Summer Programs

a group of RISD Pre-College students walking outdoors, with several carrying a large architectural model

Summer at RISD is a time to ask new questions and stretch your creative practice into new areas. Whether you are a current RISD student looking to challenge your thinking in a global context or a K-12 student who wants to stretch your talents, you will find classes and programs that inspire curiosity.

RISD Global summer offerings

RISD Global’s summer offerings provide opportunities to expand your point of view as an artist, designer and engaged global citizen. They are open to current students (undergraduate and graduate) enrolled at RISD or in other art and design programs, recent grads, and art and design professionals. Whichever you choose, these credit-bearing experiences immerse you in inspiring contexts for creative problem-solving.

See more from RISD Global

RISD Pre-College summer residential program

Our summer Pre-College program is perfect for rising high school juniors and seniors ready to experience RISD firsthand. It will bring you into our studios, introduce you to faculty and students from around the world, and push your creative practice to unexpected places. Throughout the five-week program, you’ll experience total immersion in art and design and create exciting work for your portfolio.

Discover RISD Pre-College

Summer intensives (for transfer credit)

During the summer, RISD Continuing Education (RISD CE) runs a selection of art, design, and liberal arts courses taught by RISD faculty. Offered for three (3) transfer credits, these courses are geared toward current college students looking to earn credit toward their degree, as well as adult high-school graduates seeking personal enrichment or professional growth.

Learn more about summer intensives

Advanced Program Online summer intensive

High school students from grade 10–12 (including those entering grade 10 in the fall and those who just graduated) can also take part in the Advanced Program Online, a college-level art and design experience.

Taking place during the summer in four-week blocks, the curriculum consists of focused studies in drawing and design, plus featured topic studios. Every aspect of the certificate program stresses the skills and thinking you need to build a standout portfolio for college applications.

See program details

Youth and teen camps and courses

Our full-day summer camps let young artists ages 6–12 create a wide range of work that brings their ideas to life. Summer camps happen at Tillinghast Place, our beachside grounds in nearby Barrington, RI.

For teens ages 13–17, RISD CE offers courses for you to explore your interests and make work in many mediums. Online courses run year round while in-person courses are available during the summer on RISD’s campus in Providence, RI.