Expanding Impact

DFAers are daring, humble innovators leading equitable change in communities across the US and around the world.

Since DFA’s founding in 2008, 6500+ students have worked on 1500+ projects ranging from campus food waste to homelessness to global sustainability, in alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“Design for America is the most exciting, committed, and effective organization that creates ways for young people to contribute to the social fabric of the country.”

— Cheryl Heller, Director of Design Integration, Arizona State University 

Outcomes

  • Innovative Solutions

    Interdisciplinary teams tackle extraordinary challenges in healthcare, social justice, the civic sector, education, and more. In partnership with mission-aligned organizations, DFAers bring their impact-forward skills to companies like YMCA of the USA, Steelcase, IBM, and Unilever.

    DFA students building a physical prototype with a walking stick and different sized objects on the floor

  • Stronger Communities

    DFA is a community, with strong connections, camaraderie, and friendships. DFAers collaborate to take on complex problems together.

    DFA team smiling at camera with sticky note board in background

  • Systems Thinkers

    DFAers learn that if they want to address systemic issues of equity and social justice, they need community-centered design. DFA helps students build confidence as creative contributors, strategic problem-solvers, and action-oriented community partners.

    Community partner speaking around a table of students

  • Self-Actualization

    DFA's design thinking process builds transferable lifelong skills: empathy, curiosity, resilience, collaboration, and the ability to be daring. The DFA experience expands what might be possible—for students, organizations, and communities everywhere.

    DFA student presenting ideas using strong hand gesture
close up of black student with long braids brainstorming in a group of other black students

DFA Next Designer

Through robust partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), and community colleges, DFA is bringing community-centered design to more—and more diverse—participants. 

Support DFA Today!

Supporting DFA…

  • Creates a future of more daring and collaborative leaders

  • Brings DFA to more—and more diverse—college campuses

  • Helps students navigate careers in design and adjacent fields

  • Connects DFA alum to new opportunities

  • Broadens DFA's reach and impact

  • Helps spread can-do optimism