Step Into the Festival. Shape Your Future.

A program where creativity meets opportunity—giving students the tools, access, and experience to shape their future.

The International Festival of Arts & Ideas is excited to reintroduce our High School Fellowship Program, a free, fully funded, semester-long opportunity for New Haven sophomores, juniors, and seniors to explore the arts, gain professional skills, and connect with their community in new ways. Students will earn college credit and participate in weekly, 3-hour classes held from January to June.

Our program isn’t just about watching performances. It’s about stepping inside the Festival and experiencing how a world-class cultural event is built from the ground up. Fellows are given exclusive access to the people, places, and processes that make the Festival possible, while also building meaningful connections and gaining firsthand networking experiences with local artists and industry professionals.

 PROCEED TO APPLICATION

What Makes This Program Unique?

What Makes This Program Unique?

  • College-Level Learning: Fellows take part in weekly seminars at CT State Community College Gateway, introducing them to the pace and rigor of higher education while also obtaining 3 college credits.
     
  • Artistic Exploration: Throughout their courses, Fellows will get to engage directly with local artists who specialize in various mediums and creative work.
     
  • Professional Training: Fellows gain hands-on experience in event production, arts management, and community engagement from Arts & Ideas and other external organizations.
     
  • Community Impact: By volunteering at neighborhood festivals, Fellows engage directly with New Haven’s diverse communities, building leadership skills and giving back.
     
  • Immersive Experience: In June, Fellows dive into the Festival’s two-week run, attending 30+ events while working alongside professionals to see cultural programming in action.
Opportunities Beyond the Fellowship!

Opportunities Beyond the Fellowship!

  • Transferable Skills: Fellows graduate with stronger communication, teamwork, creative, and critical thinking skills that will serve them in any field.
     
  • College & Career Readiness: The program provides experiences that stand out on college applications, resumes, and internship opportunities.
     
  • Mentorship & Networking: Fellows connect with artists, educators, and Festival staff, opening doors to mentorship and future collaborations.
     
  • Confidence & Perspective: By navigating both academic and real-world settings, Fellows gain the confidence to take on leadership roles in school, college, and beyond.

Get to know our 2025 Fellows!

Congrats to our graduating class of Festival 2025!
See our full list of Fellowship Alumni »

View our archive of previous Fellowship events, projects and more!