We're building a pipeline for youth to pursue design careers that make a difference.

In the news.

Hear the words from our CoLab Studio interns as they were featured in local news channels, sharing about the transformative nature of our Youth CoLab programs.

How high school interns are beautifying south Columbus

July 23, 2025

Hear the words from our CoLab Studio interns as they were featured on NBC4 talking about the life-changing impact of the program on their development.

See their story

Explore our programs.

The Neighborhood Design Center's mission for the Youth CoLab addresses youth at their most critical ages, supporting them through our three unique programs. Explore them to see how we're enabling youth to thrive in design fields.

A series of after-school workshops that critically engage high-schoolers in topics of design, planning, history, and activism within the built environment.

Alongside design exercises, CoLab Engage has heavy elements of professional development, from resumes/portfolios to job interviews.

Explore CoLab Engage

A paid summer internship aiming to model a design studio with a real client, deadline, budget, and implementation.

The CoLab Studio gives interns gives the practical tools to utilize their design skills to change their communities.

Explore CoLab Studio

A mentorship program that continues professional development and success of Youth Colab program participants.

CoLab Bridge is a support network of Neighborhood Design Center staff, community supporters, and industry professionals, aiming to maximize youth success.

Explore CoLab Bridge

Programs

Our youth deserve a just and equitable built environment.

The Youth Colab ignites the opportunity for our youth to be co-designers in our city's future. Not just residents, stakeholders, students, but change-makers.

By creating a "collaboratory", or an environment that encourages kids to grow creatively, think critically, and act practically, we ensure that the next generation of architects, artists, city planners, and more are built on resilient foundations.

col·lab·ora·tory

/kəˌlab,rəˌtôrē/

noun

1. a portmanteau for "collaboration" and "laboratory".

2. an experimental workspace that fosters creativity, service, and action.

By the numbers.

Since 2023, the Youth CoLab has engaged multiple cohorts of youth, introducing them to careers in design.

43 Youth brought to the table.

3 Projects designed for local clients.

18 Community partners engaged.

Winners-NDC_Voices of Design_Social Graphics6.jpg

Voices of Design 2024

Following its pilot year, the Youth CoLab became a recipient of the Center for Architecture and Design's Voices of Design award. Voices of Design celebrates impactful Columbus projects, programs, and initiatives making change in the built environment.

Learn more about the Center for Architecture and the Voices of Design Award by clicking below:

Voices of Design 2024

Eastland's Canvas.

Experience the CoLab Studio's recent 2024 project on Columbus' Southeast side: Eastland's Canvas, in partnership with the Mid-Ohio Food Collective and Directions for Youth and Families.

2024 CoLab Studio

Thank you to the generous supporters of the Youth CoLab.

The Youth CoLab is entirely funded through the generous financial and in-kind donations made by committed community members and civic organizations. Interested in supporting the Youth CoLab and its initiatives? Contact glennon@columbusndc.org.

Support the Youth CoLab