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: Fun! is what past partners have said! Project Partners are the core of the program. A team of four to five students will work to design and prototype a solution to a challenge you face in your life. Teams will interview you to learn more about you, your everyday life, and the specific challenges you face. The information and insight you provide will guide the students into building an innovative, one-of-a-kind product just for you!

A: Anyone that has a disability and is passionate about mentorship and educating youth is eligible to be a project partner! If you're interested and think that there may be some barrier to your participation, reach out to us and we will be happy to address your individual situation!

A: We select project partners through an application and interview process.

A: Monday-Friday, June 13-24, 2022, and Saturday, June 25, 2022 (with a Pre-Program Staff Training.

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 Partner on the first day of the program. 

A: Yes! Project Partners are paid a stipend amount ($500). Reach out to us for additional details.

A: We aim to build you an application-based solution to make your life easier! For all projects, our highest goal is for the students to create an app  that is immediately implementable and impactful on your life. Partners should expect students to put their full effort into addressing the project, but also understand that this is a learning opportunity for the students, and for many of them, it may be their first introduction to UI/UX design.

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