Melissa Aviles-Ramos, Chancellor | New York City Department Of Education
The New York State Education Department has announced the commencement of the 2025 New York State Summer School of the Arts (NYSSSA) at SUNY Fredonia, starting on July 6. This year, 145 students from grades 8 to 12 will engage in a four-week intensive program that offers pre-professional training and leadership development in various artistic disciplines.
NYSSSA consists of three schools: Visual Arts, Media Arts, and Theatre. Students were selected through a competitive application process based on their portfolios and commitment to the arts. Participants will live in campus dormitories and receive six-day-a-week instruction from professional artists and professors. The program will conclude with performances and exhibitions showcasing student achievements.
Molly Hennighausen, Executive Director of NYSSSA, stated, "We are thrilled to welcome this year’s exceptional cohort of students to NYSSSA. Each of these young artists brings incredible passion, curiosity, and dedication to their craft."
The students represent diverse regions across New York State including Albany County's Albany High School and Christian Brothers Academy; Broome County's Union-Endicott High School; Bronx County's AECI Charter High School; Chautauqua County's Forestville High School; Clinton County's Saranac Central High School; Columbia County's Questar III & HVCC Stem High School; Dutchess County's John Jay High School; Erie County's Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts among others.
In addition to NYSSSA, the Empire State Arts Scholarship Program has expanded its reach beyond summer sessions to provide year-round support for arts education based on financial need. This initiative aims to remove financial barriers for talented young artists across New York State.
Founded in 1970, NYSSSA offers competitive pre-professional training through intensive interaction with renowned artists over four weeks. Financial assistance is available to ensure all qualified students can participate.
For further details about NYSSSA, visit their official website.