Formation: The Design Mentorship Collaborative

AFO, Diversity in Design, and COMMA, are collaborating on a paid mentorship program for college level Black, Indigenous, and students of color studying design degrees in Portland.

The program, called Formation, matches soon-to-be graduates transitioning from college into the design profession with established design professionals of color (graphic, interior, product, architecture, you name it – any form of design that shapes and influences the environment and allows us to experience the visual, audible, tactile, emotional, and physical space around us). Our goal is to help college students build relationships and their professional network so they can thrive in the design industry once they’ve graduated.

The program is planned to run as a pilot during the 2024-25 school year. Student mentees and professional mentors will get paid a stipend for their participation.