A: Design the Future is a two-week design thinking summer program for high school students in which they work to solve challenges faced by individuals with physical disabilities (aka Project Partners). The purpose of Design the Future is to teach young people the skills and mindsets necessary to effect positive change in their community. The program empowers students with human-centered design and product development skills while engaging them in a deeper understanding of individuals with physical disabilities.

A: Think of it as an intense, short-term internship. The program is two weeks filled with information and activities. The main curriculum of the program is taught by 3 Lead Facilitators while the Design Coaches guide teams of 4-5 students through the design and engineering process. Coaches also facilitate activities, lessons and logistics throughout the week. 

Coaches can expect to put in 6 hours each day. Design Coaches must be reliable, punctual, and committed to providing a positive, stimulating environment for students and project partners throughout the entire week.

A: Good design coaches are crucial to the program. Ideal coaches are "makers" with design and/or engineering skills (PD, Mechatronics/arduino, ME, EE, etc). They are typically higher-level university students or industry professionals in the fields of design or engineering who are passionate about human centered design, mentorship, and social impact. Since we are digital this year, coaches with UX/UI design experience are desired, as well as those with experience in app development, either with languages like Swift, React Native, or Objective C, or in a no or low code environment like Adalo or Bubble. Those with experience leading in online classroom environments are welcome as well. 

Design Coaches are the mentors and cheerleaders of each team. They are the “camp counselors” of the program—ensuring that each student has a positive, memorable experience. Design Coaches are essential in facilitating student collaboration and creativity. It’s important to know how to engage the students, and how to coach them in a way that allows them room to ideate, experiment, fail and ultimately succeed on their own. Skills in communication, time management, problem-solving and group facilitation will be essential in providing students with the most educational and fun experience.

A: We select coaches through an application and interview process.

A: Design Coaches should expect to participate in a two-day, virtual training with the Lead Facilitators and Project Partners for their program. . The training will provide a deeper dive into Design Thinking, program expectations, and the online collaboration tools and app development software we will utilize throughout the program.

There will also be a pre-program check-in for all personnel the Saturday prior to the program.

A: Monday-Friday, June 13-24, 2022 and Saturday, June 25, 2022

A: Coaches should expect a schedule of Monday-Friday, 8am-2:30pm PST, and Saturday, 9am-12pm PST.

A: Yes! Coaches are paid a stipend of $750 total. 

A:  Project Partner applicants are asked to submit three potential project challenges as part of the application. Selected Project Partners will be given guidance on how to refine their challenges and create problem statements for the students to assess. Students will choose one of these project challenges to work on after their interview with their Project Partners on the first day of camp. 

A: Head over to Design the Future: Digital - Design Coach Application to apply!