CoLab Studio (Summer Youth CoLab)

A professional development and community improvement program through design that builds a diverse pipeline to design careers, supports local businesses, and exposes high school students to opportunities in the design profession.

Program Details:

• Duration: 6-week intensive summer program
• Target Audience: High school students in the region
• Year Launched: 2023
• Participants: Approximately 10 high school interns per cohort

Key Components:

• Introduction to architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, city planning, and graphic design
• Site visits and environmental documentation
• Client meetings with business/building owners
• Design team projects working on real community spaces
• Presentation skills development
• Final jury presentation to business owners and design professionals
• Hands-on implementation of selected design concept
• Career exploration through firm tours, "day in the life" presentations, and mentorship

Program Goals:

1. Build diverse pipeline to design careers
2. Support local businesses with exterior improvements
3. Expose high school students to design career opportunities
4. Advance belief that "design is a right not a privilege"
5. Create more inclusive generation of design professionals

Past Project Example (2023):

• Partner businesses: Rambling House and Honey Cup Coffee (SoHud community)
• Student work included: building base paint, linework art graphics, new awnings, revamped furnishings, new signage

Funding Partners (2023):

• BDT Foundation
• Ingram White-Castle Foundation
• Nationwide Children's Hospital
• City of Columbus - Department of Neighborhoods
• The Ohio State University – Planning, Architecture & Real Estate

Industry Partner Firms (2023):

• Campus Partners
• City of Columbus - Department of Neighborhoods
• Meyers + Associates
• MKSK
• MORPC

Employment Opportunities:

• Student coordinator positions available (2023: Elsie Almodovar-Reyes and Haylee Zavaski)

Contact:

• Neighborhood Design Center
• Address: 1445 Summit Street 300, Columbus, OH 43201
• Phone: (614) 221-5001
• Email: info@columbusndc.org

Application Process

Current Status:

• Applications currently closed
• Applicants should return next summer to apply

Application Details:

• Applications accepted seasonally (typically summer)
• Specific application requirements and timeline to be announced

Next Steps:

• Visit columbusndc.org for updates on CoLab Studio 25 and future cohorts
• Check back for application opening dates