Application deadline
13 March 2026
International applicants; 2026 reference cycle.
In-person Program
Sketch to Prototype: An Introduction to Designing and Developing Products
Explore product design by turning an idea into a working prototype, combining sketching, 3D modeling, user testing and a product pitch.
Last verified: 5 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
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Sketch to Prototype at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Upcoming
Eligibility
High school; completed ninth grade
Age range / Year group
Ages 15-18
Location / Region
University Park Campus, Los Angeles, United States
Cost
$8,130; $11,570; $12,208
Duration
4 weeks
Format
In-person
DesignArtEngineeringEntrepreneurship
Accommodation: Shared university residence-hall rooms
Meals: Residential: three meals daily
Sessions / cadence: Daily: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; 5-6 instructional hours
Credit / Outcome: Three elective college units
Tutors / faculty: USC faculty and experienced professionals
Main output: Working prototype and product pitch
Campus experience: Libraries, computer labs and supervised activities
Sketch to Prototype summary
USC's Sketch to Prototype course combines creative design, engineering decisions and entrepreneurship through a practical product-development project.
You move from design thinking and sketches to digital visualization, working prototypes, user feedback and a short product pitch.
It suits students who enjoy making and revising things, particularly those exploring how artistic ideas become useful products.
What is Sketch to Prototype: An Introduction to Designing and Developing Products?
Sketch to Prototype: An Introduction to Designing and Developing Products is USC Pre-College's hands-on introduction to product development. It connects art, engineering and entrepreneurship through the challenge of creating a useful, user-centered product.
Participants explore design thinking, sketching, 3D modeling, AI visualization and prototyping before testing and refining their ideas. The final stage brings in branding, packaging and storytelling, so students explain both how their product works and why someone would want it.
Why Succeed highlights Sketch to Prototype
The curriculum follows a complete design process, linking early ideas to a functional prototype and product pitch.
User research and feedback give students a reason to revise their work beyond making it look appealing.
Sustainability, ergonomics and manufacturability connect creative choices with practical product constraints.
Three elective credit units provide a concrete academic outcome upon successful completion.
Who is Sketch to Prototype for?
Best for
Students who enjoy drawing, building and solving practical problems, and want to explore the connections between design, engineering and business.
Not ideal if
You want a light enrichment experience or a course focused exclusively on fine art, because this program requires sustained instruction, prototype revision and product pitching.
Is Sketch to Prototype worth it?
This course offers a useful way to test whether product design interests you beyond sketching attractive objects. Building, testing and pitching one product can help you understand the trade-offs between user needs, materials and business decisions.
The value depends on whether you want an intensive campus experience and will use the feedback to improve your work. Families should weigh the substantial financial commitment carefully: USC does not offer financial aid, credit transfer is discretionary, and participation does not guarantee undergraduate admission.
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Cost and what is included
$8,130; $11,570; $12,208; includes Tuition for the four-week course, Course materials, textbooks and academic field trips, On-campus social activities and off-campus recreational trips, Student Health Center access, Three elective credit units upon successful completion, Residential option: shared residence-hall room, Residential option: dining-hall and specified field-trip meals.
Accommodation
Shared university residence-hall rooms
Meals
Residential: three meals daily
Supervision or safety information
Residential advisors live in the halls and are available at all times. Residence and dining halls require USCard access, and campus public safety provides 24/7 patrols.
Provider details
Review the USC Pre-College provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
4 weeks; University Park Campus, Los Angeles, United States.
What to check before committing
Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does Sketch to Prototype need?
Effort level
High, with five to six instructional hours per class day.
Best started
Begin application preparation when 2027 information is released in November, allowing several weeks for the essay, recommendation and transcript requests.
Main challenge
Turning user feedback into practical changes while balancing form, function and materials.
Typical preparation
Study an everyday product and sketch one change that would make it easier to use.
Draft your application essay independently and request school documents and a recommendation early.
Plan for a laptop, long pants and closed-toed shoes for studio access.
International applicants should allow additional time for English proficiency documentation and any required visa process.
Useful if
You want to test an interest in product design through a complete making process.
What do students do on Sketch to Prototype?
You develop an individual product idea through research, visualization, construction and feedback. The sequence ends with a pitch that connects your design decisions to branding and the product's intended user.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Explore design thinking through a wallet redesign challenge and brainstorm your individual project.
- 2
Sketch your product and create digital renders using 3D modeling software or AI tools.
- 3
Present your visual work in critique form.
- 4
Build working prototypes while considering materials, sustainability, ergonomics and accessibility.
- 5
Gather feedback and iterate on the prototype.
- 6
Prepare a short product pitch covering storytelling, branding and packaging.
Sketch to Prototype dates and deadlines
Past
Application deadline
8 May 2026
Domestic applicants; 2026 reference cycle.
Sketch to Prototype: An Introduction to Designing and Developing Products — Summer 2026
22 June-17 July 2026
Four-week reference session.
Sketch to Prototype: An Introduction to Designing and Developing Products — Summer 2027
21 June-15 July 2027
USC Summer Programs dates; application deadlines and fees are not announced.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline | 13 March 2026 | Local | Past | |
Application deadline | 8 May 2026 | Local | Past | |
Sketch to Prototype: An Introduction to Designing and Developing Products — Summer 2026 | 22 June-17 July 2026 | Local | Past | |
Sketch to Prototype: An Introduction to Designing and Developing Products — Summer 2027 | 21 June-15 July 2027 | Local | Upcoming |
Eligibility and requirements
Be a domestic or international high school student.
Complete at least ninth grade before the program starts.
Pursue a rigorous high school curriculum.
Attend every class meeting; late arrival is not accommodated.
International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through accepted tests or waiver.
Eligible commuters live with guardians in Los Angeles or Orange County.
International participants and domestic participants living abroad must reside on campus.
How much does Sketch to Prototype cost?
Program fee
$8,130; $11,570 — 2026 domestic estimates: commuter; residential.
Funding or discounts
- International residential: $12,208 — 2026 estimated USC total, before government fees.
- Application fee: $85 — Nonrefundable; fee waivers are not offered.
- Seat deposit: $1,000 — Nonrefundable; credited toward the program total.
- Financial aid: Not offered
- Visa application: $185 — Government fee where applicable.
- SEVIS I-901: $350 — Government fee where applicable.
What's included
Tuition for the four-week course, Course materials, textbooks and academic field trips, On-campus social activities and off-campus recreational trips, Student Health Center access, Three elective credit units upon successful completion, Residential option: shared residence-hall room, Residential option: dining-hall and specified field-trip meals
How to apply to Sketch to Prototype
- 1
Create an account or log in to USC's summer application portal using your legal name and an email address you check regularly.
- 2
Complete the online application and choose up to three courses; you may repeat this course for all three choices.
- 3
Write your own 300-500 word essay using the portal's essay instructions.
- 4
Request an online recommendation from a teacher, counselor or mentor.
- 5
Ask a school administrator to upload your PDF high school transcript.
- 6
Provide accepted English proficiency evidence or a waiver if you are an international applicant.
- 7
Pay the $85 nonrefundable application fee, review every task and click Submit.
- 8
Monitor the portal and your email for the admission decision and subsequent instructions.
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What does Sketch to Prototype cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Week 1: Design thinking
Explore product design and idea generation through a wallet redesign challenge and your individual project.
Week 2: Rapid visualization
Practice sketching, shading, perspective, 3D modeling and AI visualization before presenting your work for critique.
Week 3: Prototyping and materials
Build and revise working prototypes while considering materials, sustainability, ergonomics and accessibility.
Week 4: Product pitch
Connect storytelling, branding, marketing and packaging in a short presentation about your product.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Sketch to Prototype?
A typical day during the program.
Class day
Five to six instructional hours, with breaks for lunch or field trips.
Residential activities
Supervised socials, games, movies and other activities with residential advisors and program staff.
Recreational excursions
Program trips may visit local beaches, theme parks or sports events.
Residential curfew
Residents must return to their assigned hall and follow the nightly room policy.
Who teaches on Sketch to Prototype?
USC Summer Programs courses are taught by USC faculty and experienced professionals from the USC academic community. Sketch to Prototype's activities include design critique, prototype feedback and a final product pitch.
Where do students stay on Sketch to Prototype?
Residential plan
- Shared residence-hall rooms: Roommate and floormate assignments follow the gender identification submitted in the application.
- Dining-hall meal plan: Three daily meals, with specified field-trip meals and two Saturday meals before non-academic trips.
- Live-in support and security: Residential advisors are available at all times, with USCard access controls and 24/7 public safety patrols.
- Evening and weekend activities: Supervised social activities and recreational excursions complement the class schedule.
Non-residential plan
- Local commuter option: Eligible participants live with a parent or guardian in Los Angeles or Orange County and attend all academic sessions.
- Commuter meal access: Meals can be purchased separately; commuter meal plans are not offered.
- Commuter activities and excursions: Commuters may join weeknight activities with parent permission and recreational excursions using program transportation.
Roommate requests cannot be accommodated; international participants and domestic participants living abroad must reside on campus.
What happens after Sketch to Prototype?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Develop a functional, user-centered product prototype.
Document your design process through sketches and digital renders.
Create a short product pitch presentation.
Earn three elective credit units upon successful completion.
Request an official USC transcript and potentially seek faculty recommendations.
Credit transfer depends on the receiving institution, and recommendation letters are not guaranteed.
Where does Sketch to Prototype take place?
The course takes place at USC's University Park Campus in Los Angeles, with access to university library reading rooms, computer labs and campus facilities. Eligible local participants can commute, while residential participants live in USC residence halls.
International participants arrange their own travel; early-arrival and late-departure accommodation is not provided.
Sketch to Prototype FAQs
You develop product sketches and digital renders, build and refine a working prototype, and prepare a short product pitch presentation.
The course combines art, engineering and entrepreneurship through product development. Topics include product design, design thinking, prototyping, 3D modeling, AI visualization and product branding.
Successful completion earns three units of university elective credit. An official transcript with your grade can be requested from USC's Office of Academic Records and Registrar.
The three elective units are transferable, but the receiving college decides whether to accept them. USC recommends keeping a copy of the course syllabus.
You must bring your own laptop. Long pants and closed-toed shoes are required every day to access the creator studio.
Residential advisors live in the halls and are available at all times. Residence and dining halls require USCard access, and campus public safety provides 24/7 patrols.
Participation does not guarantee undergraduate admission to USC or its schools. Students must follow USC's separate undergraduate application process.
USC Summer Programs does not offer financial aid or assistance. USC employee tuition benefits also do not apply.
Alternatives to Sketch to Prototype
Compare these related programs if you want to explore design through branding, broader engineering or art.
Alternatives to Sketch to Prototype
Branding and design study in San Luis Obispo
Design
Deadline: Not announced
From $2998
14-18
San Luis Obispo
In-person
Best for
Students interested in branding and design
Engineering summer study in Cambridge
Engineering
Deadline: Not announced
From £5495
13-15
Cambridge
In-person
Best for
Students exploring engineering alongside design
Art and design summer study in St Andrews
Art
Deadline: Not announced
From £7400
13-18
St Andrews
In-person
Best for
Students comparing art with product design
Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Sean Stevens
Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)
Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.
Sources and verification
Source types reviewed
- Summer Programs Application Management
- USC Summer Programs Transcripts | USC Pre-College
- USC Summer Programs Policies | USC Pre-College
- USC Summer Programs FAQs | USC Pre-College
- USC Summer Programs International Application | USC Pre-College
- USC Summer Residential and Commuter Experience | USC Pre-College
- USC Summer Programs Overview | USC Pre-College
- USC Summer Programs Application and Admission | USC Pre-College
- USC Summer Programs | USC Pre-College
- Product Design Summer Program | USC Pre-College
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 5 Oct 2026)
Official course page checked
Application requirements reviewed
Session dates compared
Fee options distinguished
Housing and meals reviewed
College credit conditions checked
Safety policies reviewed
How Succeed uses this information
We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.
Sketch to Prototype: An Introduction to Designing and Developing Products
by USC Pre-College
Upcoming
May qualify for the £300 Succeed Programme Award.
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