FAQs

Am I eligible?

Eligible candidates must be high school sophomores and within the NYS Opportunity Program Financial Guidelines* at the time of applying.

What are NYS Opportunity Program Financial Guidelines?

These are guidelines set by New York State that refer to your total household income based on your total household size. These numbers change every year. If your household is within, or under these guidelines, you are eligible to apply!

Is it really free?

Yes! Tuition, Metrocards, supplies, and lunch are provided.

How can I apply?

The application cycle opens every year in the fall. Current high school sophomores are encouraged to apply. For more details, check out our application hub.

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.

Application Hub

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

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?

FAQs for Educators

Do you offer school visits?

Yes! If you are interested in having our team visit your classroom, please reach out to parsonsscholars@newschool.edu. We offer school visits in the fall while our application cycle is open.

Our school already offers college prep. What do you do differently?

We work alongside counselors that our scholars may have in their schools or other programs. Our college curriculum is embedded in our Saturday programming to help our scholars navigate post-secondary planning, how to apply for financial aid, and understanding different financial aid packages they may receive. While we cater to portfolio development for pursuing a career in art and design, it is not required for our scholars to apply to college.

Parsons Scholars uses close mentorship models, meaning our scholars are supported by our full-time staff, Youth Advocates who stay with them for their program duration, as well as undergraduate mentors who provide a unique perspective of what it is like to graduate from the program and attend The New School as college students.

I have a student who is in 11th grade and wants to apply. Can they submit an application?

Unfortunately, only current 10th graders who are under 18 years old can apply. Our program curriculum is built for a 2.5 year commitment (5 semesters, including summer programming), and we are not accepting late entries at this time.