Abstract
The graphic design industry faces a critical shortage of talent from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. To address this, we developed a two-week, no-cost graphic design residency specifically for high school students from historically underrepresented groups, including Black, Latin American, and Indigenous students. This initiative aimed to eliminate obstacles hindering these students’ immersion in graphic design. Over three summers, 36 students participated in a curriculum focused on conceptual, professional, and technical skills through a hands-on, project-based curriculum. Campers interacted with industry professionals and visited local creative organizations such as advertising agencies, marketing departments, museums, and community art centers. This study evaluates the camp’s effectiveness in inspiring students to pursue graphic design and its potential to foster a more inclusive design community. We analyze the goals of the inclusive camp, its structure, and its impact through feedback and testimonials from campers during and after the camp to assess whether free programs like ours can promote diversity in the student and professional composition of the broad field of graphic design.
Presenters
Nancy MillerProgram Coordinator and Associate Professor, Department of Art and Design, Texas A&M Corpus Christi, Texas, United States Alexandria Canchola
Associate Professor of Graphic Design, Art + Design, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
KEYWORDS
Design Education, Design Camp, Diversity, Inclusivity
