Access Program Spotlight Series: Building Black Success through Design

Building Black Success Through Design (BBSD) is a transformative 12-week mentorship program that supports Black high school students with a passion for architecture, art, and design. Offered by the Daniels Faculty, this program offered at no cost to participants seeks to inspire and equip Black students to excel in design industries and academia, thereby enhancing diversity and fostering Black success through design.

BBSD is designed to provide students with the skills and confidence needed to pursue post-secondary education in architecture and design fields. The work produced by students during the program is of a high standard, suitable for inclusion in their portfolios when applying to university programs in architecture, art, and design. The program specifically opens pathways to the Daniels Faculty’s undergraduate programs in architectural studies and visual studies. The program centers on Black identity, aiming to build confidence and practical skills within a historically underrepresented community in design professions.

BBSD is divided into three phases. In phase one, participants engage with the community and conduct literature reviews to observe and document a designated site. During the second phase, they review their findings with peers and mentors as well as participate in capacity-building workshops (including design planning, sketching, painting, and 3D digital modeling) to ensure that they are equipped with the fundamental skills to adequately complete the project. The final phase is marked by the completion of their project and their oral presentations.

Architecture Cohort: The flagship stream since the program’s inception in 2021, this cohort guides participants through technical design workshops. Students learn to engage meaningfully with the community in a designated neighborhood, consulting with professionals and faculty on their design processes.

Creative Arts Cohort: Recently added, this cohort focuses on using visual art and various mediums to address community issues. Students design pieces that solve problems for a designated neighborhood, highlighting opportunities for Black students to make a meaningful impact through art.

Both cohorts operate under the central theme of “Design for Belonging,” encouraging participants to use their creative skills to reimagine and redesign neighborhoods where they and other community members feel a sense of belonging. The program is supported by a dedicated team of 6 staff members, 13 mentors, and 10 faculty members and speakers.

Launched in 2021 with a SEED grant from the Access Programs University Fund (APUF), BBSD exemplifies the importance of APUF grants, which provide initial funding to help campus partners launch new program ideas. Since then, the program has received financial support from the Daniels Faculty to ensure its continued success.

For more information about BBSD, please visit their website or follow them on Instagram: @bbsd.daniels.

December 12, 2024