Fun. Relevant. Engaging.
High school is a critical time for career and professional development. By engaging students in topics that are relevant to them, we invite them to dive deep into understanding our built environment, how it came to be, and how to design equitable futures.
A focus on risk-prevention.
In working with foundational supporter Directions for Youth and Families, CoLab Engage has been designed to support youth at many positions in life, including those living in historically underserved communities with high opportunities for growth and youth engagement.
JAN 2025
APR 2025
Over the course of 10 weeks in 2025, Neighborhood Design Center staff conducted 8 CoLab Engage workshops over 16 sessions at both the Crittenton Community Center and the Ohio Avenue Youth Center. This included visits to Franklin Park Conservatory and the Knowlton School at Ohio State.
Crittenton Community Center
Ohio Avenue Youth Center
The Experience
Workshop participants are engaged in the following topics to broaden their understanding of our built environment.
01
City and Regional Planning
Design is a powerful field. CoLab Engage participants learn about the complex systems municipalities create to influence development and growth, such as land use, zoning, restrictions, and regional efforts that impact the well-being of our neighborhoods.
03
Design/Architecture/Landscape
CoLab Engage participants are frequently engaged in design exercises that apply their understanding of design principals in topics of visual communication design, architecture, and landscape architecture.
02
History Lessons/Application
Columbus is one of the most segregated cities in the US. By recognizing our history of racially restrictive covenants, redlining, the rise of the automobile, and more, CoLab Engage participants begin to understand the routes to undo historical injustices.
04
Professional Development
Throughout the CoLab Engage workshops, participants are walked through the creation of a resume, portfolio, and frequently practice workplace behavior and job interviews to better understand what is expected.
CoLab Engage 2025 gallery.
View the moments of the 8 workshops of our 2025 session of the CoLab Engage.
Thank you to the generous supporters of the Youth CoLab.
The Youth CoLab is entirely funded by the generous financial and in-kind donations by committed community members and civic organizations. Interested in supporting the Youth CoLab and its programs? Contact glennon@columbusndc.org.
