FAQs
What is the Parsons Scholars Program?
The Parsons Scholars Program is a 2.5 year college preparation and access program that centers artists of color as well as students of color who are financially NYS Opportunity Program eligible. Students receive artistic, academic, emotional and financial support as they explore their individual interests in art and design. The core of Parsons Scholars programming focuses on helping students from New York City high schools in grades 10-12 discover a multitude of ways in which art and design skills and creative/critical thinking effectively support and build communities, leverage social change, and can lead toward vibrant, creative futures. Using close mentorship models and interventions,
the Parsons Scholars Program creates a college-going culture for scholars and their families and helps prepare them for future studies at competitive colleges and universities, including The New School’s Parsons School of Design.
Over the course of 2.5 years, Parsons Scholars explore a wide variety of studio subjects in Parsons Pre-College Academy classes on Saturdays and during summers. All costs associated with the program are covered by a Pre-College scholarship. Applications are accepted from 10th graders every October and students are notified by January.
Areas of Study
Animation
Fashion Design
Game Design
Architecture
Fine Arts
Graphic Design
Illustration
Photography
Product Design
Interior Design
Printmaking
Video
For NYC High School Artists and Creatives
Applicants apply in 10th grade and are committed to the program until they graduate 12th grade.
Studio Classes
- Range of practices from fashion design to photography
- Portfolio classes in art and design
- Receive up to 8 college credits
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College Preparation
- Writing support
- Navigating college applications
- Apply to and understand financial aid
Curriculum
Our 2.5 year curriculum encompasses studio classes, college preparation, and portfolio development. Scholars can earn up to 8 college credits throughout their time in the program. Fall and spring classes take place every Saturday. Summer classes run Monday – Friday during July/August.
Sophomore: Spring
Saturday | 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Foundation Studio | drawing & imaging
- Afternoon Making | workshops & field trips
Junior: Fall
Saturday | 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Studio Class
- Afternoon Making | workshops & field trips
Junior: Spring
Saturday | 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Studio Class
- Afternoon Making | workshops & field trips
- Afternoon College Prep | writing classes & workshops
Senior: Fall
Saturday | 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Studio Class
- Afternoon Making | workshops & field trips
- Afternoon College Prep | writing classes & workshops
Senior: Spring
Saturday | 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Capstone Studio
- Afternoon Making | workshops & field trips
Summers
Monday – Friday | 9:00am – 4:00pm
- Rising Junior | Studio Class, 2-week intensive in August
- Rising Senior | Studio Class, 3-week intensive in July
Where are our alumni now?
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