The Nashville Youth Design Team first formed in the midst of the pandemic to provide the next step for civic-oriented young people to make change in their communities.
The Team does outreach to youth across Nashville and collects data to learn about different needs, specifically how their needs relate to wellness. Then, they put the data into action with design and advocacy projects.
For instance, the Tennessee Department of Transportation only allowed a tactical urbanism intervention on state road, Dickerson Pike, because they were inspired by the youth. It was the first experimental installation ever on a state road, and less than a year later TDOT committed to transform nearly 2 miles of Dickerson Pike into a “Complete Street”.
This is a paid internship that accepts applications for new members each spring.
INTERNSHIP WITH IMPACT
INTERNSHIP WITH IMPACT
Tifinie Capehart, Civic Design Center Past Board President
“The resulting effect of the Team’s advocacy on Dickerson Pike was profound. Youth have the power to create change, but society places arbitrary boundaries.
When young people are given information about how our communities are designed and also given the agency to speak up for what they want, those boundaries are lifted.”
Discover the Community Impact
In the News
Dickerson Pike 2021
WKRN News 2: Students working on plans to improve Antioch Park and Blue Hold Road
WTVF: Improving pedestrian safety on one of Nashville's most dangerous roads
WTVF: Nashville teens work to make deadly intersection safer
WKRN News 2: Dangerous road for pedestrians made safer by Nashville students
WSMV Nashville: Safety advocates call for changes to Dickerson Pike, Nashville students step in to help
WKRN News 2: Youth design team installing glow-in-the-dark crosswalks on Dickerson Pike after multiple pedestrian fatalities
WTVF: Community members look to improve pedestrian safety along Dickerson Pike
Mini-Soccer Pitch 2022
