Who Is Eligible?

High school students anywhere in the world (grades 9–12) are welcome to participate in this summer program. No experience is required, just a passion for design. Our students are aspiring artists, architects, interior designers, engineers, industrial designers, computer game creators, landscape designers, and more.

Program Details

For almost 50 years, the BAC's Summer Academy has provided high school aged students with hands-on design and material exercises. This Summer, the Academy will be offered in two separate formats: an on-site experience, or a synchronous virtual experience.

On-campus* students will experience live lectures, exercises, site and professional firm visits around Boston, and hands-on design and building in teams. Virtual students will explore case study buildings, attend site and professional firm visits through video streaming and chat, and will also receive kits of materials and supplies to allow them to participate in hands-on design and building wherever they may be. All students will have access to the latest in design software and computing through either our on-site computer labs or the BAC’s CloudLab.

In addition to the sketchbook that all Academy Students receive to record their experiences, students will also develop a digital and physical portfolio suitable for design school applications, and receive a 3D Printing pen to incorporate into their design explorations during and after Summer Academy.

Program Dates: July 5-August 4, 2023

Program Times: Online Track 9AM-12:30PM EDT | Onsite Track 12:30-4PM EDT

Format: Students can participate on-campus* or online!

Tuition: $1500, with an early bird special of $1200 if students apply by March 1st

Registration Deadline: June 1, 2023

*On-campus participants are required to follow the BAC's COVID Policies, including submitting proof of full vaccination with boosters (once eligible) or an approved waiver. For more information and updates, visit our COVID page.

Urban Design and Planning Pre-College Fellowship

The Urban Design and Planning Pre-College Fellowship is for high school students* who are curious about careers in urban planning and design. This pre-college program introduces students to urban planning and design with leading professionals and peers in the Boston area and beyond.

As an add-on to Summer Academy, students are jointly enrolled in two, on-campus programs that together are designed to support and enhance student learning— the Summer Academy program plus Urban Design and Planning Curriculum:

• Urban Design and Planning Pre-College Fellowship: This pre-professional fellowship program prepares students for urban planning and urban design professional practice.
• Summer Academy Design Program: This hands-on program is designed for high school students who are curious about design or may be interested in starting a career in architecture, interior design, and landscape design.

Program Duration: June 26th - Aug 11th 2023** | 10AM-4PM EST 

Format: Students who can attend daily, in-person*** at the BAC (this program is not offered online or in a hybrid format) 

Tuition for Both Programs: $3000, with an early bird special of $2400 if students apply by March 1st 

Registration Deadline: June 1, 2023

*The BAC does not issue I-20s for a student visa for our summer program. Therefore, international students are not eligible for the Urban Design and Planning module. Please contact Admissions if you have any questions regarding your eligibility.

**Due to the holiday, the program is not in session on July 3rd and 4th.

***On-campus participants are required to follow the BAC's COVID Policies, including submitting proof of full vaccination with boosters (once eligible) or an approved waiver. For more information and updates, visit our COVID page.