Student & Teacher Resources

A grid of bright blue, red, yellow, and pink tiles with black silhouette illustrations of design-related objects and symbols that include tools, furniture, clothing, architecture, and graphic design. In the center, bold text reads: “NATIONAL HIGHS SCHOOL DESIGN COMPETITION” AND “What would you design for your community’s future?”

Resources

THE DESIGN PROCESS

Start by reviewing the design process. Remember, this process can vary and is not always a linear path. Designers often move between stages and even circle back to the start at different points.

PREVIOUS COMPETITIONS

Explore previous competitions to be inspired by high school students who have responded to design challenges:

2025: What would you design to help everyone feel at home in your community?
2023: What would you design with data for your community?
2022: What would you design for a more peaceful and just world?
2021: What would you design for a healthier world?
Students as Problem Solvers video: Hear from teacher Scott Lang and his students about participating in the 2022 design competition.

explore design across the united states of america

Get inspired by designs from all 50 states that have made an impact over the past 250 years from Cooper Hewitt and other Smithsonian collections. Each design represents a community, captures a unique chapter in history, or reflects shared ideals, contributing to the nation’s future. Visit Explore America to see more objects in the Smithsonian’s collections.

Black and white silhouette of a large, symmetrical building with multiple stores, arched windows, and a central tower.

A black and white silhouette of an oblong shaped mask. There are two thin horizontal slits to see through.

Black and white silhouette of an open case containing vintage reel to reel audio recorder with two large circular reels and control knobs.

Black and white silhouette of a wide-brimmed hat with a band around the crown that reads, “FREEDOM”.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Email us at DesignCompetition@si.edu to let us know that you’ll be entering the design competition or are planning to introduce it to your students. We’ll notify you of competition updates.