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Pre-College Workshops

YoungArts at Drexel

About the Program

 

What is YoungArts at Drexel?

YoungArts at Drexel is a free, one-day unique art and design experience at Drexel University. This Drexel University, Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design and YoungArts full day workshop allows high school artists to explore Dance, Graphic Design, Product Design and Multidisciplinary Art for a one-of-a-kind arts immersion. Hands-on sessions taught by Drexel faculty and YoungArts alums will enlighten students to various art and design possibilities and guide them through developing strong auditions/portfolios for specialized art schools and opportunities such as the YoungArts National Arts Competition.

 

Date: Friday, August 14th, 2026 
Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm 
Cost: Free 
Eligibility: High School Students Grades 9 through 12
(Class of 2027-2030) 

Application Requirements: 

  • Copy of your high school transcript (official or unofficial), or a recent copy of your report card that shows a cumulative GPA. 
  • This completed application form


Registration: Rolling until the program is Full 

 

Who is this program for?

This program is open to high school students who are interested in various artistic disciplines or have a desire to learn about various artistic disciplines. Students of all backgrounds are invited to participate.

 

What are the application requirements?

You will need to submit a copy of your high school transcript (official or unofficial), or a recent copy of your report card that shows a cumulative GPA, along with a completed application

 

Is there a cost to attend?

No. YoungArts at Drexel is free to attend. Lunch and supplies will also be provided.

 

How do I register?

Students can register for the program HERE.

Registration is rolling until the program is full. Applications will be reviewed as we receive them, and applicants will be notified within two weeks of receipt. Admissions decisions are based upon academic preparation and commitment to exploring creative disciplines. We will limit the program to approximately 60 students. We will e-mail an acceptance letter and an information package to you and your family with additional program information, and forms to complete. Enrollment is limited and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis upon review and acceptance of the application.

What will students do during the program?

Each student will have a full day workshop rotating through sessions in Dance, Graphic Design, Product Design and Visual Arts led by artists affiliated with YoungArts and Drexel. Sessions will focus on audition/portfolio development while also providing space for creative exchange and connection with other young artists.

 

What is the schedule for the day?
The program will take place on Friday, August 14, 2026, and will run from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Schedule is as follows:

  • 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM – Program check-in
  • 9:15 AM – 9:30 AM – Welcome (All Groups Together)
  • 9:30 AM – 10:50 AM – Workshop Rotation #1
  • 10:50 AM – 11:10 AM – Break/Transition (All)
  • 11:10 AM – 12:30 PM – Workshop Rotation #2
  • 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM – Lunch
  • 1:20 PM – 2:40 PM – Workshop Rotation #3
  • 2:40 PM – 3:00 PM – Break/Transition (All)
  • 3:00 PM – 4:20 PM – Workshop Rotation #4
  • 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM – Young Arts Info, Closing Reflection & Takeaways (All Groups)

 

Who are the guest artists?

Sessions will be led by accomplished guest artists connected to YoungArts like Amanda Krische (2012, Dance) and Gabrielle Vitollo (2008, Visual Arts), and Drexel’s Design department faculty, William Rees and Erik Sundquist.

 

Do students need to prepare anything in advance?
No formal preparation is required.

Students are encouraged to come ready to participate, engage, and collaborate.

What should I bring?
Students should come prepared to participate fully in the day’s activities.

Recommended items include:

  • Comfortable clothing and shoes appropriate for your discipline
  • A water bottle
  • A notebook or device for taking notes

Additional details will be shared with registered participants in advance.

 

Logistics and Campus Information

Where is the program located?
YoungArts at Drexel will take place at Drexel University’s Main Campus at the URBN Center, 3501 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. 

How do I get to campus?

The Workshop will take place at the URBN Center on Drexel’s campus located at 3501 Market Street, Philadelphia, 19104. You can find directions to our campus here: 
https://drexel.edu/about/locations/university-city-campus

 

Where should I go when I arrive?
The Lobby of the UBRN Center

What time should I arrive?

Participants should plan to arrive between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM to allow time for check-in before the program begins. The program will begin promptly at 9:15 AM and conclude at approximately 5:00 PM.

Will food be provided?
Lunch will be provided for participants during the program day. Participants will have time to eat and connect with peers, faculty, and artists during the scheduled lunch break.

Are parents or guests allowed to attend?
Program activities are intended for registered participants.  Parents can drop off participants and pick up at the appointed times.  Parents are also welcome to remain in the lobby of the URBN Center for the duration of the workshop if needed. 

What if I’ve been admitted but need to cancel?
If you’ve been admitted and are no longer able to attend, please notify us as soon as possible so that your spot may be offered to another student. Please contact:

Tia James
Director of Recruitment
tiajames@drexel.edu

Who should I contact with questions about event logistics?
For questions related to campus logistics, directions, or day-of details, please contact:

Tia James
Director of Recruitmenttiajames@drexel.edu

About YoungArts

What is YoungArts?
YoungArts is a national nonprofit organization that identifies and supports the most accomplished young artists in the visual, literary, design and performing arts. Through its annual competition and year-round programs for award winners, YoungArts provides mentorship, financial awards, and creative and professional development opportunities to artists at critical moments in their careers.

What is the YoungArts National Arts Competition?

The YoungArts National Arts Competition is an annual application-based program for high school artists ages 15-18, or in grades 10-12, across the United States.

 

Winners receive financial awards, mentorship, and opportunities for creative and professional development, including participation in programs such as YoungArts Week.

 

How do I apply to YoungArts?

The YoungArts application opened this year on July 21 and closes October 8.

 

Students can learn more and apply at youngarts.org/apply

 

How can I learn more about YoungArts opportunities?

Visit youngarts.org/programs to learn about YoungArts programming for eligible artists.

 

You can also sign up to receive announcements, updates, tips and reminders about the 2027 national arts competition HERE.

 

Who should I contact with questions about YoungArts?

For questions about YoungArts, the competition application, or artistic disciplines, please contact:

 

Manuel Blasco
Manager, Outreach and Community Development
mblasco@youngarts.org