Design Your Future

We are a nonprofit that empowers motivated high school students on their paths to career success in creative industries. 


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About us
design tools illustration with hands coming out of a computer

We give students the opportunity to learn from industry professionals, and we give industry professionals the chance to learn from students.

Our youth focus is on students at New Design High School and the Seward Park Campus on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.


Our program focus is creative career development and access to apprenticeships, jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities in the design and creative industry fields.

Our Programs

We are seeking industry partners and supporters related to our programs.

01

Design Collective

Full-service design studio.


The Design Collective is a student-run design studio at New Design High School. We create bold solutions in branding, apparel, and graphic design. Guided by industry pros, our students use the NDHS Design Process to bring real projects to life.


02

Fashion Design

Sustainable fashion program.


Our Sustainable Fashion program teaches students to make bold, eco-friendly designs. They use upcycled materials to bring their ideas to life. The program culminates in a fashion show where their original pieces hit the runway.

03

Makerspace

Hands-on projects, design and 3D development.


MakerSpace is a hands-on innovation hub created by New Design High School in partnership with Makerspace NYC. It emphasizes 3D design and solving real-world problems. This helps students gain technical skills and build creative confidence.

04

Spark Studios

Creative space for podcasting and music production.


Spark Studios is a youth-led hub for podcasting and music production. Here, students handle everything from sound engineering to scheduling. They gain real industry skills through mentorship and collaboration with the Hip Hop Re:Education Project.

05

Cafe 418

Student-powered business, creativity, collaboration and coffee.


Cafe 418 is a student-run hub for business, hospitality, and creativity. It provides café services, pop-up retail, and event staffing. Students develop real-world skills by collaborating, designing, and conducting customer research.

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What makes us different?

OUR VISION

We envision a world where all young people have equitable access to creative, career-driven experiences that prepare them for jobs, leadership and impact. 


By integrating industry partnerships, hands-on projects, and “soft skills” support, Design Your Future is a launchpad for innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-determination for students. Our students don’t just enter the workforce — they shape it.


For our industry partners, Design Your Life is more than just an opportunity to “give back” – partners benefit from the creative capital and nearly limitless brainstorm energy that our NYC high school students provide. Our partners become part of a virtuous cycle of cross-generational input, creative output, and workforce expansion that improves their position in the marketplace.

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OUR MISSION

Design Your Future, Inc empowers high school students by providing hands-on learning, mentorship, and career-building opportunities that bridge the gap between school-based education and real world employment. Through immersive experiences in entrepreneurship, design, technology, and the creative culture industries, we equip students with the skills, confidence, and networks needed to thrive in their futures.

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students supporting each other with school and tools like a computer
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fashion design students wearing a fashionable outfit surrounded by framed clothing
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SUPPORT US

Your Support
Makes a Difference

Your support helps Design Your Future provide students at New Design High School with real-world experiences, creative opportunities, and the tools they need to thrive beyond the classroom. Your contribution directly impacts the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.


Let’s build brighter futures—together.

Stay Connected!

Sign up for updates from Design Your Future Inc. and be the first to hear about student-led projects, upcoming events, and ways to support our mission.


Join our community of educators, creatives, and changemakers supporting the next generation.
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contacT

Let’s talk, meet, work together.

Contact Us