Visual Arts Research Programs for High School Students
EC Finder currently lists 16 visual arts research programs for high school students. Of these, 11 are free to participate in and 3 offer virtual participation. Examples include Art Students League of Denver – Teen Studio, Asian Art Museum – Volunteer Program, and Cooper Union Saturday Program.
- 16
- listed
- 11
- free
- 3
- virtual
- 15
- with a listed deadline
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are visual arts research programs for high school students?
- Visual Arts Research Programs for High School Students are curated extracurricular listings for high school students interested in visual arts. Each listing includes eligibility, cost, and deadline details where known, so you can compare options and find the right fit for your college application profile.
- When are the application deadlines?
- 15 of the 16 research programs listed here have a specific deadline month noted. Deadlines vary by program, so check each listing for exact dates.
- Are any of these research programs free?
- Yes — 11 of the 16 research programs listed here are free to participate in.
- Can I participate virtually?
- Yes — 3 of the 16 research programs listed here offer virtual or online participation.
- Are visual arts research programs good for a college application?
- Yes — visual arts research programs are a common way for high schoolers to show sustained interest and initiative in visual arts on college applications.
Related Categories
16 activities found·Browse by category
Art Students League of Denver – Teen Studio
Drop-in studio program at the Art Students League of Denver for teens ages 14-17 every Friday night. Participants get free access to high-quality art supplies and guidance from professional faculty artists across drawing, painting, printmaking, and mixed media.
Asian Art Museum – Volunteer Program
The Asian Art Museum in San Francisco offers volunteer roles supporting exhibitions, education programs, and visitor services; teens can assist with events and family programs, gaining museum-arts experience and service hours.
Cooper Union Saturday Program
A free, long-running Saturday visual arts and architecture program for New York City public high school students, taught by Cooper Union undergraduates and including field trips and portfolio prep.
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco Teen Programs
Teen programs with events, leadership, and job opportunities (e.g., paid teen guides, Youth Programs Teen Advisory Board) tied to the de Young and Legion of Honor museums.
ICA SF Teen Program
Teens explore contemporary art via dialogue, hands-on activities, and public speaking across five sessions, linking art to community issues and creative careers.
ICA SF Teen Program – Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco
The ICA SF Teen Program is a five-session fall program where Bay Area teens meet biweekly to explore contemporary art exhibitions, learn about arts careers, and lead a final public engagement day; students receive a $150 honorarium and become part of the museum community.
Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco Teen Program
Teen program where participants attend weekly meetings, learn about contemporary artists, use mobile zine-making resources, and co-organize a public zine and poetry festival; includes a $500 stipend.
Kala Art Institute Teen Studio Art Program
Skill-based, academic-year visual arts studio program in Berkeley covering drawing, watercolor, and mixed media with professional teaching artists.
National Art Honor Society (NAHS)
A national honor society for art students in grades 9-12 run by the National Art Education Association, offering leadership opportunities and access to member-exclusive scholarships from partner art colleges.
Palo Alto Art Center Teen Leadership (ACT)
Year-long teen leadership program where high schoolers plan events, make and exhibit art, and build career and leadership skills at the Palo Alto Art Center.
RPS Collective – Youth Programs (Richmond, CA)
RPS (Richmond Art Center / RPS Collective) youth programs offer art workshops, printmaking, and community-oriented creative projects for local teens, emphasizing social justice and youth leadership.
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards (Bay Area Region)
Students submit original art or writing in 28 categories for regional jurying; regional Gold Key winners advance to national judging for scholarships and publication.
Triton Museum of Art Teen Docent Program
Mentorship-based program in Santa Clara where teens study art history and appreciation with museum professionals while building skills for museum-curation careers.
YoungArts National Arts Competition
Students submit work in one of 10 disciplines for national panel review; award winners receive cash prizes and top honorees are invited to National YoungArts Week for mentorship.
Youth Art Exchange – Youth Advisory Board
Paid year-round leadership and advisory role for teens shaping YAX programming, events, and outreach; combines art, youth voice, and community organizing.
Youth Art Exchange (YAX) Free Art Programs
Free after-school and weekend classes for SF public high school students in animation, architecture, mural arts, printmaking, fashion, darkroom photo, etc.
ECFinder provides links to outside extracurricular opportunities for informational purposes only. Students and families should research each program before applying. ECFinder does not operate or control the listed organizations and is not responsible for their actions or policies.