PreCollege Explore

Develop your skills in technical drawing and model making through the lens of sustainable design. In this track, students explore architectural concepts, materials, and processes while learning to think critically about the built environment. Coursework includes hand drafting, digital design, and scale model construction. Students will also meet with practicing architects and visit notable architectural sites across New York City to see how design ideas take shape in the real world.

Explore a range of 2D and 3D media – including painting, drawing, and sculpture – as you expand your creative practice. Students will build their creative technique through demonstrations, critiques, and studio-based projects focused on composition, form, and expression. Visits to museums, galleries, and artist studios will connect classroom work to contemporary and historical art-making in New York City.

Discover how design shapes the world around you while building skills in digital and traditional media. Students will use Adobe Creative Suite to explore typography, illustration, and logo design, developing projects that communicate ideas visually and effectively. Coursework includes hands-on design exercises and introductions to design history and process. Site visits with working designers and creative studios across New York City will provide insight into careers in the field.

7:30 – 9:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 – 12:00: Class or site visit
12:00 – 1:30: Lunch
1:30 – 4:30: Dedicated studio time or site visit
4:30 – 7:00: Dinner
7:00 – 10:00: Optional activities
11:00: Curfew

Students are evaluated on a pass/fail basis. Those who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate of completion through Credly. To pass, students must attend all classes, actively participate in coursework and scheduled site visits, and take part in required activities.

Please note that attendance and conduct are taken seriously. Students who repeatedly miss class, skip required activities, or disregard program policies – such as curfew – may be dismissed from the program and will not receive a certificate of completion.

PreCollege Explore is open to high school students ages 15 – 18 years old  (must turn 16 by December 31, 2026). This program is ideal for students who want to:

• Try art and design in a college studio setting
• Develop new skills and portfolio pieces
• Experience New York City’s creative scene
• Learn collaboratively without the pressure of grades or credit
  

According to U.S. State Department guidelines, international students participating in the Pratt PreCollege: Explore Program should apply for the B-2 tourist visa which allows for brief stays up to six months. This visa allows visitors to come to the U.S to engage in tourist-related activities as well as participate in this avocational, recreational program. Citizens of some countries may not need visa stamps but will need pre-approval through the ESTA system for a ninety-day visit. As this program is part-time, avocational, and recreational, the F-1 student visa type is not applicable.

Consult the U.S. embassy or consulate in your place of permanent residence if you have any questions about visas, country-specific policies, or the necessary documentation for your visit.

CAN I APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP?
No, scholarships are not available for the PreCollege Explore Program. Limited merit and needs based scholarships are available for the PreCollege Intensive Program.

CAN I TAKE THIS PROGRAM FOR CREDIT?
No, students interested in earning college credit should apply for online classes or the PreCollege Intensive Program.

ARE STUDENTS SUPERVISED OUTSIDE OF CLASS?
Sometimes. Students are supervised during class, studio time, site visits, and all scheduled group activities. During designated free time in the evenings or on weekends, students may relax, explore campus, or work on projects in their residence halls.

PreCollege is not a summer camp; it’s designed to help students experience greater independence in a supportive environment – a meaningful step between high school and college life.

WHAT SHOULD STUDENTS BRING TO CAMPUS?
A detailed packing list will be shared before the start of the program. Students should bring personal items, art supplies listed in their course materials, and comfortable clothing for both studio work and walking tours in New York City. Linens are provided for residential students, but many prefer to bring their own bedding and towels.

DO STUDENTS NEED PRIOR ART OR DESIGN EXPERIENCE?
No prior experience is required. PreCollege Explore is designed for students at all levels of artistic ability who are curious about art, design, and architecture. Faculty guide students through hands-on projects and encourage experimentation, regardless of skill level.

WHAT HAPPENS IF A CLASS IS CANCELLED?
All class sections require a minimum of six (6) students to run. If a course is cancelled, participants will receive a full tuition refund and be notified minimally two (2) months in advance. Please note that Pratt is not responsible for any additional costs incurred, including travel or hotel expenses.