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Design Initiative for Community Empowerment (DICE)

Design Initiative for Community Empowerment (DICE) is a free, scholarship-based after-school program that introduces students to the challenges of creative thinking and problem-solving through studio classes in design. Students investigate their communities through various programs such as Graphic Design, Architecture, Design Entrepreneurship, and more.  While increasing civic education and social responsibility, students also learn about educational opportunities and career possibilities in design. DICE classes are developed in collaboration with the Schools of Art, Design, and Architecture, and are taught by Pratt faculty members.

Classes and Curriculum

Classes meet on Wednesdays from 4:30–6:30 PM during the school year. See Classes and Curriculum to learn more. 

Eligibility

Students  in grades 9-12 are eligible to apply if they:

  • attend a New York City public school;
  • demonstrate an interest in art and design;
  • obtain their art teacher’s or school administrator’s recommendation; and
  • meet the income eligibility guidelines. (The family’s household income must be within the limits defined by the NYS free/reduced lunch income criteria. See “Financial Aid” for details.) 

How to Apply

Click “Register Now” below to sign up for a DICE class for the 2023-2024 school year. See Classes and Curriculum. 

Before you begin the application, make sure you have the following documents saved as a doc or pdf:

  1. One letter of recommendation from an art teacher, guidance counselor, or school administrator.
  2. Personal Statement (300 words maximum) responding to the following: Tell us in your own words about your interest in art and design, and when you first realized you wanted to pursue that interest. Describe what you consider to have been your achievements over the last two years and what you hope to learn in the Pratt Young Scholars program.
  3. Proof of financial eligibility (e.g. current tax return).

Tuition 

DICE is a full-scholarship program for all accepted students. The cost of tuition and materials is fully covered by the program, however students are responsible for their own transportation costs to and from Pratt’s campus. 

Calendar

For a complete listing of class dates, see Calendar to learn more.

Parent and Student Guidelines

All students attending DICE must follow the policies as listed on the K-12 Policies and Information webpage. 

Contact

Email: dice@pratt.edu
Tel: 718.636.3654 | Fax: 718.230.6876

DICE, South Hall, Room 203
Pratt Institute, Brooklyn Campus
200 Willoughby Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205

“DICE is a good experience of being on a college campus. It helped me experience college work and get prepared for these classes in the future, since I am a senior in high school. These skills helped me to be more creative in other art fields and concentrate more in the work I do”

DICE student, Tiffany Ramos

Pratt’s K–12 programs are generously supported by the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, The Con Edison Company of New York, Inc., The Decorators Club, Walter K. Hoerning Endowment Fund, National Endowment for the Arts, New York City Council, New York State Council on the Arts, The Altman Foundation, The Hearst Foundations, The Pinkerton Foundation, The Selz Foundation, Sara Little Turnbull Foundation, Turrell Fund, The Edward and Sally Van Lier Fund of the New York Community Trust, The Irma Holland Wolstein Endowed Scholarship Fund, individual donors, and Pratt Institute.