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.

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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 4 to June 17, 2027
  • Free tuition, including supplies, to 2027 Summer Pre-College in July
  • Tours of professional design firms in Milwaukee
  • Free tuition to weekend Pre-College courses in fall 2027 and spring 2028
  • 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 the week of February 8.

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