Extended Learning

Youth Programs

Extended Learning

Youth Programs

welcome to YOUTH LEARNING

Creative Foundations
for Young Creators

Our youth programs invite young people ages 12–18 to learn, play and grow in a creative environment. Led by practicing artists and designers, students build skills, make friends and develop portfolios that prepare them for future opportunities — all while having fun.

Close-up of a student kneeling on the floor, painting with bright yellow and orange acrylics on a large sheet of paper. Swirls of vibrant colors—pink, blue, yellow, and orange—create an abstract composition. Open paint containers surround the work.

individual courses

Courses + Workshops for Teens

Choose from short courses in art, design and media that let teens explore new passions, strengthen existing skills or expand their creative practice, all taught by experienced instructors.

  • Open to beginners and experienced makers alike
  • Wide range of disciplines from painting to digital media
  • Evening and weekend formats for flexible learning
  • No application required — just register and get started

spring break camp

Make Spring Break Inspiring + Fun

Our week-long camps engage students in drawing, painting, illustration, design and more. With hands-on projects, small class sizes and mentorship from professional artists, teens spend spring break building skills and making lasting memories.

  • For ages 15–18 (Grades 9–12)
  • Full-day camps, one or two weeks
  • Emphasis on experimentation and creative process
  • Supportive studio environment with practicing instructors
A student with long red hair looks intently at her computer screen, working on a project with colorful digital assets.
Close-up of a student with blond hair holding a Canon DSLR camera, looking through the viewfinder to capture a shot.

summer teen programs

Immersive Summer Learning

Each summer, ECU offers two programs tailored to different age groups. Teens gain access to world-class studios and equipment, build friendships, and develop a portfolio for personal growth or future study.

  • Junior Arts Institute (Ages 13–15): Two weeks of hands-on learning in drawing, design, animation and more
  • Summer Institute for Teens (Ages 16–18): Four weeks of pre-university study in a chosen concentration, ending with a public exhibition

community programs

Creative Partnerships

In collaboration with the Vancouver Art Gallery and Richmond Art Gallery, ECU offers youth programs that combine exhibition visits with hands-on making. Teens explore art and culture while working with professional artists and educators.

  • Teen Art Group (Ages 15–18): Thursday after-school sessions alternating between ECU and Vancouver Art Gallery
  • Youth Art + Culture Lab (Ages 12–14): Sunday afternoon sessions at ECU and Richmond Art Gallery
A group of young students sit around a long white table in an art classroom. One student in a bright blue shirt smiles and holds up a picture with a decorative border, showing a scene of people in a garden. Another student beside her looks at a paper cut-out while the table is covered with scissors, glue sticks, brushes, and art supplies.
Contact ECU Continuing Studies

How can we help you? We sometimes experience a high volume of inquiries and will try to respond within 3-5 business days.

Office Hours

8:30am – 4:30pm (lunch closure 12:30-1:30pm)
Closed on statutory holidays

Tel: 604-844-3810
Fax: 604-630-4535

Student advising by appointment only. Book an appointment.

Contact CSPrograms@ecuad.ca for questions about Continuing Studies programs, including full time certificates, flexible learning certificates and micro-credentials.

Contact Teens@ecuad.ca for questions about Youth Programs, including Spring Break, Summer Teens and workshops.

Contact CSRegHelp@ecuad.ca for questions about registration, withdrawals or general inquiries.

Get the Latest Updates

Our Youth Programs programs are always evolving. Sign up today to be the first in line for new courses and upcoming registration dates.