High school students with a passion for creative problem-solving are invited to apply for the 2024 Wege Prize High School Collaborative Studio, a paid summer workshop hosted by Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University.

Open to high schoolers entering their junior or senior year, the two-week program immerses participants in the solving of complex problems through the lens of whole-systems design thinking, sustainability and the circular economy.

This year, a group of returning students will join newcomers in the summertime workshop, which expands from three to four student teams, with each student participant receiving a $597 stipend, a nearly $100 increase from last year’s offering. In addition to hands-on design experience, benefits for participating students include free daily lunches, portfolio-quality design work, letters of recommendation and opportunities for professional mentoring and community network-building.

Photo courtesy of Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University

The Collaborative Studio empowers students to develop innovative solutions to real-world environmental and social issues in their community. The workshop is modeled after KCAD’s international collegiate student design competition, Wege Prize.

During the program, students work in collaborative groups led by qualified instructors to research and conceptualize solutions to regional challenges through the design process and present their work to community leaders.

“It’s a great way for aspiring change-makers to activate their summer,” said Gayle DeBruyn, KCAD professor of design studies and Wege Prize lead. “Our goal is to equip young leaders with the tools to become active contributors to building a better future for people and the planet.”

Jordan Fridsma, a former Collaborative Studio participant and graduate of Grand Rapids Public Museum High School, said the program was a formative experience that shaped her vocation, provided meaningful connections and led to lasting friendships.

Photo courtesy of Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University

“I left eager to continue learning and educating others about the circular economy and collaborative design,” Fridsma said. “It exposed me to the real-world complexities of sustainability and stewardship and made me so much more engaged with conversations around sustainability in my classes.” Currently studying geography, urban studies and studio art at Calvin University, Fridsma said much of what she is learning now connects back to the concepts she learned through the program.

Previous Wege Prize High School cohorts spent time learning and researching at the PADNOS Sustainability City, the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds, Kids Food Basket and Friends of Grand Rapids Parks to identify and address issues like shelters for the unhoused, nutritional education for kids and mitigating the impact of toxic algae blooms.

Photo courtesy of Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University

2024 Wege Prize High School Collaborative Studio

When:
July 22 – Aug. 2
Mondays – Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Culminating Celebration – Friday, Aug. 2

Where:
Kendall College of Arts and Design of Ferris State University
17 Fountain St. NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503

Application deadline: June 23

Photo courtesy of Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University

Wege Prize and the Wege Prize High School Collaborative Studio are organized by KCAD’s Wege Center for Sustainable Design with the support of The Wege Foundation. To learn more and apply, visit kcad.edu/wegehs.