Visit DesignPhiladelphia for more information and to apply.
The JADE (Justice Alliance in Design Education) Fellowship is a program organized by DesignPhiladelphia in partnership with our local colleges and universities that is “rooted in the belief that a small, diverse group of talented students, carefully selected and trained, can serve as a catalyst for individual and community development” (Posse Foundation,NYC). This program launched summer of 2024 and focused on supporting a diverse cohort of students in local architecture undergraduate programs, demonstrating that Philadelphia design students can create a community and a culture that foster their personal career growth, as well as a more inclusive and just culture for all design students and emerging professionals. This year in 2026 the fellowship is open to design undergraduate students of all design disciplines at participating schools (see eligibility below).
This program has 3 main goals:
- Support Career and Leadership Development for JADE Fellows
- Create More Inclusive & Connected Design Community for Everyone
- JADE Fellows and Alumni Continue Design Education & Pursue Careers in Design
The JADE Fellowship is awarded to assist undergraduate Black/African American, Latine /Hispanic, and/or Native American/Indigenous Hawaiian/Native Alaskan students enrolled in a design program at the following schools: Community College of Philadelphia, Temple University, Thomas Jefferson University, Drexel University, Penn State University, and University of Pennsylvania; by creating opportunities to participate in leadership and professional-development training, career exposure, community and civic engagement, immersive program development and delivery, and mentorship opportunities. In person participation is required.
Dates/Timeline:
- February 25, 2026 – Application Launches
- March 27, 2026, 5:00pm EST – Deadline to Apply
- April 6-22, Interview period
- April 24, 2026 – Selected Students Awarded Fellowship
- May 28, 2026 – July 29, 2026 – 10-15 hour/week JADE Fellows Activities (break week of June 30 – July 4, 2025)
- June 29, 2026 – 12pm Capstone Presentations + Reception (invite your faculty advisor, family, and friends.
- Capstone Strategy Sessions August 3-7, 2026