The California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) is a cutting-edge and immersive four-week summer program for talented, skilled, and motivated high school students in the arts.

CSSSA provides advanced artistic training and education in seven artistic disciplines:

  • Animation

  • Dance

  • Film

  • Music

  • Theater

  • Visual Arts

  • Writing

Applications open each fall to students of high school age, from rising freshman through graduated seniors. Applications are due in the second month of the year, and by May students are accepted into the program.

Approximately 500 California students attend CSSSA each summer, with 20 spots open to students from out-of-state. The State of California provides substantial funding to keep CSSSA affordable for California students.

 

Alongside CSSSA, the CSSSA Foundation (CSSSAF) works to support creative youth, raising a diverse array of private sector funds to support CSSSA and CSSSA students, and to ensure that no qualified student is denied access to the program due to financial circumstances.

CSSSA Foundation strives to support CSSSA students before, during, and after their CSSSA session. From initiatives to increase access and scholarships to attend CSSSA to college resources and career connections, the Foundation works to support this unique community. CSSSAF programs include:

  • CSSSA Tuition Scholarships

  • Guest Artists at CSSSA

  • Outreach and Diversity Initiatives

  • College Access and Scholarships

  • Alumni Programs

  • Endowments