Inside the summer school where students design for social good

As vibrant as the creative and cultural industries are, they tend to face two persistent problems: a lack of opportunities and a lack of resources. But a clever community initiative seeks to rectify just that. Launched in 2022, We Design for the Community links design students with community interest companies and charities. Interested in the opportunity to work on real-life design briefs, collaborate with others and support grassroots cultural and community organisations? Read on to find out more and hear from three former participants about the impactful work.

What is We Design for the Community?

Can you do what you love, build up your career and get paid a fair wage – all while contributing to a social cause? We Design for the Community is proving that yes, you most certainly can. The initiative is a collaboration between design lecturer Marco Ugolini and graphic designer Axel Feldmann, who together form the design studio Objectif, and the Mayor of London’s Culture and Community Spaces at Risk programme. Also funded by UWE Bristol, it’s a cross between a summer school and a paid internship. Design students are paired with local cultural and community organisations so that each can help the other plug the gaps.

Bringing together students and companies in need

On one hand, community interest companies and charities often lack the resources to showcase and communicate their work. That’s been exacerbated in recent years, with many cultural organisations struggling to stay afloat. But these are the establishments that do the important work of serving underrepresented groups. They’re the ones most in need of strong visual and communications strategies to advocate for their cause, attract new members, or acquire funding – only they don’t have the resources for all that.

On the other hand, there’s a huge pool of design students who need work experience to equip them for a competitive job market. The barriers are especially high for those from historically underrepresented backgrounds, such as creatives from the disabled community or ethnic minorities who tend to get passed over for opportunities.

The founders of We Design for the Community had an aha moment: what if they brought the two groups together? That idea took off, and since launching in 2022, it’s paired over 35 organisations and almost 50 students.

What the summer school looks like

Over a few weeks in the summer, each student works on a bespoke design and communications strategy for one of London’s grassroots cultural or community organisations.

The programme begins with a one-to-one consultation between each organisation and project consultant, where the brief is co-developed. Students then carry out independent research and produce a detailed design and communications strategy, whilst being paid London Living Wage for this part of the programme.

Next, during the one-week Summer School, which is free to attend, students develop their work into a finished poster design with support from experienced consultants. Final posters are handed over to the organisations and displayed either digitally or in public spaces around London.

Students are also invited to attend talks covering topics like social media and creative writing. But don’t just take our word for it – these alumni can attest to how the initiative has made a difference to their careers.

Meet We Design for the Community alumni

Nazym, Will and Alice were three of the 16 students and recent graduates who took part in last year’s programme. Each came away with something different, from landing a job to gaining confidence and a clearer sense of purpose. Here, they share their experiences working with three of the 10 participating organisations, and the impact on their careers so far.

Nazym Kairakyzy x The Musical Museum

Nazym was studying Global Media and Communication at the University of Warwick when she was paired with The Musical Museum to deliver a communications strategy and flyers; the project resulted in a job offer with the company.

“I participated in We Design for the Community during the summer of 2024. Looking back, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that this experience helped me make the first steps into the industry – especially because, spoiler alert: I got a job offer from the organisation I was paired with just a few days after completing the programme.

I was the only student without a graphic design background. By the end of the programme, I’d delivered a digital communications strategy and promotional flyers for The Musical Museum, which were greatly received by the organisation and the representative from the Mayor of London's office. The Musical Museum then offered me a role as a social media manager, which I took up. I went on to create content, oversee social accounts and produce event teasers for them.

I'd say that this programme is for ambitious creatives who want to network, build their portfolio and learn how to work with real clients on real issues. It’s rewarding because you get to help community and cultural organisations, all while hopefully starting or advancing your career.”

Will Vaughan x Granville Community Kitchen

During his Graphic Design degree at UWE Bristol, Will worked with Granville Community Kitchen on what became his first paid design job, giving him the confidence to start applying for internships.

“Going into We Design for the Community felt rather daunting at first to me because I had just finished my first year of studying graphic design at UWE Bristol. I still felt new to the whole thing – but the programme really helped my confidence as a new designer.

For one, I’d never taken money from a design-related job before, so it felt like quite a significant first step towards some kind of career. It also taught me to broaden my perspective beyond just a single design task, like designing a flyer. Instead, I learned how to professionally communicate with clients and best ascertain their wants and needs, which isn’t something you usually get taught during a university course.

All in all, it really helped me to feel better equipped when looking for work experience and internships. I now have work I can be properly proud of, outside of university briefs, that I can show in my portfolio.”

Alice Chen x Save the Warehouses

Alice had studied Graphic and Media Design at London College of Communication before joining Save the Warehouses. The project affirmed their interest in purposeful design and led to a role in a wayfinding team.

“Prior to joining We Design for the Community, I knew that I was drawn towards using design as a tool to explain or inform, as opposed to using it to advertise or sell. Studying BA Graphic and Media Design, I hadn't had many chances to realise that in a project or scheme of work. Being a part of the programme was an incredibly positive experience as it helped affirm my intention of becoming a designer who uses design for good.

Utilising your skills for a meaningful cause is incredibly rewarding, and it’s something I would recommend to any young creative. That aim of using design to help others is something I carry with me now as a graphic designer in a wayfinding team, where I use design to help people navigate built spaces and places.”

Come design with the community!

If you’re a designer whose interest is piqued, you’re in luck: applications for the 2025 We Design for the Community cohort are now open until 10am on 16th May 2025.

This year’s programme focuses on poster design, and it’s open to students and recent graduates of design- and communications-related courses (including graphic design, photography, illustration, journalism and creative writing). The programme will take place from late May to early July.

Candidates from underrepresented backgrounds will be prioritised, and all participants will be paid the London Living Wage. Sounds like it’s up your alley? Find out more on their website.