SUMMER 2025 APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN! 

Through this program, 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.

OUR MISSION

To provide access to design education, meaningful learning experiences, and positive impact through youth, community, and UVA student-centered objectives:

YOUTH-CENTERED OBJECTIVES

• Activate creative minds, build collaboration skills, and empower youth through hands-on learning in new immersive environments.

• Raise awareness of career pathways within the building industry and the design professions

• Foster a sense of belonging for first-generation and underrepresented youth

COMMUNITY-CENTERED OBJECTIVES

• Present the UVA School of Architecture as a "great and good" neighbor and an inspiring presence to local youth, families, and community leaders

• Contribute to regional education initiatives and provide equitable access to career-learning and technical education

UVA STUDENT-CENTERED OBJECTIVE

• 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.

SUMMER 2025 PROGRAM DATES + TIMES 

• Session 1: Monday June 09 – Saturday June 14, 9am - 4pm*

• Session 2: Monday June 23 – Saturday June 28, 9am - 4pm*

*Overnight students will arrive at the UVA School of Architecture's Campbell Hall for the first day of the session, stay with us overnight in dormitories, and leave the program after packing up 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), 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.