LAST CHANCE to apply to Design League

Design League is an in-depth digital design program in which members work in teams to create a new app or website that addresses a social need using the Human-Centered Design process. Members will get hands-on experience in every stage of digital design, from user interviews and research to UX/UI design, prototyping, graphic design, and coding, to branding and pitching their projects with professional guidance from industry experts along the way.

The program takes place weekly during the school year from November to June and is divided into two phases. During phase one, participants will learn the fundamentals of Human-Centered Design and begin their user research and ideation process. Students will also participate in teambuilding and leadership exercises and be introduced to tech and design concepts through creative, hands-on activities. Phase two focuses on bringing their ideas from phase one to life. Students will practice prototyping and iterating, learn UX/UI and coding skills, get user feedback, and design the branding and presentation of their projects while getting mentorship from professionals in the field.

Students will come away from Design League with a digital product that can be added to resumes, digital portfolios, and college applications. Design League is meant to be an inclusive space where students learn by doing and trying new things. Students are expected to be willing to try their hand at many different tech and design skills throughout the year but do not need to have experience with any of them before joining. This program will help students identify passions and potential career pathways within the tech and design industries.

Learn more and apply below.

Benefits of Joining:

• Learn the app development process from start to finish using the Human-Centered Design process: A popular tool used across the tech world, from computer science to product design.
• Create a meaningful digital product, such as an app or website, from the ground up designed to help others in your community.
• Develop skills in UX/UI design, graphic design, coding, entrepreneurship and design thinking, and explore other hands-on digital tools in VR/AR, 3D design, more.
• Interact with professional design and project management tools such as Figma, Glitch and more.
• Collaborate with peers and professionals in the field as you learn how to work as part of a design team.
• Gain valuable portfolio building experience, workplace skills and greater knowledge of career pathways in the technology and design fields.
• Build self confidence and leadership skills
• Share your product with the world at professional and competitive events.

Eligibility:

• Must be in 9th-12th grade
• Must live in NYC or Jersey City
• Must have access to the internet
• Our program meets virtually, once a week from the first week of November through the end of the school year. We ask that all participants commit to being a part of the program through the end of the year, and maintain a good attendance record.
• NO previous experience in coding or design is needed! Just an interest in designing digital products and/or contributing something positive to the community.

The Details:

This program is free for all NYC and NJ high school students.

There is no cost to participate. If you have concerns about accessibility please contact maggie@mouse.org

Where do we meet:

Virtually for now! There may be optional in-person events as the year goes on. There are several Design League chapters, based in Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx and Jersey City.

When do we meet:

Once a week, after school (with a few special events on weekends). The program lasts from November-June.

• Manhattan Program @ Mouse HQ:
  • Meets virtually on Tuesdays @ 4pm-5:30pm through June
  • NYC Students from any borough can join.
    
• Brooklyn Program @ the Brooklyn Public Library:
  • Meet virtually on Wednesdays @ 4pm-5:30pm through June
  • NYC Students from any borough can join.
    
• Jersey City Program @ the Hudson County Boys & Girls Club:
  • Meet virtually Wednesdays @ 4pm-5:30pm through June
  • Only students from NJ can join.
• Bronx Program:
  • Meets virtually Thursdays @ 4pm-5:30pm through June
  • NYC Students from any borough can join.

Where can I find more info?

Check out more about the program here, including videos, and example student projects from previous years.

How do I join?

There are limited spots available. APPLY ASAP! Email maggie@mouse.org if you have any questions.