Summer Youth Programs in the Arts (Grades 6-9)

Spend your summer exploring visual and performing arts at Purchase College! Our dynamic middle school programs let students explore visual and performing arts with guidance from professional artists and educators. It’s the perfect way to build skills, confidence, and a love for the arts.

Rising 9th graders may elect to enroll in middle school or eligible Precollege programs.

Summer 2026

Learn more about the Empire State Arts Scholarship

Session I: June 29 - July 10, 2026
Session II: July 13 - July 24, 2026
Session III: July 27 - August 7, 2026

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2026 Middle School Programs

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Young Artists

Session-I

Young Filmmakers

Session-III

Young Vocalists

Session-I

Young Writers

Session-II

Additional Information

Students who have completed eighth grade may choose between youth and/or the precollege programs (except for the Visual Arts Institute, for which students must have completed ninth grade).
PepsiCo employees enjoy the 10% discount with proper identification.
Each program concludes with a student performance, publication, exhibition, or other culminating event for friends and family.

5000

<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/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/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>
<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/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/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/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/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>

What Students Are Saying

<div><p class="text-mirror-h3"> “Devoted, talented staff.” </p></div>
<div><p class="text-mirror-h3"> “The instructors were great and loved what they were doing, which made it so much fun.” </p></div>
<div><p class="text-mirror-h3"> “I have memories of my daughter not being fearful about performing in front of audiences and gaining stage presence and courage.” </p></div>
<div><p class="text-mirror-h3"> “I liked the variety of things we learned. There’s so many parts to acting for film, so I now have a broader understanding of everything that happens on a set.” </p></div>
<div><p class="text-mirror-h3"> “[My favorite part about the program was] music theory and learning to make harmonies.” </p></div>
<div><p class="text-mirror-h3"> “I liked the positive environment that allowed me to learn in an enjoyable way. The attitude of the class made me excited to come every day. “ </p></div>
<div><p class="text-mirror-h3"> “Learned a lot! Great people!” </p></div>
<div><p class="text-mirror-h3"> “I liked that we worked on so many different films.” – Student </p></div>
<div><p class="text-mirror-h3"> “[My child] She was inspired and supported by her instructors and her peers, thanks to the sense of community they created.” </p></div>
<div><p class="text-mirror-h3"> “[I liked} The learning experience & the people there including the instructor”- Student </p></div>
<div><p class="text-mirror-h3"> “I just want to tell you personally that this class has been the best experience [my son] has ever had. The teachers and their enthusiasm have made my child so happy. I’m so happy that I found this program and even more excited that he’s doing Teen Voices </p></div>
<div><p class="text-mirror-h3"> “The [instructors] were all really nice and they taught me a lot.” </p></div>
<div><p class="text-mirror-h3"> “I enjoyed letting my creativity free.” </p></div>
<div><p class="text-mirror-h3"> “I liked how we could learn to express our talents and collaborate together.” </p></div>
<div><p class="text-mirror-h3"> “I liked how enthusiastic the TAs and the instructor were when encouraging me. I also like how I was pushed out of my comfort zone while drawing and using new materials”- Student </p></div>

Youth and Precollege Programs