Summer Precollege Programs in the Arts (Grades 9-12)

The precollege programs in the arts at Purchase College are for high school students who are passionate artists, actors, performers, musicians, filmmakers, and/or, writers who may have an interest in pursuing these disciplines on a college level.

Be inspired by our scenic campus, learn new skills from amazing artists and educators, and create with other students who share your passion. These programs provide portfolio building, audition training technique, and college application enhancement opportunities. Institute students may earn certificates based on participation and attendance.

Summer 2025 dates.

Learn more about the Empire State Arts Scholarship

Session I: June 30 - July 11, 2025 (no classes on Friday, July 4)
Session II: July 14 - July 25, 2025
Session III: July 28 - August 8, 2025

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2025 Precollege Programs

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Acting on Camera Boot Camp

Session-III

Creative Writing Workshop

Session-III

Digital Photography and Photo Editing Workshop

Session-III

Filmmaking Institute

Session-I

Graphic Design

Session-III

Multi-Media Production and Journalism Workshop

Session-II

Performing Arts Institute

Session-I

Songwriting & Music Production Workshop

Session-I

The Art of Auditioning

Session-III

Visual Arts Institute

Session-I

Vocal Intensive

Session-II

Writing for Film

Session-III

Take a test drive of college credit courses this summer.

High school students who wish to enroll in credit courses (or noncredit seats in them) must have (a) completed their junior year and (b) received approval from Purchase College to register. Proficiency in English is required. They are strongly encouraged to only consider lower-level (1000–2999) credit courses and are responsible for meeting any prerequisites. Enrolling in Summer Session credit-bearing courses can prepare High School students for AP coursework and earn credit before entering college. Credits earned can be transferred to most colleges and universities. Use the course search to find your desired course(s). Course Search User Guide

Enjoy New York (in-state) or Fairfield County low tuition rates for courses taken for credit or even more reduced rates for noncredit seats in the same credit-bearing courses: $320 for a noncredit seat in a 2-credit course, $520 for a noncredit seat in a 3-credit course, or $625 for a noncredit seat in a 4-credit course (plus applicable fees and a $25 nonrefundable noncredit registration fee). Early registration discount does not apply.

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<div class="faq"> <div class="question"> <a href="/live/blurbs/558-will-early-drop-off-andor-extended-day-staff-be">Will Early Drop-Off and/or Extended Day staff be available before 8 a.m. or after 5:30 p.m.?</a> </div> <div class="answer truncate"> <p> There are no Early Drop-Off services in 2025. Staff will not be available after 5:30 p.m. for Extended Day services when available. Please plan to drop off and pick up your child promptly to avoid additional fees.</p> <a class="more" href="#">keep reading <span class="lw_sr_only">FAQ</span>»</a> </div> </div>
<div class="faq"> <div class="question"> <a href="/live/blurbs/556-what-should-my-child-wear">What should my child wear?</a> </div> <div class="answer truncate"> <ul> <li>Students using paint, etc. (Young Artists, Visual Arts Institute, etc.) should wear old clothing or bring a smock. </li> <li>Performing arts students (Acting on Camera, The Art of Auditioning, Young Performers, Performing Arts Institute, Vocal Intensive, Songwriting and Music Production Workshop, etc.) should dress comfortably for movement and exercise in air-conditioned buildings and summer weather. </li> <li>Students using cameras (Digital Photography and Editing Workshop, Young Filmmakers, and Filmmaking Institute, etc.) should dress comfortably for air-conditioned buildings and summer weather and for whatever they might be photographing or filming. </li> <li>Students in writing and computer lab–based programs (Creative Writing Workshop, Journalism Workshop: Multi-Media Production/Reporting, etc.) should dress comfortably for air-conditioned buildings and summer weather. </li> <li>Because of the paving tiles throughout the campus, “flip-flops” are strongly discouraged. </li> </ul> <a class="more" href="#">keep reading <span class="lw_sr_only">FAQ</span>»</a> </div> </div>
<div class="faq"> <div class="question"> <a href="/live/blurbs/551-can-you-tell-me-what-other-families-live-in-my">Can you tell me what other families live in my area so I can arrange carpooling?</a> </div> <div class="answer truncate"> <p> Sorry! We do not release student information to anyone. Any carpooling arrangements must be made between parents. </p> <a class="more" href="#">keep reading <span class="lw_sr_only">FAQ</span>»</a> </div> </div>
<div class="faq"> <div class="question"> <a href="/live/blurbs/555-my-child-cannot-attend-for-an-entire-session-can">My child cannot attend for an entire session. Can the tuition be prorated?</a> </div> <div class="answer truncate"> <p> Your child is welcome to attend for however many days within each session that he or she is available, if approved by the lead instructor of the program. However, the college cannot prorate the tuition. In addition, students who do not attend 80 percent of the precollege programs are not eligible to receive the certificate of attendance.</p> <a class="more" href="#">keep reading <span class="lw_sr_only">FAQ</span>»</a> </div> </div>
<div class="faq"> <div class="question"> <a href="/live/blurbs/552-are-scholarships-available">Are scholarships available?</a> </div> <div class="answer truncate"> <p> Unfortunately, no scholarships are available for youth and precollege programs in the arts.</p> <a class="more" href="#">keep reading <span class="lw_sr_only">FAQ</span>»</a> </div> </div>
<div class="faq"> <div class="question"> <a href="/live/blurbs/550-do-i-have-to-send-a-lunch-with-my-child-or-can">Do I have to send a lunch with my child or can they buy one on campus?</a> </div> <div class="answer truncate"> <p> All youth program students must bring their lunch each day. Refrigerators are available.</p> <p> Precollege program students may bring their lunch or choose to go to our campus cafeteria, which offers sandwiches, salads, pizza, and more. Allow approximately $8 per day for lunch.</p> <a class="more" href="#">keep reading <span class="lw_sr_only">FAQ</span>»</a> </div> </div>
<div class="faq"> <div class="question"> <a href="/live/blurbs/557-are-the-buildings-air-conditioned">Are the buildings air-conditioned?</a> </div> <div class="answer truncate"> <p> Yes, and for that reason we suggest dressing in layers to account for indoor and outdoor temperature differences.</p> <a class="more" href="#">keep reading <span class="lw_sr_only">FAQ</span>»</a> </div> </div>
<div class="faq"> <div class="question"> <a href="/live/blurbs/553-the-program-i-want-to-enroll-my-child-in-is-full">The program I want to enroll my child in is full. What can I do?</a> </div> <div class="answer truncate"> <p> Call (914) 251-6511 and ask to have your child placed on the program waiting list. If anyone withdraws, your child may be able to enroll. And, if enough children are on the waiting list, a new section may be created.</p> <a class="more" href="#">keep reading <span class="lw_sr_only">FAQ</span>»</a> </div> </div>
<div class="faq"> <div class="question"> <a href="/live/blurbs/554-what-is-your-tax-id-number-i-need-it-for-child">What is your Tax ID number? I need it for child care reimbursement</a> </div> <div class="answer truncate"> <p> The Federal Tax ID/Employer ID number is 14-6013200.</p> <a class="more" href="#">keep reading <span class="lw_sr_only">FAQ</span>»</a> </div> </div>
<div class="faq"> <div class="question"> <a href="/live/blurbs/1929-where-are-your-offices-located">Where are your offices located?</a> </div> <div class="answer truncate"> <p> We’re located on the ground floor of the Music Building, suite 0089, on the <a href="https://www.purchase.edu/about/our-campus/interactive-map/">Purchase College campus</a>.</p> <ol> <li>After you turn into the Purchase College campus from Anderson Hill Road, turn left and follow signs to parking lot West 2 (passing Lincoln Ave. on your right). </li> <li>Bear right into the entrance to parking lot West 2 and follow the road leading around the parking lot. You will first pass the Performing Arts Center on your right. You will have to take a left turn to continue. </li> <li>The Music Building is on your right. Our entrance is on the far side of the Music Building. </li> <li>Park in the West 2 parking lot and follow the walkway to our entrance. </li> </ol> <p> There are 30-minute parking spaces adjacent to the Music Building for short-term visitor parking.</p> <a class="more" href="#">keep reading <span class="lw_sr_only">FAQ</span>»</a> </div> </div>
<div class="faq"> <div class="question"> <a href="/live/blurbs/533-what-forms-are-needed-in-order-for-my-children-to">What forms are needed in order for my children to attend a summer program?</a> </div> <div class="answer truncate"> <p> Please refer to the <a href="/academics/youth-and-precollege-programs/register/">registration instructions</a> for the youth or precollege programs <strong>for all required forms,</strong> including the registration form and credit card authorization. Please use one form for each child or teen.</p> <a class="more" href="#">keep reading <span class="lw_sr_only">FAQ</span>»</a> </div> </div>

Youth and Precollege Programs