Design Immersion Days

Design Immersion Days (DID) is an immersive four-week summer program that introduces high school students to design and architecture. It is intended to inspire curiosity about the world of design, introduce basic design knowledge and critical thinking skills, and familiarize students with the expansive architecture and design culture of Los Angeles.

Throughout the program, DID students are exposed to examples of design and modes of production at all scales, from analog physical building and traditional drawing to multiple forms of digital output—augmented reality, 3D modeling, 3D printing, and more. In the classroom and beyond, participants explore ways of seeing, thinking, and making that are essential for anyone interested in pursuing a career in architecture or design.

In accordance with public health guidance, SCI-Arc is proud to announce that the DID program will return to in-person. The program's activities will focus on developing a connection to the geographic, material, and cultural conditions of Los Angeles. For summer 2023, DID has been reimagined as a four-week in person program that introduces students to architecture as a lively, social, and collaborative experience that captures the collective spirit of DID.

Registration for Design Immersion Days is on a rolling basis until capacity is reached. Early registration is highly recommended to secure a place. The nonrefundable registration fee is required to secure a place in the program.

Scholarship support is available for students whose family income qualifies them to receive financial aid. To apply for a scholarship, applicants must submit all required registration and scholarship materials no later than June 7, 2024.

All Design Immersion Days registrants must submit:

• Online Registration Form and registration fee

All students applying for a need-based DID Scholarship must also submit the following materials through SlideRoom:

• Personal Statement
• A letter stating financial need
• Copy of High School Transcript showing GPA

Registration Process

Securing a position for Design Immersion Days is a two-step process:

• Registrants must submit the Online Registration Form and $25 application fee.*

• Return Confirmation of Registration document and registration fee.

DID Scholarship Application Process

Applying for a DID Scholarship is a two-step process:

• Registrants must submit the Online Registration Form and $25 application fee.*

The following materials must be submitted through SlideRoom:

• Personal Statement
• A letter stating financial need
• Copy of High School Transcript showing GPA

Detailed Registration Requirements

Online Registration Form and Registration Fee

In order to register, students will need to fill out the Online Registration Form and submit the nonrefundable $25 application fee.

Detailed Scholarship Application Requirements

Personal Statement

The Design Immersion Days personal statement prompt is found in SlideRoom and the response must be submitted through SlideRoom. The personal statement is an opportunity for the admissions committee to gain insight into the registrant’s interests, motivations, and goals.

Letter Stating Financial Need

Students who are not able to submit a completed Counselor Recommendation Form must submit a letter from a parent/guardian stating financial need through SlideRoom. The letter should include family net income, number of dependents, and any additional information that will help us determine financial need.

Copy of High School Transcript

Students applying for the DID Scholarship are required to provide a copy of their high school transcript showing their most recent grades. Unofficial high school transcripts must be submitted through SlideRoom.

Confirmation of Registration

Students who register for DID will receive an email from the SCI-Arc Office of Admissions confirming their place in the DID program.

Students awarded a scholarship will receive an email from the SCI-Arc Office of Admissions informing the student if they have been awarded a scholarship and confirming their place in the DID program.


Proof of the COVID-19 vaccine (and booster shot for those who are eligible) will be required for all students, faculty, staff, and approved visitors to be on campus.

SCI-Arc is currently accepting FDA approved or authorized and World Health Organization (WHO) emergency use listed (EUL) vaccines https://covid19.trackvaccines.org/agency/who/.

Design Immersion Days is generously supported US Bank Foundation, Goodwin Family Memorial Trust, and the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.