Providence, United States
DownCity Design (DCD) is a non-profit community design studio with a mission to empower individuals to envision and create better futures for their communities using design tools. Founded in 2009 by Adrienne Gagnon and Manuel Cordero, the organization has rapidly grown, impacting the lives of over 2200 youth through free afterschool and summer design programs. The studio's vision is to cultivate a city of problem solvers by enabling students, educators, and community members to utilize design skills for the improvement of their living spaces.
DCD's work is focused on engaging underserved teens, with 450 participants annually, in creating structures and graphics for public spaces. The organization has gained recognition, being named Afterschool Program of the Year in 2019 by the RI Afterschool Network. Additionally, more than 280 adults have participated in their professional development programs, learning to utilize the design process to generate innovative solutions on various topics.
The most recent investment, a $149.42K grant, was received on 02 December 2020 from The Champlin Foundation. DownCity Design aims to continue its impactful work in the United States, contributing to the transformation of communities through collaborative design and youth empowerment.