Springboard to Design Launches $150,000 Fundraising Campaign

	"The future of theatre design depends on nurturing diverse voices early on -- this program is about unlocking potential that might otherwise be overlooked," says Ramos.

Springboard to Design (SB2D), a tuition-free, immersive week-long program that lets high school students from diverse communities explore careers in theatre design through workshops, mentorship, and exclusive Broadway experiences, has announced a fundraising goal of $150,000.

Supporters are invited to contribute; sponsorship tiers include Design Visionary ($25,000), Innovation Partner ($15,000), Design Advocate ($10,000), or Creative Collaborator ($5,000).

Springboard to Design (SB2D) is presented by Design Action and led by designers Clint Ramos and David Zinn. Through hands-on workshops, seminars, and access to Broadway and off-Broadway productions, students will explore set, costume, lighting, projection, sound, and make-up design under the mentorship of award-winning theatre professionals.

In a statement, the program's organizers note, "Despite ongoing conversations about equity, American theatre design continues to experience significant racial and gender disparities. Young creatives who are female, queer, or part of the global majority still face limited access to training and professional opportunities. Currently, only 33% of designers identify as female, 66% as male, and just 1% as gender diverse.

"Springboard to Design is helping shift this landscape. Among its alumni, 74% are people of color -- demonstrating the program's commitment to expanding creative pathways for historically underrepresented communities. Alumni identify as 45% female, 26% male, and 30% gender diverse. Racially, the alumni community includes 30.4% Black, 22.8% White, 18.5% Latinx, 14.1% Asian, and 14.1% Indigenous designers."

Ramos, emphasizing the program's mission, says, "The future of theatre design depends on nurturing diverse voices early on -- this program is about unlocking potential that might otherwise be overlooked." His dedication reflects the urgency of creating equitable opportunities for all aspiring designers.

Zinn adds, "Springboard to Design provides a high-quality entry point for young designers from communities historically excluded from the field. Our free program gives students the training and career mentorship that are essential for long-term success. By creating an educational pipeline with no financial barrier, Springboard to Design is shaping a more inclusive and innovative future for design."

Those interested in sponsorship can reach out at springboardtodesign.com.

Donations can be made online at givebutter.com/Cs4A3U or by mailing a check to Producer Hub, 315 West 39th Street, Suite 103, New York, NY 10018. Please specify "Design Action: SB2D" in the memo line.

Visit SpringboardtoDesign.com to apply and learn more.