Student Designs a Path to Accessible Healthcare
At the heart of community innovation lies the belief that the power to fix things rests in the hands of those who care. This was the driving spirit behind the Design Futures Conference at Samueli Academy, themed "The Power to Fix Things . . . Remake, Repair, Revitalize: Designing Systems that Grow Communities." Students were challenged to use design, technology, and ethical systems thinking to create actionable solutions for real Santa Ana challenges.
One powerful solution emerged from student Ari, a student in our Youth Connected Program, who tackled a critical issue: affordable and accessible healthcare. Her project, "Wellness Village," envisioned a special day where Samueli Academy transforms into a community hub, hosting accessible medical and mental health partners to provide free or low-cost services.
Ari’s vision was rooted in deep empathy and a commitment to social justice, a core principle of the competition. She shared the moving reason behind her focus:
"The reason why my topic was important to me was because there are a lot of people in the community who don't have access to affordable healthcare, and who are fearful to receive treatment due to debt. So I feel like bringing this issue to light and trying to figure out a minor solution and provide some sort of support would show others that they can help make a difference even if it's a small one."
Ari’s Wellness Village Project Snapshots:
Ari's "Wellness Village" is more than just a temporary event; it's a prototype for a system that actively addresses the financial barriers and fear that keep people from essential care. By bringing the services directly to the community—in a trusted, familiar space like Samueli Academy—it centers marginalized voices and co-creates a solution with residents, aligning perfectly with the challenge's Design Justice Principles.
Projects like Ari’s show the incredible potential of Samueli Academy's Design, Technology & Business Pathway students. They aren't just learning; they are actively becoming the community innovators and change-makers the world needs, proving that even a small design solution can be a force for good in the world.
📸 Photos from the Design Futures Conference
