Jumpstart

Nurture. Inspire. Grow.

These are the cornerstones of MIAD’s Jumpstart Program. Jumpstart provides opportunities for creative high school students to learn from MIAD faculty, gain access to MIAD Pre-College programs and engage with leaders in the design industry. Originally created in response to the tremendous interest in MIAD’s Design Internship program, Jumpstart engages participants to develop their creative and professional skills, and strengthen their path to college.

A group of three students works on a project in the MIAD textiles lab.

The Jumpstart program includes:

  • A professional, design project with MIAD faculty in May and June on campus.
    • During the project period, students build technical and soft skills in the design field under the instruction of MIAD faculty and complete a project brief typical to the industry. Participants will gain introductory knowledge of standard software and present their final work to professionals in the field.
    • Class meets on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 4:30–6:30 p.m. from May 6 to June 26, 2025
  • A $500 scholarship to 2025 Summer Pre-College in July
    • This award is in addition to any Merit Scholarship award received. Learn more and apply to Summer Pre-College scholarships here. Qualifying DPI Scholarship students receive free tuition, supplies and meals.
  • Tours of professional design firms in Milwaukee
  • Free tuition to weekend Pre-College courses in fall 2025 and spring 2026
  • Free MIAD student Mentorship opportunities
  • Invitations to Design Internship events during the academic year
  • Invitations to design competitions as they occur, with cash awards given to winning designs
  • Networking with creative peers from various high schools

How to apply

Selected applicants from the Design Internship program are invited to participate in MIAD’s Jumpstart Program. Invitations to selected applicants will be emailed on February 3, 2025.

A student paints an abstract colorful painting in a MIAD studio.