Design Action's Springboard to Design program, which offers tuition-free theatrical design mentorship and training to high school students from underrepresented communities, has launched a fundraising goal of $150,000. 

The week-long intensive—set for July 19-25, 2026, at The Harvey Fierstein Theatre Lab at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts—is led by Tony-winning designers Clint Ramos and David Zinn. Through hands-on workshops, seminars, and access to Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, students explore set, costume, lighting, projection, sound, and make-up design under the mentorship of theatre professionals.

Those interested can deepen their impact by joining one of Springboard to Design's sponsorship tiers: Design Visionary ($25,000), Innovation Partner ($15,000), Design Advocate ($10,000), or Creative Collaborator ($5,000). Each tier offers recognition and opportunities to directly support emerging designers. Those interested in sponsorship can reach out at SpringboardtoDesign.com. Donations can also be made online by clicking here.

Despite ongoing conversations about equity, American theatre design continues to experience significant racial and gender disparities. Currently, only 33% of designers identify as female, 66% as male, and just 1% as gender diverse. Springboard to Design is helping shift this landscape. Among its alumni, 74% are people of color. Alumni identify as 45% female, 26% male, and 30% gender diverse. Racially, the alumni community includes 30.4% Black, 22.8% White, 18.5% Latinx, 14.1% Asian, and 14.1% Indigenous designers.

Ramos said in a statement, “The future of theatre design depends on nurturing diverse voices early on—this program is about unlocking potential that might otherwise be overlooked.” 

Zinn added, “Springboard to Design provides a high-quality entry point for young designers from communities historically excluded from the field. Our free program gives students the training and career mentorship that are essential for long-term success. By creating an educational pipeline with no financial barrier, Springboard to Design is shaping a more inclusive and innovative future for design.”

Visit SpringboardtoDesign.com.