IMPACT
After 7 years of programming, we’ve seen how impactful design can be. It opens up a world of possibility for the youth we work with, exposing them to worlds they didn’t know existed.
In an era where arts programming continues to be gutted, disproportionately impacting youth in under-resourced communities, it is critical to provide a creative outlet to express themselves.
Across all of our programs, we aim to provide youth ages 9-18 with creative opportunities and access, while building their creative confidence and self belief.
Learn more below about our creative movement, and ways you can get involved to support our mission.
1,050
Students worked with in Since 2018.
Design FC has provided free design and art and programming to over 850 4-12th grade students in Chester, PA
95%
Of students expressed an increase in creative confidence and self belief after completing Design FC programming.
14
Cities where we’ve brought creative projects / initiatives to life
Our home base, and where it all started.
The city of Chester is a vibrant city, with artists, community organizers, and entrepreneurs actively working to revitalize a city that has been historically overlooked.
Chester is currently one of two municipalities in the US that has declared bankruptcy, and is home to one of the worst performing school districts in the state of PA.
Our programs provide youth in Chester from 4-12th grade with incredible exposure and access to creative world, while providing them with a vital creative outlet that is so important to their social development.
Chester, PA
After School
Free design programs for elementary, middle, and high school students. Providing a safe space after school to learn design skills, and interact with industry leaders in the creative worlds
Academy
A specialized program that provides students with access to tools, resources, and mentorship from industry leaders to take the next step in their creative careers.
Our academy students receive personal MacBooks, Full Adobe Creative suite, year round mentorship, and exposure to the biggest names in sport, design, and tech.
Our first two academy students have launched their own apparel brands with full financial support from Design FC.
Companies our academy students have visited / collaborated with: EA Sports, New Balance, Adidas, Google, Youtube, Kinnect by Kith, Boardroom, New York Times.
From The Students
“DFC means a lot to me because it helped me improve in life. It gave me opportunities that I didn’t imagine myself having when I was younger. I appreciate Coach O, Coach Oli and Coach Ayo for giving me this opportunity and helping me grow and inspire others with my jerseys and more. I now have the opportunity to inspire the youth and inspire others to keep striving in life and to keep going until they achieve their goals. In DFC, I learned to not be afraid to try and ask for help, you will always struggle thru the process. That is why we have mentors there to help us get through the struggle and accomplish everything we want to do during the program. They never leave you to feel like they are not there to help at all. DFC has been a big part of my life and I'm glad Coach O asked me to be a part of this CREATIVE family.”
-Kevin Stanford (DFC Academy Student 2018 - Present)