California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA)

Summer program · California Arts Council, hosted at Cal Poly Pomona

CSSSA is California's state-run summer arts school, a four-week residential program across eight disciplines including visual art, music, theatre, dance, film, animation, and creative writing. Selection is based on talent and creativity shown through discipline-specific application assignments plus two teacher references (no formal recommendation letters required). The program is hosted at Cal Poly Pomona after years at CalArts. A limited number of spots go to out-of-state applicants.

Who can apply

GradesGrades 9–12

Min GPA—

ScopeNational

StatesAll states

FieldsVisual Art · Music · Theatre · Dance · Film · Animation · Creative Writing

EligibilityMost seats reserved for California residents; a limited number of out-of-state spots are available

Logistics

Cost to you$5,174 California residents / $10,475 non-resident (2026)

Financial aidAvailable

StipendNone

FormatResidential

Length4 weeks, summer

WhereCal Poly Pomona (formerly hosted at CalArts, Valencia)

Applying

OpensOpens November 1

DueApplication and scholarship priority deadline February 28, 2027

You submitOnline application with discipline-specific creative assignments and two teacher references; $20 application fee (waivers available for CA residents demonstrating economic hardship)

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