Want to Apply?

The Award

Consists of a $10,000 stipend for travel and living expenses during the Fellowship’s term. In addition, Fellows have the option to enroll at Art Center during the Fellowship term and receive up to six units of credit. They may apply scholarship funds towards these credits.

Guidelines for Applying

The Designmatters department and other members of Educational leadership at the College coordinate the announcement of Fellowship openings and the recruitment of candidates.

Fellows are selected in a rigorous and competitive process that includes:

  • review of a written application;
  • submission of a portfolio;
  • interviews with a multi-departmental selection committee.

Eligibility Requirements

Because Designmatters Fellows represent Art Center in prominent international settings, they must be suited to perform as “ambassadors” for the college. Their successful placement depends on a combination of academic excellence and personality traits that indicate a strong commitment to making a difference in the larger world.

Accordingly, Designmatters Fellows are selected based on a combination of exceptional design skills, professionalism, and highly developed interpersonal skills. Only candidates that meet all of these requirements are considered. During the course of the Fellowship, the Designmatters department is the primary contact for Fellows and closely monitors their progress with the host organization.

Documentation: Sharing Lessons Learned

Designmatters Fellows are required to document their experiences in a comprehensive and visual manner, in the format of their choice. These documentary accounts—books, films, and/or digital presentations—are added to the Designmatters and Art Center archives, where they become invaluable resources for future Fellows, students, faculty, and staff.

Upon their return to the college, each Fellow is also expected to make a presentation to their department chair and the Designmatters department. Additionally, they may be invited to speak at events organized by Designmatters for various audiences of the college community.

Strategic Contributions at an Exceptional Level

Defined by both rigor and excitement, the Designmatters Fellowship Program offers Art Center students a singular opportunity to be embedded in complex international environments where they can make design.