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Center for Art, Design and Community Engagement, K-12

By Daniel Bergman

"The Center K-12 addresses the gap in access to art and design education by using Pratt’s resources and the expertise of faculty and students to provide instruction to school-aged children. In the past year, the Center reached approximately 2,000 youth, who might otherwise lack access to high-quality art and design education and career pathways.

Center K-12 students engage in disciplines such as fine arts, architecture, graphic design, fashion design, film, photography, and creative writing. The Center has made a significant impact, particularly by expanding pathways to higher education. Since 2018, 102 low-income youth graduated from the Pratt Young Scholars program, with 100% receiving multiple offers from colleges and universities.

Key programs include:

Pratt Young Scholars (PYS): A three-year scholarship program for high school students from low-income households, providing art and design instruction, college prep workshops, SAT support, and mentorship, ensuring participants are admitted to colleges with adequate financial aid.

Design Initiative for Community Empowerment (DICE): A free after-school program for grades 9-12 that introduces students to creative thinking and problem-solving across design disciplines such as fashion, graphic design, and architecture. It also informs students about career opportunities in design.

Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP): A fully funded program offering workshops and internships in STEAM fields including robotics, arts-based math, zero waste fashion, and more, along with college counseling and SAT support to youth who are historically underrepresented in STEM professions."

A blue silicone mold tray filled with gummy-like bioplastic figures shaped like LEGO characters, alongside various cast figures including Mickey Mouse ears, Darth Vader, and Yoda, all placed on a whitewashed wooden surface.
A blue silicone mold tray filled with gummy-like bioplastic figures shaped like LEGO characters, alongside various cast figures including Mickey Mouse ears, Darth Vader, and Yoda, all placed on a whitewashed wooden surface.
A group of seven colorful 3D printing pens arranged in a row on a wooden table, next to a neon-colored 3D printed Eiffel Tower sculpture made from layered filament.
Denim fabric with laser-etched images of birds, skulls, and figurines in white silhouettes, each accompanied by numerical values such as “75,” “195,” or “225,” possibly indicating settings or prices.
A person takes a photo of an indoor student art exhibit at Pratt Institute, featuring a wall display of framed drawings and cutouts under a sign reading “Center for Art, Design and Community Engagement K–12.”

  • Daniel Bergman

    Program Director, Creative Art Works (2017-2020), Head, Visual and Performing Arts, Dwight School (2014-16), Special Assistant to Head of School for Institutional Projects, Tower Hill School (2012-2013), Head, Upper School,…