Community Design Lab + Middle Branch
2022 Call for Applications – Short Application due February 11, 2022, 11:59PM
The Reimagine Middle Branch project is delighted to announce the call for applications for the inaugural Community Design Lab + Middle Branch youth program! The project is the next phase in a decades-long community-driven initiative to reconnect South Baltimore to its 11+ miles of shoreline along the Patapsco River. As part of the on-going planning work, the Community Design Lab will amplify youth perspectives in shaping local places in and around the Middle Branch waterfront and South Baltimore neighborhoods. The program aims to cultivate youth agency in their community through this project-based, career-discovery program to drive equity, inclusion, belonging and sustainable change in our local communities. And youth will get paid! Apply here.
What:
A cohort of 10-12 high school-aged youth (16+ years old) will meet weekly to participate in the Design Lab’s 10-week Design Immersion course to explore the history, project context and technical skills and knowledge of built environment designers (e.g., landscape architecture, urban planning, architecture) through engagement with the environmental projects in and around the Reimagine Middle Branch initiative. After successful completion of this course, students will be invited to participate in a subsequent 5-week long Design Incubator program this summer to access mentorship, leadership training, and time to develop their own projects and innovations that center environmental justice outcomes at the Middle Branch and surrounding South Baltimore neighborhoods. Each week, students will be paid to dedicate a total of 20 hours of instruction, career discovery activities, project work, and mentorship time. Projects may touch one or more of the following topics, but are not limited to: economics, housing, food systems, environment, built environment, mental health, somatic health, social, spiritual, music, art, and sports.
This program is in partnership with and a core project initiative of the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership, Baltimore City, Baltimore City’s Department of Recreation and Parks, and the Parks & People Foundation. The Design Lab program will be hosted by The Urban Studio in partnership with Baltimore City Public Schools and The Nature Conservancy.
Who:
Eligible participants must be current high school students, 16 years old or older. Priority will be granted to South Baltimore residents. Prior experience is not required. Interested program participants should complete this online application in its entirety by the application deadline below.
Key dates:
- Application deadline: February 11, 2022, 11:59PM
- Cohort selection and notification: mid-to-late February 2022
- Design Lab (Design Immersion 10-week course) start: Week of March 7, 2022
- Design Lab continues (Design Incubator 5-weeks via Youthworks): Summer 2022
Resources:
- Reimagine Middle Branch website: https://reimaginemb.com/
- Reimagine Middle Branch video: https://youtu.be/3Iy622-oOCs
- Downloadable Flyer
Questions:
Please contact MiddleBranch@theurbanstudio.org with your program and application questions.