Community Engagement & Visual Communication
Students use their graphic design skills to effectively communicate ideas and drive awareness through impactful projects, such as:
- Creating public service announcements.
- Designing informative materials for local events and initiatives.
- Producing visuals like posters and banners to highlight community issues.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Students run and operate “BluePrint,” a school-based design and apparel business. They offer a range of design services, including:
- Logos, banners, and stickers.
- Custom apparel (t-shirts, hoodies, tote bags) for school clubs, teams, and organizations.
This hands-on experience in entrepreneurship allows students to develop essential business acumen while creating products that serve the P.K. Yonge community.
Social Impact Projects
Students work on projects that create positive change in the community. Examples include:
- Designing materials for local nonprofits.
- Developing resources for underserved communities.
- Contributing to social justice and equality campaigns.
Education & Mentorship
As students advance their skills, they mentor aspiring designers and entrepreneurs, both within the P.K. Yonge community and beyond. These initiatives include collaborations with younger students (K-5) to help foster creativity and entrepreneurial thinking.
What Students Gain from the Design & Entrepreneurship Pathway
Students who choose this pathway will:
- Build a professional portfolio essential for college applications, scholarships, or internships.
- Master technical proficiency in a range of software applications.
- Become creative problem-solvers and confident leaders.
- Gain insight into business operations and entrepreneurship.
- Engage with their community and make a lasting impact.
- Develop innovation and creativity that are crucial for success in the world of work.
Pathway Highlights & Opportunities
Portfolio Development
Students showcase their projects, creating a professional online presence through social media profiles and personal websites, highlighting their skills and aspirations.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Students can start small businesses or offer freelance design services, such as creating logos, posters, or websites for local businesses and events.
Competitions
Students participate in local and national design competitions through organizations like SkillsUSA and AIGA, further refining their skills and gaining recognition.
Networking Opportunities
Students connect with community leaders and industry professionals, leading to mentorships, internships, and partnerships that help them achieve their goals.
Continuous Skill Development
Through coursework and hands-on projects, students stay current with industry trends and technology, making them competitive in the evolving fields of design and entrepreneurship.
Community Impact
Students lead and contribute to projects that serve the P.K. Yonge and greater Gainesville areas. Their intent is to use design to make a meaningful difference in the world.
Preparing for a Future in Creative & Entrepreneurial Fields
Completing the Design and Entrepreneurship Pathway equips students with versatile skills that open doors to higher education and careers in diverse industries, such as:
- Graphic Design
- User Experience (UX) & User Interface (UI) Design
- Advertising & Marketing
- Entrepreneurship & Freelancing
- Web Design
- Photography
- Social Media & Content Creation
- Branding
Additionally, the skills gained in this pathway are highly transferable globally. Through the UF Latin American Studies Virtual Exchange Program, students can collaborate on international projects and expand their reach in design and business.
This pathway empowers students to become innovative, socially conscious, and successful leaders—ready to thrive in the global marketplace.
Co-Curricular & Extracurricular Opportunities
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our high school’s first-ever student chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) this year! This initiative opens the door to numerous collaboration opportunities with clients and students from other pathway programs, fostering a vibrant, creative community.
As part of our ongoing commitment to improving the school environment, we’ve also developed plans to integrate design and entrepreneurship into school improvement projects, using our skills to enhance and uplift the community.
Looking ahead, as our program continues to grow, we are excited to join SkillsUSA—a national organization dedicated to cultivating pride in our disciplines and empowering students to contribute positively to the global community. This affiliation will allow us to further our mission and connect with like-minded peers across the nation.
Entrepreneurship Pathway Courses
| Grade | Required Courses |
|---|---|
| 9 | Digital Media Foundations 1 Digital Media Foundations 2 |
| 10 | Digital Media Foundations 3 Principles of Entrepreneurship |
| 11 | Business Management and Law |
| 12 | Business Ownership |