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The JADE (Justice Alliance in Design Education) Fellowship is a program organized by DesignPhiladelphia in partnership with our local colleges and universities that is “rooted in the belief that a small, diverse group of talented students, carefully selected and trained, can serve as a catalyst for individual and community development” (Posse Foundation,NYC). This program launched summer of 2024 and focused on supporting a diverse cohort of students in local architecture undergraduate programs – demonstrating that Philadelphia design students can create a community and a culture that foster their personal career growth, as well as a more inclusive and just culture for all design students and emerging professionals. This year in 2025 -- the fellowship is open to design undergraduate students of all design disciplines at participating schools (see eligibility below).
This program has 3 main goals:
· Support Career and Leadership Development for JADE Fellows
· Create More Inclusive & Connected Design Community for Everyone
· JADE Fellows and Alumni Continue Design Education & Pursue Careers in Design
The JADE Fellowship is awarded to assist undergraduate Black/African American, Latinx/Hispanic, and/or Native American/Indigenous Hawaiian/Native Alaskan students enrolled in a design program at the following schools: Community College of Philadelphia, Temple University, Thomas Jefferson University, Drexel University, Penn State University, and University of Pennsylvania; by creating opportunities to participate in leadership and professional-development training, career exposure, community and civic engagement, immersive program development and delivery, and mentorship opportunities. In person participation is required.
Dates/Timeline:
April 10, 2025 – Application Launches
May 8, 2025, 5:00pm EST – Deadline to Apply
May 12, 2025 – Selected Students Awarded Fellowship
June 16, 2025 – August 5, 2025 – 10-15 hour/week JADE Fellows Activities (break week of June 30 - July 4, 2025)
2025-26 Academic year JADE Fellow activities - There will be programs and activities during the academic year that will be part of your capstone project.
September 2025 – April 2026 – Monthly JADE Fellows Check in provide event support
October 10, 2025 - Design College Student Reception/Party during DesignPhiladelphia (JADE Capstone Projects could be incorporated into this event).
Students will be required to complete a Capstone project based on their interest and goals applying the knowledge skills and insights that have gained during the summer fellowship. With the assistance of DesignPhiladelphia and your college’s faculty liaison you will plan and execute the project during the academic year.
With the consultation of the JADE Fellowship Coordinators and you colleges faculty liason your Capstone project will be brainstormed, defined, and evaluated to consider the resources needed to complete your project successfully. Initial concepts should be completed and agreed upon during the summer of 2025.
Eligible Students
· Who are in their second or later year of an undergraduate/associates design program when application launches;
· Identify as Black/African American (can be international), Latinx/Hispanic (can be international), and/or Native American/Indigenous Hawaiian/Native Alaskan; and
· Attend Community College of Philadelphia, Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, Penn State University, or Thomas Jefferson University.
Ideally, there will be one (1) JADE Fellow every year from each school.
As a JADE Fellow you will work with your cohort and your primary objective will be to design experiences for other design students that fosters a thriving, joyful, and inclusive culture.
With a stipend award of $10,000 for each Fellow, a JADE Fellow will have the opportunity for leadership development, career advancement, student organizing, and community outreach and service.
Application Package Must Include the following information (Please combine the following information into a PDF file that is not larger than 5 MB):
