Yes, we do! Read on for more info about our Diversify Design scholarship.
Goals of the Scholarship
Designlab’s Diversify Design scholarship program has run since March 2020 with the intention of building equity across diverse and inclusive representation in the design industry. We aim to do so by providing design education and professional support to aspiring designers from groups underrepresented in the design industry; this includes BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and members of other historically disadvantaged groups.
We started Designlab in part to build, from the ground-up, an institution that would address some of the structural inequalities that exist in the world around access to education—and we committed to doing this with core values centered around empowerment, accessibility, and empathy.
Building empathy and enriching design requires a wide range of perspectives, which is why we actively seek diversity in our community; we intentionally do this through our hiring for both internal team members and mentors, as well as through this scholarship. We believe that diversity of background and opinion strengthens us and allows us to consider different ideas and approaches and the people we design for.
Scholarship Amounts
Each month, we offer:
- 1 scholarship worth 50% of UX Academy tuition
- 3 scholarships worth $1,000
In addition, we aim to give a limited number of full scholarships based on availability and need.
Application Process
The application is comprised of three primary parts:
- General information
- Short written questions about why you want to participate in the scholarship program
- A 1-2 minute video telling us a little bit about yourself and why you think you’re a good candidate*
*Videos will be assessed on content, not quality. If you have any additional concerns about this, please don't hesitate to reach out to our admissions team about this.
Scholarship Application Timeline
Application deadlines are 14 days before the start date for the cohort you’re applying to, and applicants can expect a decision 10 days before the cohort start date.
Here are the upcoming cohorts and their corresponding application deadline and decision dates:
March 22, 2021 cohort
Deadline: 9PM EST on March 8
Decision: March 12
April 19th
Deadline: 9PM EST on April 5th
Decision: April 9th
May 24th
Deadline: 9PM EST on May 10th
Decision: May 14th
Selection Process
In the selection process, applications will be read anonymously by a panel of at least 3 different readers and will be evaluated based on need, as well as commitment to shaping equitable, inclusive, and diverse spaces.
Terms and Conditions
Scholarships are limited in number, and subject to availability. Even if an applicant meets scholarship criteria, a scholarship may not be awarded. Scholarships are not transferable. Scholarship value will be applied directly to the course fee and is not redeemable for cash.
In order to apply for a UX Academy scholarship, please ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements. You must either have previous design experience with an application to UX Academy submitted, have completed the prerequisite with us, or be actively enrolled in UXA Foundations and working towards finishing the course.
Also, please make sure you apply for the UX Academy cohort you are eligible for. For example, if you're taking UXA Foundations in January, you will be eligible for the February cohort of UX Academy.
Also, please make sure you apply for the UX Academy cohort you are eligible for. For example, if you're taking UXA Foundations in January, you will be eligible for the February cohort of UX Academy.
By applying for a scholarship, the applicant grants Designlab permission to post their name in marketing communications in the event they are awarded the scholarship.
Application
The Diversify Design Scholarship application is open! Please apply here.