Celebrating the Success & Expansion of Design=

In October 2021, we launched Design=, an experiential learning initiative focused on introducing the world of design to historically excluded youth.

In collaboration with D×D Program Partner, designExplorr, and Foundational Sponsor, Amazon, Design= has reached 760 students to date through direct-to-classroom outreach in Akron, Baltimore, Cleveland, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. They have been incredibly effective:

• 90% of educator and student participants recommend Design= workshops to others
• 84% of students are more interested in design after taking part in a workshop

In 2023, DxD will add a no-cost, open-access curriculum kit to Design=. Its development was led by D×D Program Partner, Project Osmosis, a nonprofit organization that has been introducing design to historically excluded youth, while nurturing their creative confidence and talents, for over 20 years. 

By offering a turnkey kit for educators and mentors of 14-18 year olds, the Design= initiative can quickly expand to introduce design, design methods, and design as a career option to thousands of young people.

The kit will be made up of interactive lessons for the facilitator along with activities they can immediately start with students. At the heart of the curriculum are four modules that help prepare educators and mentors to successfully guide students in an inclusive, productive, and culturally-relevant environment:

1. Mentor & Mentee Relationships
2. Designing Safe Spaces
3. Decolonizing Design
4. Design Education in Action

Educators and mentors can learn more about the curriculum here and sign up to be alerted when the free kit is available in mid-2023.