Youth Web Design Program

Training and employment program connecting Black high school students with web design skills with Black-owned small businesses needing website development. Youth receive compensation for their work.

Geographic Scope: Seattle, Washington (King County)

Focus Areas:

• Youth workforce development
• Technology career training
• Web design and digital skills
• Support for Black-owned small businesses
• Economic opportunity and community wealth building
• Paid employment for Black youth

Program Structure:

• Duration: 6-week curriculum
• Target Youth: Black high school students (Garfield High School pilot)
• Target Businesses: Black-owned small businesses in Seattle
• Components: Web design training, Wix skill certification, business consulting, paid stipend for youth work
• Outcomes: Professional websites created for businesses; youth gain career skills and income

Eligibility (Youth):

• Black high school student in Seattle area
• Ability to complete 6-week program
• Interest in web design and technology

Eligibility (Businesses):

• Black-owned small business
• Located in Seattle
• Lacking website or limited online presence
• Interested in modernizing digital presence

What They Fund:

• Youth stipends/compensation for work
• Web design training and certification
• Industry expert instruction
• Website development for businesses
• Business consulting services

Geographic Details:

• Initial pilot: Garfield High School students
• Business participants from: Rainier Beach, Central District, Rainier Valley, Northgate, Capitol Hill, Columbia City, Seward Park neighborhoods

Contact Information:

• Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle
• Robert Jones, Education Director
• 105 14th Ave, Suite 200
• Seattle, WA 98122
• 206-461-3792
• Info@UrbanLeague.org

Partner Information:

• Funder: City of Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED)
• Program Contact: Anisa Khoshbakhtian, OED's Technology & Media Industry Advocate
• Email: anisa.khosh@seattle.gov

Program History:

• Launched in 2020 to address two crises: (1) COVID-19 impact on small businesses needing online presence, (2) loss of youth employment and internship opportunities
• Pilot: 16 Black youth and 16 Black-owned businesses participated
• Expansion: Two additional cohorts planned for 2021
• Ongoing: Applications for interested Black-owned small businesses opened in early 2021

Key Achievements:

• 16 professional websites created during pilot
• Youth gained industry certifications (Wix)
• Business owners valued youth work and self-confidence building
• Completed websites help businesses serve and connect with communities post-pandemic

How to Apply

For Youth:

1. Monitor ULMS website for Youth Web Design program applications
2. Verify eligibility - Must be Black high school student in Seattle area
3. Complete application - Submit through ULMS or partner channels
4. Participate in selection process
5. Upon acceptance: Complete 6-week curriculum including:
   • Web design training
   • Wix skill certification training
   • Consultation with assigned Black small business owner
   • Website design and development work
6. Present final products at completion event

For Black-Owned Small Businesses:

1. Express interest when applications open (early 2021 and subsequent years)
2. Provide business information:
   • Business name and location
   • Current website/online presence status
   • Business needs and goals
   • Contact information
3. Be matched with youth participants
4. Collaborate with youth on website design and development over 6 weeks
5. Receive completed professional website

Key Program Details:

• Cost to Businesses: Free website development
• Youth Compensation: Paid stipend for their work
• Training: Industry experts provide instruction
• Timeline: 6-week cohorts
• Presentation: Finished products presented to City, business owners, friends and family

For Corporate Partnerships:

• Contact: anisa.khosh@seattle.gov
• Opportunities available for corporate partners

Current Status:

• Applications for Black-owned small businesses open early in each program year
• Multiple cohorts run throughout the year
• Check urbanleague.org/youth-web-design-program/ for current application details