imagine...
... a go-to resource for counselors, teachers, parents, and students to connect to the world of professional design... a “really cool” program that attracts smart, talented, and highly-motivated public school kids with artistic interest... a community of mentors who look forward to meeting their new design intern each summer...6 years and over 35 interns inspired to pursue careers in the creative arts...this is YOUTH DESIGN!
past: the start and moving forward
Youth Design was founded by Denise Korn of Korn Design, a brand strategy and design firm based in Boston and New York. As Board Lead for Business Outreach Initiatives for AIGA Boston (the local chapter of the national professional association for Design) in 2002, Denise had an idea for creating a program that would build community and business awareness of the value of design and showcase the design profession to local public schools as a viable career option for students. Denise forged partnerships between AIGA, Boston Public Schools, the Boston Redevelopment Authority, and the Private Industry Council, and, with several of Boston’s best design businesses agreeing to serve as mentors, launched YD’s first summer in 2003 with students from five different Boston public high schools working in seven design firms.
Through 2004 and 2005, YDB was gaining a reputation for highly-effective, positive experiences for both interns and mentors, but finding funding for internships and support continued to be a struggle. In 2006, Continuum, an international design strategy, brand experience and product innovation consultancy based in the Boston area, came on board as a partner with a generous gift that provided YDB with the base of financial support needed to form a solid launching pad. Another boost to the program was the publication of a feature story in The Boston Globe in August 2006.
Continuum has continued as the primary sponsor of YDB and the program has continued to grow. A proven track record of successul internships has brought additional sponsors, supporters, mentors, and volunteers to the program, as well as increased recognition in the community and by civic leaders, and popularity among students who hear about the program from teachers and friends.
present: continued expansion and growth
In 2008, Alisa Aronson, principal of Alisa Aronson Graphic Design and a design educator at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, was engaged by Denise as YDB Director. Alisa brings strong ties to Boston’s design education community and connection to a larger effort to promote design education in K-12 schools as a way to engage at-risk youth, teach media-literacy, and develop design thinking as a problem-solving tool.
This summer a diverse group of twelve students from five different Boston public schools will have the opportunity to intern in design, printing, and architecture. The Professional Development Series, a weekly series of educational events for YDB interns, will integrate an exciting new aspect: interns will work together to design and develop a product that will be sold to create a funding stream for YDB. Additionally, educators from several of Boston’s leading art and design colleges will lead creative educational workshops for the interns.
Using Boston as the model, Denise Korn is launching Youth Design this summer in Denver and Rhode Island. Jason Otero, principal and design director of Art & Anthropolog, will head up the Denver program, and Josh Silverman, principal of Schwadesign, Inc. and AIGA Rhode Island chapter Co-Founder and President, will lead Rhode Island Youth Design.
