Design Hive
Design hive
Design Hive is a paid, youth-led initiative at Cooper Hewitt. High school juniors and seniors dive deep into design objects and processes to develop their own collaborative projects. Along the way, they learn how designers move from an initial idea to final design!
Design Hive takes place at Cooper Hewitt and offsite locations on Tuesdays from November to May between 4:30–6:30 p.m. Students must be based in the New York City area to apply. Participants must attend all weekly program dates and be available to meet at Cooper Hewitt (2 East 91st Street, New York, NY 10128).
Students will receive a stipend of $2,000 for their participation, paid in two $1,000 payments during the program.
Applications for the 2025-2026 school year will open in August 2025.
Each year of Design Hive is focused on a specific theme or big idea connected to the museum’s exhibitions. Next year’s theme will be announced when applications go live.
Design Hive 2025-2026 Application Timeline
- Early August: Applications live
- Mid September: Virtual Q + A for prospective students
- Late September: Applications due
- Mid October: Students notified of their application status
CHECK OUT DESIGN HIVE’S PREVIOUS WORK
Design Hive Zine 2023
Design Hive Zine 2025
Sanctuary, a short film by Elana Frank, Joceline Estrada, Elliot Wells, and Gissell Suarez.
Sanctuary is a short film born from a desire to explore what “home” truly means beyond walls and addresses, into the spaces where we feel safe, and supported. Told through the voices of four close friends, the film weaves together personal reflections and specific moments that define our shared sense of belonging.
Design learning at Cooper Hewitt is made possible by Adobe, The Pinkerton Foundation, The Richard and Jean Coyne Family Foundation, The Hirsch Family Foundation, PwC Charitable Foundation, The Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation, the Smithsonian Institution’s Youth Access Grants for Youth Innovation in Rural America, and public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
