As the world grows increasingly interconnected, the role of multidisciplinary design in education becomes more vital. This panel will explore innovative strategies to integrate design thinking into K-12 curricula, creating a pipeline that nurtures the next generation of creative thinkers, problem solvers, and industry leaders. Experts from design education and practice will discuss how early exposure to diverse fields such as architecture, industrial/ product design, and digital media can empower students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Through case studies and hands-on examples, the panel will outline pathways for schools, educators, and communities to collaborate in fostering creativity, equity, and access to design education for all students, regardless of background.

Attendees will leave with actionable insights and tools to implement multidisciplinary design education, ensuring a more diverse and skilled workforce for the future.

Panelists:

Alex Gilliam, Tiny WPA 

Cherice Gordon, Girls Inc. 

Michael Spain, DesignPhiladelphia 

Moderated by Dr. Lakita Costner from School District of Philadelphia 

*Above image is Play + Play Spaces by Tiny WPA