Exceptional Fashion and Design Program for High Schoolers on Columbia University Campus
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Columbia University Campus, USA

Exceptional Summer Pre-College Fashion & Design Program for High Schoolers on Columbia University Campus

Immerse Education offers exceptional enrichment programmes led by top tutors, propelling students from 13-18 to academic success through rigorous and stimulating curriculum at prestigious universities worldwide.

age icon 15-18 years old

time icon 2 weeks

book icon Weekly hours: 20

See Dates

Session Dates

Choose your preferred session from the options below and submit your details in order to complete your booking.

June - Day

Start 6/28/2026
End 7/11/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,995

June - Boarding

Start 6/28/2026
End 7/11/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £7,495

July - Day

Start 7/12/2026
End 7/25/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,995

July - Boarding

Start 7/12/2026
End 7/25/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £7,495

Course Description: Exceptional Summer Pre-College Fashion & Design Program for High Schoolers on Columbia University Campus

  • 👗 New York Summer Programme: Fashion & Design Industry Experience

🏨 Accommodation & Student Support

Experience the energy of New York City while living on-campus in centrally located university-style accommodation.

  • Rooms: Comfortable single or twin occupancy with either shared or ensuite bathroom options.

  • Wellbeing: On-site teams provide support for medical conditions and dietary requirements (including religious diets). Participants must submit relevant needs in advance for proper arrangements.

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🧠 Academic Learning Structure

A dynamic blend of classroom learning, creative exploration, and real-world exposure through industry visits and professional mentorship.

Each Week Includes:

  • 15 hours of project-based learning with subject matter experts

  • 15 hours of industry-focused visits and experiences

  • Real-world fashion and design project workshops

  • Individual portfolio development and presentations

  • Continued post-programme learning resources

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🎨 Creative Fashion & Design Workshops

Led by industry professionals, this programme dives deep into the creative and commercial sides of fashion design.

Hands-On Activities & Highlights:

  • Runway Redesign: Explore how high fashion shows are built — blending visual drama with functionality.

  • Design Studio Tours: Visit studios and schools such as Parsons School of Design, Fashion Institute of Technology, and Broadway costume departments.

  • Material Mastery: Learn to select and work with fabrics, understanding how texture, weight, and color impact garment construction.

  • Accessorising as Art: Discover the intricacies of jewellery, accessories, and avant-garde headpieces.

Note: Workshop schedules may vary depending on industry availability.

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🧵 Sample Modules & Core Learning

  1. Theory & Research
  • Study the evolution of global fashion, the influence of culture on style, and core design philosophies.

  • Introduction to trend forecasting, fashion history, and research methodologies.

  1. Practical Experience
  • Site visits to fashion exhibitions, creative studios, and digital labs.

  • Exposure to emerging technology such as 3D printing, wearable tech, and AR in design.

  1. Real-World Project
  • Design a mini-collection inspired by historical themes or future tech.

  • Present your work as a digital fashion portfolio using concept boards, sketches, and virtual mockups.

  1. Professional Development
  • Career coaching, design critique sessions, and panel discussions with working professionals.

  • Build your personal roadmap with 1:1 feedback on your skills, goals, and portfolio.

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🧑‍🎓 Mentorship & Collaboration

  • Small Group Format: Learn in close-knit teams of ~7 students, fostering creativity and collaboration.

  • Expert Mentors: Sessions led by real-world designers and fashion insiders.

  • Networking: Collaborate with international peers in New York's vibrant creative ecosystem.

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🌆 Social & Cultural Experience

An unforgettable social calendar that showcases the best of New York:

  • Ice-breaker games & team challenges

  • Quiz Night, Game Show, and Talent Show

  • Guest Speakers and live forums

  • Dinners at Hard Rock Café & Covent Garden

  • Graduation Party with Awards

  • Cultural immersion via visits to:

  • Central Park, Times Square, Empire State Building

  • Brooklyn Bridge, Top of the Rock

  • World-class museums and a Major League Baseball game

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📦 What’s Included?

  • 🛏️ 13 nights on-campus accommodation in New York

  • 🧳 Airport transfers: £95 each way

  • 🍽️ Meals and daily programme activities

  • 📚 Full academic and creative workshop access

  • 🧑‍🏫 1:1 career coaching and personalised feedback

  • 🎓 End-of-programme certificate & post-course resources

  • 🗽 Iconic NYC excursions & cultural events

Activities

  • Ice-Breaker Games
  • Guest Speaker
  • Quiz Night
  • Game Show
  • Tennis/Football
  • Talent Show
  • Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe
  • Dinner in Covent Garden
  • Graduation Party & Prizes

Accommodations

  • Accommodation is on-campus, enhancing the university experience.

  • Offers single or twin rooms with either shared or ensuite bathroom facilities.

  • On-site teams can cater to various medical and religious dietary needs. Participants should inform the program of any dietary or medical conditions well before the start date for appropriate arrangements.

Excursions

  • Landmark Visits: Includes strolls through Central Park, Times Square, and panoramic views from the Empire State Building.
  • Cultural Experiences: Opportunities to visit renowned museums and attend an iconic Baseball game.
  • Historical Sites: Exploring historic locations like the Brooklyn Bridge and Top of the Rock.

Lesson Plan

  • 20 project-based learning by subject experts per week
  • 20 hours of industry-focused visits per week
  • Real-world project workshops
  • Personal project / presentation
  • Post-programme learning

Creative Fashion & Design Industry Workshops:

  • Unique exploration of fashion and design.
  • Potential visits to textile workshops, Parsons School of Design, Fashion Institute of Technology, and Broadway costume design studios.

Engaging Activities:

  • Runway Redesign: Learn the secrets of iconic fashion runways, blending creativity and functionality.
  • Design Studio Insights: Insider view of the fashion industry, exploring creative processes and the balance between art and commerce.
  • Material Mastery: Understand the art of fabric selection and its impact on transforming design concepts.
  • The Artistry of Accessorising: Delve into the world of accessories, including handcrafted jewellery and avant-garde headpieces.

Note: Activities may vary based on availability and scheduling.

Experience Practical Projects

  • Hands-On Projects: Participate in immersive projects in your chosen field, gaining essential skills and knowledge.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with passionate students from around the globe in New York's vibrant summer programme.
  • Small Group Collaboration: Work closely in groups of about seven, guided by experts from diverse industries.
  • Expert Mentors: Learn from seasoned professionals offering expertise and insider perspectives.
  • Quality Instructors: Every educator is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about sharing their wisdom.
  • Learning Adventure: Our aim is to provide an unparalleled educational experience as a premier academic summer programme in New York.

Sample Modules and Discussions:

1) Theory & Research: Introductory module covering fundamental design principles, history of fashion trends, and the interaction between culture and style. Offers insights into key theories and research methods in fashion and design.

2) Practical Experience: Involves engaging in real-world experiences in New York, including visits to design studios, fashion exhibitions, and creative workshops. Opportunity to see the evolution of fashion trends and the impact of technology, including 3D printing, wearable tech, and digital tools.

3) Real-World Project: Focuses on creating a clothing collection that reflects historical influences or technological advancements. Involves conceptualization, design, and virtual prototyping, culminating in a digital fashion portfolio.

4) Professional Development: Connects learning with career opportunities in fashion and design. Includes guest talks, panel discussions, and workshops on design principles and portfolio creation. Features personalized coaching sessions for individual feedback and career guidance, adding lasting value to the programme experience.

Sample Tutors

Ann Kristin Glenster:

  • Senior Policy Advisor for Technology Governance and Law at the University of Cambridge Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy.

Guest Speakers from Previous Summers:

  • Abi Oyepitan - Former Olympian: A two-time Olympian and Commonwealth Gold and Silver winning track and field athlete.

  • Dr Lynda Shaw - Neuroscientist & entrepreneur: A journey in personal development - how to create your own set of tools to fast track success

  • Dr Nigel Warburton - Philosopher, author & journalist: How do great people find answers to deep and meaningful questions?​​

Extras

  • Airport Transfer Fee: £95 each way

Requirements

  • No Academic Requirements: No specific academic prerequisites for attending the programme.

  • English Proficiency Suggestion: Recommended to have at least an upper-intermediate (B2) level of English for managing the challenging syllabus.

Tutors are informed of participants’ educational backgrounds and will consider this during the academic sessions. All subjects and programmes are taught at a level that is appropriate for participants.

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