Teen Programs

A photograph of a group of teenagers and an adult are sitting around a circular table and talking. The light- brown skinned adult who wears a colorful striped button down is smiling and in conversation with the light-brown skinned teenager with short brown hair sitting on their right. On the table is a small lamp, and books titled ‘ DapperQ Style’, and many key rings. Behind them are other circular tables that have small groups of adults sitting and talking.

Teen Programs

Interested in design and looking for a place to start? Cooper Hewitt teen programs provide high school students with opportunities to meet working designers, engage in hands-on workshops, and see themselves in the future of design.

Teen Workshops

A photograph of a light-skinned teenager with short brown hair and wearing a red and blue floral shirt is hammering a leather strap on the table. Across the table, a dark-skinned adult who has their hair tied in a bun and wears large gold earrings holds the leather strap in place for the teenager. In the background more teenagers are working.
Build your design toolkit! Our Teen Drop-In program is a series of free monthly workshops exploring techniques, strategies, and careers in design. No prior experience required—just bring yourself and a creative mindset.

Design Hive

A photograph of two teenagers sitting at a table and making a leather accessory. Materials are scattered around the table such as hole punchers, leather pieces, scissors, threads, and cardboard boxes. The medium skin toned teenager sitting on the right with dark curly short hair is threading a flat piece of black leather.
Design Hive is an application-based paid, youth-led internship program 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 will learn how designers move from an initial idea to final design.

Design Career Fair

A photograph of a group of teenagers and an adult are sitting around a circular table and talking. The dark-skinned with closely shaved hair is talking to medium-skin toned teenager sitting beside them and referencing a slide on their laptop. Behind them are other circular tables that have small groups of adults sitting and talking.
Cooper Hewitt hosts an annual Design Career Fair, where teens are invited to talk with top designers working in the fields of fashion, product design, architecture, graphic design, and more.

National High School Competition

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?”
Taking place annually, the National High School Design Competition invites students from around the country to design a solution to a unique scenario, inspired by Cooper Hewitt’s rich collection and stimulating exhibitions.

Upcoming Teen Programs

To see programs for all age levels, view our Calendar.

Upcoming Events

08/01
Saturday
Sat. August 1, 2026
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET
Objects have the power to carry memories and spark conversation. In this all-ages workshop, discover how design can tell personal, family, and community stories.  Gain inspiration from the Design Across Time exhibition, as well as work created by participants in past Cooper Hewitt programs. Then, create and share a story of your own using everyday objects and studio materials.   .
Event Address:
2 E. 91st Street
New York, NY 10128
Free with museum admission

 

Check out our online resources

Explore design activities, videos, and a Design Career Toolkit for advice on design careers, networking, and portfolio tips.

Teen Resources →