It actually began in January, 2008 when six Northern Michigan towns committed to joining.
Question:
Are there any other examples of this model being successful?
Answer:
We have searched the web and talked to many individuals; however, the Design Studio Network appears to be the first of its kind using "creatively gifted, organizationally talented and highly motivated teens."
Question:
How many local studios will join the Design Studio Network?
Answer:
Currently, there are six local Design Studio (see list in sidebar)
we anticipate twelve studios by mid 2008 and
sixteen to twenty by the end of 2008.
Question:
Who is Bill Wilkie?
Answer:
2007 Founded the Design Studio Network
1987-2007 Owner of Executive Recruiting & Consulting Boutique
1985 co-authored with his 15 year old son "The College Bound Football Player" and conducted workshops for high school student/athletes and parents
1981 founded the first "education/school foundation in the USA at Williamston, Michigan
1981-1982 Owner of Technology Search, Inc.
1976-1981 Executive VP & GM of an automotive supplier company
1973-1974 Recommended that Kellogg Foundation fund the Maine Entrepreneurial Institute
1970-1973 Special Assistant to the President at Michigan State University
How long does a teen participate in the Design Studio?
Answer:
Most local Studios will let a student begin in 7th grade as a staff member. Many projects will not be completed while the teen is still in high school. The project will continue on through college and career until they find a solution. The Design Studio Network and the local Design Studio will continue to be a resource. Once a member, this is a lifelong networking program.
Question:
How much does it cost the teen and their family?
Answer:
Zero dollars but it will cost time. Individuals, companies, Rotary Clubs, etc. are funding.
Question:
How much time is required?
Answer:
The simple answer is the teen CONTROLS the time required, when it will occur (FLEXIBILITY) and the ability to come in an out of the local Design Studio (FLUIDITY). We don't kick someone out because they have something else to work on for 3 months each year as long as they complete their agreed upon responsibilities. For the teen it should be about "CONTROL, FLEXIBILITY and FLUIDITY." This is different than how most organizations work because the teens are in control and the inventive, creative, innovative process requires more ambiguity and flexibility not structure. You cannot demand or schedule someone to be creative or inventive. It is just different not necessarily better for everyone.
