Wege Prize High School Collaborative Studio

KCAD's Wege Prize High School Collaborative Studio is a summer workshop that immerses student participants in the solving of complex “wicked” problems through the lens of whole systems design thinking, sustainability, and the circular economy.

Based on the framework of KCAD's international collegiate student design competition, Wege Prize, the two-week workshop provides participants with an active learning experience in which they’ll work in facilitated collaborative groups—led by highly-qualified instructors—to research and concept solutions to wicked regional problems through the design process and present their work to community leaders. 

Along the way, Wege Prize High School Collaborative Studio participants will build skills, knowledge, experience, perspective, and professional connections that will expand their career opportunity and inspire them to become more actively engaged with the world around them. 

Who is eligible to participate?

• The Wege Prize High School Collaborative Studio is open to Michigan high school students entering their junior or senior year of study. 
• Interested students must apply for consideration and be accepted in order to participate. 
• Each summer cohort will be made up of 20 student participants.
• There is no cost to participate. 

What will I get out of the experience? 

• A $595 stipend
• Daily lunches (provided free of charge)
• A certificate of completion
• Community network building and professional mentoring
• Letters of recommendation (for college and/or internship applications)
• Portfolio-quality design work

How can I apply to participate? 

1. Talk to someone who knows you well but is NOT a family member (teacher, counselor, or employer) and ask if they can provide a personal reference in support of your application. You’ll need their name, email, and phone number
2. Once you have your reference identified, complete our online application form, including contact info for your reference. You may need to ask your parent or guardian for help completing some sections of the form. 
3. After you submit your app form, we’ll contact your designated reference and ask them to complete the process by filling out our separate online reference form. We’ll let you know when your application is all set.