Juniors and Seniors Solve Real World Problems for FREE at KCAD’s Wege Prize High School Collaborative Studio

We're empowering high school students to address complex problems with design solutions that help build a better future for people and the planet.

KCAD's Wege Prize High School Collaborative Studio is a summer workshop that immerses student participants in the solving of complex “wicked” problems through the lens of whole systems design thinking, sustainability, and the circular economy.

Based on the framework of KCAD's international collegiate student design competition, Wege Prize, the two-week workshop provides participants with an active learning experience in which they’ll work in facilitated collaborative groups—led by highly-qualified instructors—to research and concept solutions to wicked regional problems through the design process and present their work to community leaders.

Along the way, Wege Prize High School Collaborative Studio participants will build skills, knowledge, experience, perspective, and professional connections that will expand their career opportunity and inspire them to become more actively engaged with the world around them.

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.

Gain Real-World Experience

"The Collaborative Studio was a formative experience that left me eager to continue learning and educating others about the circular economy and collaborative design. 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."
– Jordan Fridsma, past Collaborative Studio participant, currently studying Geography, Urban Studies, and Studio Art at Calvin University.

2024 Cohort Details
Program Dates: July 22 - August 2, 2024 | Mondays - Fridays from 9:00am to 3:30pm
Application Deadline: June 23, 2024

Who is eligible to participate?
– Open to high school students entering their junior or senior year of study.
– Interested students must apply for consideration and be accepted in order to participate.
– Each summer cohort will be made up of ~20 student participants.
– There is no cost to participate.

What will I get out of the experience?
– A $595 stipend
– Daily lunches provided
– Certificate of completion
– Community network building and professional mentoring
– Letters of recommendation (for college/internship applications)
– Portfolio-quality design work

How can I apply?
– Identify a personal reference to support your application (teacher, counselor, or employer)
– Complete the online application form

Learn More & Submit Your Application at kcad.edu/wegehs

Plan on KCAD's Wege Prize High School Collaborative Studio

More About KCAD
As a college within Ferris State University, Kendall College of Art and Design prepares students for leadership in design, the visual arts, and art history; provides innovative, collaborative education that fosters intellectual growth and individual creativity; and promotes the ethical and civic responsibilities of artists and designers, locally and globally.

Register for camp!