmental planning, SketchUp, Revit
EmbARC introduces students to the core principles of architecture, city planning, and design. You can work on projects that emphasize spatial analysis, sustainable design, and environmental planning, all while using software such as SketchUp and Revit. You will get to develop technical and time-management skills through college-level coursework. This program values teamwork and helps you to build a design portfolio that can strengthen your college applications.
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