Summer 2026 CoDesign Student Challenge:
The Reverse Blueprint

Empowering Young Creatives to Design Through Sustainable Innovation

CoDesign Collaborative invites 15 motivated high school students in Cambridge and the Greater Boston area to participate in the 2026 Summer CoDesign Student Challenge. This program provides young people with hands-on design experience in partnership with leading brands, industry professionals, and real-world clients. Students are compensated for their time, in line with CoDesign Collaborative’s commitment to equity.

Program Overview & Objectives
Alfred Byun, Design Director at Gensler, and Roxane Spears, former VP of Sustainability at Tarkett, will lead 15 Boston-area students through a two-part, hands-on design workshop, held on August 7 and 14, where students will prototype, design, and build an everyday item using existing materials that can be deconstructed most efficiently into high-value components for a second life. Over the course of the two-week studio program, students will be introduced to essential practices in sustainable product design, material assessment, and the 9 Planetary Boundaries. They will:

• Master the “Afterlife” Design Philosophy:
  • Shift focus from the birth of a product to its demise, ensuring materials enter a closed loop rather than a landfill.
  • Apply the 9 Planetary Boundaries: Learn how material assessment impacts Land System Change and Biosphere Integrity through the lens of product design.
• Implement “Benign Chemistry” Frameworks:
  • Prioritize mechanical fasteners (bolts, slots, and tension) over toxic adhesives and “forever chemicals” to prevent material contamination.
• Execute a “Value-Sort” Assessment:
  • Use a tiered scoring system—Blue (High), Yellow (Medium), and Red (Low)—to evaluate the reuse potential of every component.
• Develop a Circular Lifecycle Map:
  • Create a strategic “Deconstruction Manual” that outlines the assembly, projected lifespan, and a step-by-step guide for 10-minute teardowns.
• Pitch to Industry Experts:
  • Present final prototypes and deconstruction strategies to a panel of design jurors.

Program Outcomes
The workshops will culminate with a student presentation of their designs to a panel of professional designers. This allows students to articulate their design decisions and practice public presentation and “pitch” skills before a live audience. The panel of designers will contribute constructive feedback and select a series of “winning designs” based on material efficiency and deconstruction speed for special recognition. Student participants will leave with a completed design portfolio piece that demonstrates mastery of the “Circular Economy” and sustainable prototyping and a deeper understanding of how thoughtful product design can mitigate environmental impact.

Time Commitment
Students are required to participate in two, four-hour long workshops, from 10am-2pm ET on August 7 and 14. Lunch will be provided.

Student Compensation
The program will accept twelve students, each awarded $200 each at the end of the challenge.

Location
Cambridge, Massachusetts (accessible via the MBTA)

Eligibility
The CoDesign Student Challenge program is open to current high school students in Cambridge and the Greater Boston Area. Applicants must show an interest in design/creativity, but do not need a background in design. Creative skills are encouraged, but we also encourage interdisciplinary skills in STEAM. CoDesign Collaborative is committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and ages. We especially encourage women, Black, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities to apply.

Selection Criteria:
Motivated, self-directed, and passionate individuals who are driven to better their communities.