The Community Design Lab is a project-based, career-discovery program to cultivate environmental education, stewardship, and youth agency.
A cohort of six high school-aged local youth (16+ years old) were brought together for their shared connection to South Baltimore (e.g. residents, school, and/or members of Baltimore Community Rowing).
Beginning with the Design Immersion Course, students met weekly after school, for 1-hour sessions at partnering school and program venue, Digital Harbor High School. The course allowed students to explore the Middle Branch, urban planning, and environmental design, while developing proposals for individual site-based projects. Students were compensated with a $500 stipend for their time and participation.
For 5-weeks (July 5 to August 5, 2022), students accessed mentorship, leadership training, and time to develop the project ideas they began in the Immersion Program. During this Design Incubator, students were paid $1,500 each to dedicate a total of 25 hours of instruction, career discovery activities, project work, and mentorship time.
