Best Digital Media and Graphic Design Summer Camps for High School Students
If you’re passionate about design, love exploring creative tools, or want to boost your college portfolio, summer camps focused on digital media and graphic design can be a game-changer. They offer hands-on experiences, the chance to learn from industry pros, and even the opportunity to earn college credits before you graduate high school. Whether you want an intense in-person experience or the flexibility of an online course, there’s something for everyone. Below, I’ve rounded up the best programs that will help you get a head start on your creative journey.
Cornell University Precollege Studies
Cornell offers an online summer program where high school students can dive into courses like ART 1101: Art as Experience, covering mediums such as digital photography and video installation. This program is perfect for juniors and seniors looking to challenge themselves academically and creatively. The best part? You can earn college credits while exploring your artistic passions. Students also organize their own final exhibitions, giving you a real sense of accomplishment.
| Duration | 3-week or 6-week courses |
| Certification | 3-8 college credits and an official Cornell transcript |
| Cost | $1,840 per credit (about $5,520 for a 3-credit course) |
| Format | Online |
| Eligibility | Rising high school juniors and seniors |
California College of the Arts Pre-College Program
Located in the artistic hubs of San Francisco and Oakland, this four-week, in-person program is a must for students who want to immerse themselves in graphic design and digital media. The focus here is on hands-on work—think sketching, digital tools, and developing a strong creative voice. You won’t get formal certification, but you’ll walk away with a killer portfolio and a clearer sense of what you want to pursue in art school.
| Duration | 4 weeks |
| Certification | No formal certification |
| Cost | Around $4,000 |
| Format | In-person |
| Eligibility | High school students |
SCAD Pre-College Summer Programs
SCAD offers two top-tier programs: SCAD Summer Seminars and SCAD Rising Star. The Summer Seminars are one-week non-credit workshops, great if you want a quick but impactful learning experience. If you’re looking to earn college credit, the five-week Rising Star program is where it’s at. Both offer courses in digital media, graphic design, and animation. Whether you attend in-person or online, you’ll be learning from one of the top art schools in the country.
| Duration | 1 week (Seminars), 5 weeks (Rising Star) |
| Certification | College credit (Rising Star) |
| Cost | $400 per workshop (Seminars), $6,000 (Rising Star) |
| Format | In-person and online |
| Eligibility | High school students |
Parsons Paris Online Courses for High School Students
Want the prestige of Parsons but can’t make it to campus? Their online courses for high school students give you access to the same top-notch instruction in graphic design and digital media. These courses, lasting 2-4 weeks, are designed to give you a real taste of design school. Plus, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion, which looks great on college applications.
| Duration | 2-4 weeks |
| Certification | Certificate of Completion |
| Cost | $1,500 per course |
| Format | Online |
| Eligibility | High school students |
Loyola Marymount University Precollege Summer Programs
LMU’s two-week, in-person program gives students a hands-on experience in graphic design, animation, and visual storytelling. You’ll work in professional-grade studios, gaining insight into industry tools and techniques while collaborating with peers. No formal certification is provided, but the experience is invaluable for those looking to develop their portfolios.
| Duration | 2 weeks |
| Certification | No formal certification |
| Cost | $3,000 |
| Format | In-person |
| Eligibility | High school students |
Ringling College of Art and Design PreCollege
Ringling College’s PreCollege program is a four-week dive into graphic design, illustration, and game art. Not only will you learn from top instructors, but you’ll also earn college credit, setting you up for success in both college applications and your artistic career. This program is perfect for students who want to build a serious portfolio.
| Duration | 4 weeks |
| Certification | College credit |
| Cost | $6,000 |
| Format | In-person |
| Eligibility | High school students |
UC San Diego Academic Connections
If you’re interested in a broad approach that incorporates both digital media and creative technology, UC San Diego’s three-week Academic Connections program is a great fit. While it’s not exclusively focused on graphic design, it offers a fantastic opportunity to explore interdisciplinary projects that combine art with technology. You’ll receive a Certificate of Completion and gain valuable experience for future studies.
| Duration | 3 weeks |
| Certification | Certificate of Completion |
| Cost | $4,500 (includes room and board) |
| Format | In-person |
| Eligibility | High school students |
Camp Integem: AI, AR, and 3D Design
Camp Integem focuses on the future, offering a combination of AI, AR (augmented reality), game design, and 3D design. This camp offers both online and in-person sessions, and you’ll work on cutting-edge projects that bridge the gap between technology and creativity. You’ll leave with a Certificate of Completion, ready to tackle the latest digital media challenges.
| Duration | 1-4 weeks |
| Certification | Certificate of Completion |
| Cost | $1,500 – $3,000 depending on session length |
| Format | In-person and online |
| Eligibility | High school students |
School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC): Early College Program Summer Institute
SAIC’s Early College Program Summer Institute offers students an intensive experience in graphic design, animation, and digital media. This 2-4 week program is designed to help you develop a portfolio under the guidance of professional artists. Plus, you can earn college credit, making it a solid investment for students who are serious about a future in the arts.
| Duration | 2-4 weeks |
| Certification | College credit |
| Cost | $4,000 |
| Format | In-person |
| Eligibility | High school students |
Wrapping Up
Whether you’re looking for a one-week intensive or a full-on five-week immersion, there’s a summer camp here to fit your needs. These programs not only help you hone your creative skills but also prepare you for college and even careers in digital media and graphic design. Many offer college credits or certificates of completion, so your summer fun will be a meaningful step toward your future. Get ready to make your summer unforgettable!
