Organization

Youth Design (www.youthdesign.org) is a unique summer mentorship program that introduces inner-city high school students to careers in the design profession by providing high quality, paying design internships in leading design firms, agencies, and in-house design departments. The program was founded by Denise Korn and is run in partnership with the AIGA The Professional Association for Design, AIGA Boston, and Boston’s Private Industry Council (PIC) which works to create innovative workforce and education solutions by connecting government, labor, education and community organizations throughout the city. YOUTH DESIGN was formed in order to increase awareness of design as a viable career option and provide opportunities for public high school students who have talent and an interest in art and technology to learn about the design profession as a possible career path. Since the program was piloted, YD has seen 100% success rate for their graduates to matriculate to college with a high percentage deciding to pursue college-level focus in art and design. In 2009 the organization expanded its reach launching Youth Design in Denver and Rhode Island for which they have received national recognition.