In partnership with:
Formation: The Design Mentorship Collaborative
Listen | Learn | Lead
Formation: The Design Mentorship Collaborative is a collective of Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color (BIPOC) students and professionals that envision a more diverse and inclusive design field.
Based in the Portland Metro area in Oregon, we support soon-to-be graduates transitioning from college into the design profession. Through a paid mentorship program, we connect them with a multi-disciplinary design community of students and professionals.
Our program provides a collaborative space for mentors and mentees that amplifies BIPOC perspectives, encourages skill building, and inspires leadership.
Program Information
Formation applications open in the Fall with a November deadline. The program runs from January-June, with mentors and mentees meeting a minimum of one time per month.
Mentors and mentees are expected to attend a virtual training and orientation, and are encouraged to attend additional Formation events throughout the year.
Learn more about the role of students and mentors, below.
Formation is geared towards soon-to-be college graduates. As a part of the Formation family, Mentees will have access to a network of trusted design professionals who understand the unique challenges of entering the industry as a person of color. Mentors will help Mentees build relationships, skills, and knowledge of what to expect in the design industry.
Mentees will be a part of a supportive community of peers and Mentors who bring a wide variety of lived experience, connections, expertise, and resources to the program. Together, Mentees and Mentors will co-create their own mentorship experience based on the goals of the Mentee. Program focus areas may include job search support, interview skills, self advocacy, collaborative problem solving, technical skills, networking, and more.
BIPOC juniors, seniors, and students planning to enter the design profession in 1-2 years who are currently enrolled in a design program such as graphic, interior, product, architecture, engineering, apparel, experiential, or any form of design that shapes our environment or physical experience are encouraged to apply!
Check out our Mentee FAQs for more information about the program.
Student applications are closed. The next cycle will open Fall 2025 with a November 2025 deadline. Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified when applications open.
Across different backgrounds and levels of experience, we have heard from our members in the design community that they would have benefited from having an advocate early on in their careers. Someone who would inspire, support, guide, and understand the unique challenges and opportunities of navigating the professional world as a person of color.
As a part of the Formation family, Mentors will be able to be that advocate and support network for the next generation of BIPOC design professionals. They will also learn from the students, build connections across design fields, and help to shape our local design community.
BIPOC design professionals from any design background are encouraged to apply to be Mentors including graphic, interior, product, architecture, apparel, experiential, or any form of design that shapes our environment or physical experience.
Check out our Mentor FAQs for more information about the program.
Mentor applications are closed. The next cycle will open Fall 2025 with a November 2025 deadline. Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified when applications open.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Why be a part of this exciting opportunity to build diversity in our profession? Becoming a sponsor will support Formation’s mission to create a more diverse and inclusive design field. It will allow us to give stipends to mentors for their time and effort spent connecting with students, as well as give them funds for activities so that meet-ups can vary. Students will receive stipends to support their time and effort that goes into learning and expanding their horizons. Sponsorships will also fund group events throughout the year to keep the Formation community involved and up to date with each other. Lastly, it will allow us to support all of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making a great program!
By sponsoring our program, you will also be:
- Investing in your community to create a stronger and more diverse future workforce.
- Granted access to recruitment of top diverse talent and receive brand awareness.
- Increasing your staff recruitment and retention by showing authentic engagement in your community.
- Fulfilling a part of your DEI focus and being able to use your involvement to hit your corporate social responsibility metrics.
- Receiving level-specific benefits including event tickets, logo placement on banners, websites, and program information, presentation opportunities and more.
View all sponsor benefits
Become a Sponsor
Make an online donation
Request an invoice
Thank you to our Sponsors
We welcome individual contributions of any amount in addition to corporate sponsorships. View sponsor benefits.
Inspiration – $5,000+
Collaboration – $5,000
Leadership – $2,500
Innovation – $1,000
Creativity – $500
Achievement – $100-499
Payment Questions?
Contact:
Candice Agahan
Director of Community Engagement
candice@af-oregon.org
503-542-3823
Program Questions?
Contact:
The InFormation Team
formationmentorship@gmail.com