Design Discovery Youth Summer Program
SUMMER 2026 APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!
At UVA Design Discovery participants engage in both academic and real-world settings through design/build workshops, an architecture firm visit, and a tour of an active construction site. Our daily ‘I See Me’ lunch and learn series features conversations with a diverse cross-section of professionals, faculty, and students. Each session culminates in a 'Celebration of Work' exhibition with food, families, and community partners.
SUMMER 2026 PROGRAM DATES + TIMES
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Session 1: Monday June 08 – Saturday June 13, 9am - 4pm*
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Session 2: Monday June 22 – Saturday June 27, 9am - 4pm*
*Overnight students will arrive with luggage at start of session, board overnight in dormitories, and leave after clean out by 5:30pm on Saturday.
PROGRAM LOCATION
We will begin and end each day at the UVA School of Architecture’s Campbell Hall (110 Bayly Drive, Charlottesville, VA, 22903), taking advantage of our building's studio space, FabLab, and design software. The program will include visits to locations in Charlottesville and across UVA Grounds via walking tours and public transportation. Dormitory stay is available for non-local (overnight) participants.
The mission of Design Discovery is to provide access to design education, meaningful learning experiences, and positive impact through youth, community, and UVA student-centered objectives:
YOUTH-CENTERED OBJECTIVES
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Activate creative minds, build collaboration skills, and empower youth through hands-on learning in new immersive environments.
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Raise awareness of career pathways within the building industry and the design professions
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Foster a sense of belonging for youth participants
COMMUNITY-CENTERED OBJECTIVES
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Present the UVA School of Architecture as a "great and good" neighbor and an inspiring presence to local youth, families, and community leaders
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Contribute to regional education initiatives and provide access to career-learning and technical education
UVA STUDENT-CENTERED OBJECTIVE
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Maintain a fellowship program that invites current UVA students to co-author the program, building a skillset in education, public service, and community engagement.
Design Discovery seeks to provide a meaningful and transformative experience to high school students through engaged, hands-on learning. The program invites youth to be empowered by seeing their ideas come to life through design thinking and making.
Applicant Eligibility:
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Rising 10th to 12th grade students, ages 15–18 by the start of the program are encouraged to apply.
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Design-curious candidates are encouraged to apply.
Session Ratio:
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(1) Program Director, (4-6) UVA Student Fellows, (2) Overnight Student Fellows
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20 students per session: a maximum of (10) overnight students per session
Application Process:
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Submit this form by the application deadline listed in the program schedule below.
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Consult the Design Discovery FAQs for guidance.
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Direct application questions to Program Director, Kyle Sturgeon at sturgeon@virginia.edu
We are committed to eliminating cost as a barrier to entry and fundraising to support underrepresented students who wish to explore design education. Design Discovery uses a tiered tuition model, with scholarships awarded based on merit of applicant statements and self-identified household income tiers.
Our day program tuition fee includes all instruction, speakers, necessary workshop materials, and a nutritious daily lunch. There is an additional $250 fee for overnight participants that affords dormitory stay, additional meals, and evening activities.
| Tiered Tuition Model | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total Household Income |
Tuition |
|
| Tier 1 (< $100k) |
tuition fees are waived* | |
| Tier 2 ($100-160k) |
$1,350 day-program / $1,600 overnight program |
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| Tier 3 ($160k+) |
$1,650 day-program / $1,900 overnight program | |
| *Tier 1 families may receive a request for additional information to qualify | ||
| Deadlines + Calendar | ||
|---|---|---|
| Saturday December 6, 11 am (EST) |
Virtual Info Session #1 (Zoom); sign-up here | |
| Saturday January 10, 11 am (EST) |
Virtual Info Session #2 (Zoom); sign-up here |
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| Saturday February 7, 11 am (EST) |
Virtual Info Session #3 (Zoom); sign-up here |
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| Friday February 27 |
Early Application Deadline | |
| Saturday March 7 | Round 1 Applicants Notified of Status (Invitation to Register, or Waitlist) | |
| Saturday March 14, 11 am (EST) |
Virtual Info Session #4 (Zoom); sign-up here | |
| Friday April 3 | Final Application Deadline | |
| Saturday May 2 |
All Applicants Notified of Status | |
| Saturday May 23 | Deadline to Register, all Sessions and Participants | |
| Monday June 08 - Saturday June 13 | Design Discovery 2026 Summer Session 1 | |
| Monday June 22 - Saturday June 27 | Design Discovery 2026 Summer Session 2 | |