YWCA-NYC Installs Designs Created by NYSID Pre-College Students

Kenia (Nia), Tasfiah, Chrisleidy (Jennie), and Lauren

NYSID Pre-College forges partnerships with non-profit organizations to bring interior design education to high schoolers from communities underrepresented in interior design. For the past three summers, teenagers from YWCA-NYC have attended the first session of Pre-College and enjoyed a tailored immersion into the practice of interior design created by our instructors.  

In the summer of 2023, NYSID Director of Pre-College Francisco de Leon worked with a group that included students Kenia (Nia) Ibarra, Tasfiah Rahman, Chrisleidy (Jennie) Ulloa, Lauren Walker, and Tianna Slade to create interior design plans for the YWCA-NYC community center. 

This past winter, student ambassadors from YWCA-NYC threw an opening party for the renovated lounge and reception space designed by the students.

“The renovation has made such an impact in our community,” says Marcella Coulson, program coordinator for the YWCA-NYC Girls’ Initiative. “Many students often come early to hang out before class now - the community center is buzzing!”  

Many thanks to the donors to the Pre-College Fund who made this possible. 

Our Pre-College 2024 program has even more opportunities for teenagers to explore the world of interior design. Students will have the chance to design an apartment or hospitality space, like a cafe or hotel lobby, while earning NYSID undergraduate college credit.

Learn more about this unique opportunity. Scholarships are available for students to help cover tuition expenses.