The Hideo Sasaki Foundation announced today the finalists for its seventh annual Design Grants program. These eight teams will pitch to a jury of experts on Thursday, May 29, 5:30-8:00 p.m. at Pitch Night, a public event. The Design Grants are an annual competition to showcase projects that support and drive interdisciplinary innovation and empower our local communities.
April 2, 2025
Check out our newly released 2022-2023 Design Grants Research Report to learn more about our fourth cohort’s work, offering innovative solutions to address food resilience, access to childcare, environmental justice, community infrastructure, and gentrification, with an ongoing impact in Greater Boston and beyond.
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Stay updated with the latest stories, news, and events.
March 27, 2025
BOSTON – Thursday, March 27, 2025 – Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity (YEO) today announced that paid youth job applications are open for summer 2025. Boston youth and young adults ages 14 – 24 can apply now at futureBOS. The platform is a centralized hub for all youth employment opportunities in Boston, including opportunities from SuccessLink, the City’s long-standing flagship youth jobs program. This announcement builds on Mayor Wu’s work to make Boston a home for everyone and ensure Boston’s young people are connected to opportunity across neighborhoods.
March 4, 2025
The Cambridge Public Health Department (CPHD) 2024 Health Promotion Mini-Grant Program is now open for application! This program will award up to $20,000 in total funding to projects that promote healthy eating, physical activity, or youth mental health.
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[post_date] => 2026-09-02 09:38:19
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[post_content] => [et_pb_section fb_built="1" module_class="mongo-image" _builder_version="4.27.7" background_image="https://www.sasakifoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_0200_wide-scaled.jpg" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_4,1_8" module_class="mongo-image-with-text" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Header small text" module_class="slide-big" _builder_version="4.27.7" global_colors_info="{}"]September 2, 2026
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Header big text" module_class="slide-white slide-massive-2 " _builder_version="4.27.7" custom_css_main_element="font-size:6vw;||line-height:6.2vw;" global_colors_info="{}"]SEED interns design three community spaces
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" module_class="padding-top-0" _builder_version="4.16" background_image="https://www.sasakifoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/blog-background.png" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_4,1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_margin="50px|||" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Post Date" module_class="post-date" _builder_version="4.27.7" text_font="|600|||||||" text_text_color="#d59999" text_font_size="20px" text_letter_spacing="2px" text_line_height="24px" custom_margin="||20px|" text_font_size_last_edited="off|" global_colors_info="{}"]September 2, 2026
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Post Title" _builder_version="4.27.7" text_font="|700|||||||" text_font_size="40px" text_line_height="48px" custom_margin="||50px|" global_colors_info="{}"]SEED interns design three community spaces
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Author" module_class="post-date" _builder_version="4.27.7" text_font="|600|||||||" text_text_color="#d59999" text_font_size="20px" text_letter_spacing="2px" text_line_height="24px" custom_margin="||20px|" text_font_size_last_edited="off|" global_colors_info="{}"]Estefany Benitez
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_4,1_8" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text module_class="bod-bio body-text" _builder_version="4.27.7" global_colors_info="{}"]On August 14, 2026, the Hideo Sasaki Foundation wrapped up our ninth annual Summer Exploratory Experience in Design (SEED) internship. SEED is a six-week paid internship for high school students in Greater Boston. Interns explore careers in design by collaborating on real projects for local nonprofits. Our teaching assistants are college-age design students who guide our interns while learning about leadership, team management, project management, and communication. This year, despite statewide budget shifts in youth employment funding, we welcomed 22 high school interns and 7 teaching assistants. Our 2026 intern cohort represented Boston, Cambridge, Everett, Malden, Melrose, Somerville, and Watertown and reflected the rich diversity of our Greater Boston community.
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In SEED 1, our first-year interns worked with Boston Green Academy (BGA). BGA is a Boston Public Schools Horace Mann charter school serving students in grades 7 through 12 in Brighton. BGA’s mission is to prepare students to lead in the sustainability of our community and world. BGA integrates environmental justice, climate resilience, green careers, public problem-solving, and student leadership into classroom learning. BGA’s CTE programs lead to college and to jobs in the sustainability sector.
BGA has developed several valuable outdoor and green learning assets. However, these spaces function independently instead of as a cohesive outdoor learning ecosystem. And while BGA students interact with these spaces daily, their voices were not central in shaping these environments to support learning, community, and climate resilience. Inside the building, BGA faces aging infrastructure and limited space. To meet the needs of its growing CTE programs, educators have adapted existing spaces in creative ways. These adaptations show innovation and flexibility. They also highlight opportunities to rethink learning spaces to support contemporary educational needs.
BGA recently announced a future move to the former Excel High School site in South Boston. The planned move is a part of the Boston Public Schools Long-Term Facilities Plan. This new site allowed interns to reimagine indoor learning spaces alongside outdoor programming. The transition is an ideal moment to explore how student voices can guide the design of a unique campus. One that functions not only as a school, but also as a living classroom, social commons, ecological refuge, and model for sustainable education.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" module_class="right-col-padding-left-only order-2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.sasakifoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_8192_wide-scaled.jpg" title_text="Team Jade" align_tablet="center" align_phone="" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="SEED 1 teams" _builder_version="4.27.7" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption1" module_class="caption-1 margin-top-50" _builder_version="4.27.7" custom_padding="|||50px" global_colors_info="{}"]SEED 1 Team Jade working with SEED project advisor Asmita Patnaik at 110 Chauncy
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_4,1_8" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Team Jade" module_class="sasaki-post-content body-text" _builder_version="4.27.7" text_font_size="20px" text_line_height="24px" header_3_font="|700|||||||" header_3_font_size="40px" global_colors_info="{}"]Boston Green Academy: The Eco Wheel
Team Jade: Aaliyah, Ali, Liz, Rizwan
Teaching Assistant: Katelyn (SEED 2023 + 2024 and DESI 2025 alum)
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Team Cinnabar: Alonzo, Keilee, Nicole, Shree, Shuayb
Teaching Assistant: Matteo (SEED 2023 + 2024 alum)
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids="237279,237280,237281" _builder_version="4.27.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_gallery][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_4,1_8" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Team Sapphire" module_class="sasaki-post-content body-text" _builder_version="4.27.7" text_font_size="20px" text_line_height="24px" header_3_font="|700|||||||" header_3_font_size="40px" global_colors_info="{}"]Boston Green Academy: The Lighthouse and Clover Court
Team Sapphire: Aayush, Dania, Chelisa, Lilyana
Teaching Assistant: Nelly (SEED 2024 + 2025 and DESI 2025 alum) and Antonio
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[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" module_class="right-col-padding order-2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text module_class="bod-bio body-text" _builder_version="4.27.7" global_colors_info="{}"]SEED 2: BCYF Jackson Mann Community Center with Allston Village Main Streets and Brighton Main Streets
In SEED 2, our returning interns designed concepts for a new community center. The Jackson Mann is the only Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BCYF) site in Allston-Brighton. It has served not only as a youth center, but also as an adult-education site, emergency shelter, cooling center, warming center, vaccination site, and polling place. The campus also housed the Jackson Mann K-8 School until the school closed in June 2022.
The Allston community has been advocating for the City of Boston to invest in a new community center. Since 2022, plans for the Jackson Mann BCYF made little progress. In April 2026, the City of Boston annual budget proposal only included $10 million over five years to study the Jackson Mann site. The community responded. Hundreds of neighbors, including city councillors, gathered at the Jackson Mann to rally for a new center. Thanks to their efforts, the City of Boston confirmed the building is planned for demolition and will be replaced with a new community center. Currently the project is in planning, with public engagement.
SEED 2 teams designed concepts for a new standalone 49,000 square foot community center on the Cambridge Street parcel. Each concept includes a multi-purpose room, a recreation center, classrooms for various lessons and classes, and an outdoor plaza for community events. The new center should be able to provide programming for residents and students of all ages, engaging existing users and attracting new people.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_4,1_8" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Team Amethyst" module_class="sasaki-post-content body-text" _builder_version="4.27.7" text_font_size="20px" text_line_height="24px" header_3_font="|700|||||||" header_3_font_size="40px" global_colors_info="{}"]Jackson Mann: The Assembly
Team Amethyst: Arfin, Sara, Theodore
Teaching Assistant: Arham (SEED 2022 + 2023 + 2024 alum and SEED 2025 teaching assistant)
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Team Topaz: Alex, Garnett, Kelly
Teaching Assistant: Mubarak (SEED 2022 alum and SEED 2025 teaching assistant)
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids="237288,237289,237290" _builder_version="4.27.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_gallery][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_8,1_2" module_class="sasaki-half-image-content-box" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="50px||50px|" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" module_class="order-1" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_8" module_class="order-3" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="SEED 3" module_class="sasaki-post-content body-text" _builder_version="4.27.7" text_font_size="20px" text_line_height="24px" header_3_font="|700|||||||" header_3_font_size="40px" global_colors_info="{}"]SEED 3: Richardson Park Commons with Pear Square Collaborative and Dorchester Historical Society
In SEED 3, our advanced interns designed a new concept for Richardson Park with the Pear Square Collaborative (PSC). PSC fosters initiatives that raise awareness of the Dorchester community’s history. PCS recognizes community history is a community asset. It fosters a link with the past that offers people meaning, purpose and value. Local history serves a community's sustainability. It empowers residents to participate in local democracy and active citizenship. By searching the past to understand the present, community history can build shared culture and trust among Dorchester’s large and extraordinarily diverse populations.
In 2025, state funding enabled PSC to work with Sasaki on a pre-design plan to transform Richardson Park into a community history garden. The park and surrounding area are already home to several historical features and landmarks. The pre-design plan lays out a blueprint for a large, complex undertaking. It incorporates a historical trail, cultural gardens, art installations, and activation. It details project phases, cost estimates, funding needs, and resources. It also outlines roles and responsibilities of essential stakeholders and collaborators.
Our SEED 3 interns designed a concept for the history garden. Their design provides a setting for cultural events, sculpture, education, and other features symbolizing the experiences, challenges, and legacies of Dorchester's diverse communities. Their design highlights the history of Dorchester's diverse communities. It cultivates self-empowerment for each of those communities, and reveals paths to mutual empathy and unity.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" module_class="right-col-padding-left-only order-2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.sasakifoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_8952_wide-scaled.jpg" title_text="Team Opal" align_tablet="center" align_phone="" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="SEED 3" _builder_version="4.27.7" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption1" module_class="caption-1 margin-top-50" _builder_version="4.27.7" custom_padding="|||50px" global_colors_info="{}"]SEED 3 Team Opal working on their project model at 110 Chauncy
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_4,1_8" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text module_class="sasaki-post-content body-text" _builder_version="4.27.7" text_font_size="20px" text_line_height="24px" header_3_font="|700|||||||" header_3_font_size="40px" global_colors_info="{}"]The Richardson Commons
Team Opal: Jonatan, Mahedra, and Thao
Teaching Assistant: Sara
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids="237293,237291,237295" _builder_version="4.27.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_gallery][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_4,1_8" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text module_class="bod-bio body-text" _builder_version="4.27.7" global_colors_info="{}"]Get a closer look at this summer’s SEED experience on Instagram with our SEED 2026 highlights, and watch the final presentations.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src="https://youtu.be/-QYDWjDLE00" _builder_version="4.27.7" _module_preset="default" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" module_alignment="center" sticky_enabled="0"][/et_pb_video][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_4,1_8" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="acknowledgements" module_class="sasaki-post-content body-text" _builder_version="4.27.7" text_font_size="20px" text_line_height="24px" header_3_font="|700|||||||" header_3_font_size="40px" global_colors_info="{}"]The Hideo Sasaki Foundation would like to thank this summer’s SEED staff: Estefany Benitez, Program Manager; Folajimi Bademosi, Program Coordinator; and Alexis Mazzatta, Design Lead.
We also would like to thank all of this summer’s SEED teaching assistants: for SEED 1, Katelyn Le, Matteo Roy, Nelly Bautista-Matias, and Antonio Reyes-Rodriguez; for SEED 2, Mohammed Arham, and Mubarak Ware; and for SEED 3, Sarah Lahmadi.
The Hideo Sasaki Foundation gives a special thanks to all of our project advisors and presenters this year. Their involvement helped make this year’s SEED internship a meaningful and engaging experience for our young designers.
SEED 1 and 2 project advisors were Jared Barnett, Sasaki; Jharitza Cruz Lami, BAC; Maya Diaz, Sasaki; Nick Dyer, Sasaki; Hannah Fuller, Sasaki; Eileen Gainfort, Sasaki; Lan Ge, Sasaki; Inma Gil Cerezo, Sasaki; Wilcox Hallahan, Sasaki; Lucas Kamal, Sasaki; Lauren Li, Sasaki; Dan Lu, Sasaki; Mariana Majima, Sasaki; Sueanne McNeil, Delphi Construction; Emily Miyares, Sasaki; Asmita Patnaik, Sasaki; James Poche, Sasaki; Ponnapa Prakkamakul, Sasaki; Tingue Tan, Sasaki; and Kira Wong, Sasaki. Our SEED 3 mentor was Andrew Gutterman, Sasaki. SEED presenters were Garnette Cadogan, MIT; Zach Chrisco, Sasaki; Caitlyn Clauson, Sasaki; Kevin Derrick, Sasaki; Michael Grove, Sasaki; Jenn Robertson, Sasaki; Pablo Savid-Buteler, Sasaki; and Liz von Goeler, Sasaki.
Finally, thank you to all our funders, partners, and supporting organizations who made this summer’s program possible.
Funders: Commonwealth Corporation via MassHire Metro North Workforce Board, City of Boston Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity, Sasaki
Partners: Allston Village Main Streets, BCYF Jackson Mann, Boston Green Academy, Brighton Main Streets, Dorchester Historical Society, and Pear Square Collaborative.
Supporting Organizations: Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, Shawmut (Annette Valdez), Studio Enee (Danniely Staback Rodriguez), and Utile (Jose Cotto).
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_4,1_8" _builder_version="4.16" use_background_color_gradient="on" background_image="https://www.sasakifoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/previous-post.png" custom_padding="100px||100px|" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="PREVIOUS POST" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="|600|||||||" text_font_size="20px" text_letter_spacing="2px" text_line_height="24px" global_colors_info="{}"]PREVIOUS POST[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Previous Post Link" _builder_version="4.27.0" text_font="|700|||||||" text_font_size="40px" text_line_height="48px" custom_margin="50px|||" global_colors_info="{}"]2026 DESI interns complete their community projects
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.27.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.27.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.27.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
[post_title] => SEED interns design three community spaces
[post_excerpt] => On August 14, 2026, the Hideo Sasaki Foundation wrapped up our ninth annual Summer Exploratory Experience in Design (SEED) internship. SEED is a six-week paid internship for high school students in Greater Boston. Interns explore careers in design by collaborating on real projects for local nonprofits. Our teaching assistants are college-age design students who guide our interns while learning about leadership, team management, project management, and communication. This year, despite statewide budget shifts in youth employment funding, we welcomed 22 high school interns and 7 teaching assistants. Our 2026 intern cohort represented Boston, Cambridge, Everett, Malden, Melrose, Somerville, and Watertown and reflected the rich diversity of our Greater Boston community.
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[post_date] => 2026-09-02 09:38:19
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[post_content] => [et_pb_section fb_built="1" module_class="mongo-image" _builder_version="4.27.7" background_image="https://www.sasakifoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_0200_wide-scaled.jpg" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_4,1_8" module_class="mongo-image-with-text" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Header small text" module_class="slide-big" _builder_version="4.27.7" global_colors_info="{}"]September 2, 2026
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Header big text" module_class="slide-white slide-massive-2 " _builder_version="4.27.7" custom_css_main_element="font-size:6vw;||line-height:6.2vw;" global_colors_info="{}"]SEED interns design three community spaces
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" module_class="padding-top-0" _builder_version="4.16" background_image="https://www.sasakifoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/blog-background.png" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_4,1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_margin="50px|||" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Post Date" module_class="post-date" _builder_version="4.27.7" text_font="|600|||||||" text_text_color="#d59999" text_font_size="20px" text_letter_spacing="2px" text_line_height="24px" custom_margin="||20px|" text_font_size_last_edited="off|" global_colors_info="{}"]September 2, 2026
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Post Title" _builder_version="4.27.7" text_font="|700|||||||" text_font_size="40px" text_line_height="48px" custom_margin="||50px|" global_colors_info="{}"]SEED interns design three community spaces
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Author" module_class="post-date" _builder_version="4.27.7" text_font="|600|||||||" text_text_color="#d59999" text_font_size="20px" text_letter_spacing="2px" text_line_height="24px" custom_margin="||20px|" text_font_size_last_edited="off|" global_colors_info="{}"]Estefany Benitez
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_4,1_8" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text module_class="bod-bio body-text" _builder_version="4.27.7" global_colors_info="{}"]On August 14, 2026, the Hideo Sasaki Foundation wrapped up our ninth annual Summer Exploratory Experience in Design (SEED) internship. SEED is a six-week paid internship for high school students in Greater Boston. Interns explore careers in design by collaborating on real projects for local nonprofits. Our teaching assistants are college-age design students who guide our interns while learning about leadership, team management, project management, and communication. This year, despite statewide budget shifts in youth employment funding, we welcomed 22 high school interns and 7 teaching assistants. Our 2026 intern cohort represented Boston, Cambridge, Everett, Malden, Melrose, Somerville, and Watertown and reflected the rich diversity of our Greater Boston community.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_8,1_2" module_class="sasaki-half-image-content-box" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="50px||50px|" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" module_class="order-1" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_8" module_class="order-3" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text module_class="sasaki-post-content body-text" _builder_version="4.27.7" text_font_size="20px" text_line_height="24px" header_3_font="|700|||||||" header_3_font_size="40px" global_colors_info="{}"]SEED 1: Career and Technical Education (CTE) Learning Spaces with Boston Green Academy
In SEED 1, our first-year interns worked with Boston Green Academy (BGA). BGA is a Boston Public Schools Horace Mann charter school serving students in grades 7 through 12 in Brighton. BGA’s mission is to prepare students to lead in the sustainability of our community and world. BGA integrates environmental justice, climate resilience, green careers, public problem-solving, and student leadership into classroom learning. BGA’s CTE programs lead to college and to jobs in the sustainability sector.
BGA has developed several valuable outdoor and green learning assets. However, these spaces function independently instead of as a cohesive outdoor learning ecosystem. And while BGA students interact with these spaces daily, their voices were not central in shaping these environments to support learning, community, and climate resilience. Inside the building, BGA faces aging infrastructure and limited space. To meet the needs of its growing CTE programs, educators have adapted existing spaces in creative ways. These adaptations show innovation and flexibility. They also highlight opportunities to rethink learning spaces to support contemporary educational needs.
BGA recently announced a future move to the former Excel High School site in South Boston. The planned move is a part of the Boston Public Schools Long-Term Facilities Plan. This new site allowed interns to reimagine indoor learning spaces alongside outdoor programming. The transition is an ideal moment to explore how student voices can guide the design of a unique campus. One that functions not only as a school, but also as a living classroom, social commons, ecological refuge, and model for sustainable education.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" module_class="right-col-padding-left-only order-2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.sasakifoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_8192_wide-scaled.jpg" title_text="Team Jade" align_tablet="center" align_phone="" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="SEED 1 teams" _builder_version="4.27.7" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption1" module_class="caption-1 margin-top-50" _builder_version="4.27.7" custom_padding="|||50px" global_colors_info="{}"]SEED 1 Team Jade working with SEED project advisor Asmita Patnaik at 110 Chauncy
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_4,1_8" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Team Jade" module_class="sasaki-post-content body-text" _builder_version="4.27.7" text_font_size="20px" text_line_height="24px" header_3_font="|700|||||||" header_3_font_size="40px" global_colors_info="{}"]Boston Green Academy: The Eco Wheel
Team Jade: Aaliyah, Ali, Liz, Rizwan
Teaching Assistant: Katelyn (SEED 2023 + 2024 and DESI 2025 alum)
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids="237275,237276,237277" _builder_version="4.27.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_gallery][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_4,1_8" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Team Cinnabar" module_class="sasaki-post-content body-text" _builder_version="4.27.7" text_font_size="20px" text_line_height="24px" header_3_font="|700|||||||" header_3_font_size="40px" global_colors_info="{}"]Boston Green Academy: The BGA Collective
Team Cinnabar: Alonzo, Keilee, Nicole, Shree, Shuayb
Teaching Assistant: Matteo (SEED 2023 + 2024 alum)
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids="237279,237280,237281" _builder_version="4.27.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_gallery][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_4,1_8" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Team Sapphire" module_class="sasaki-post-content body-text" _builder_version="4.27.7" text_font_size="20px" text_line_height="24px" header_3_font="|700|||||||" header_3_font_size="40px" global_colors_info="{}"]Boston Green Academy: The Lighthouse and Clover Court
Team Sapphire: Aayush, Dania, Chelisa, Lilyana
Teaching Assistant: Nelly (SEED 2024 + 2025 and DESI 2025 alum) and Antonio
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids="237284,237282,237283" _builder_version="4.27.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_gallery][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" module_class="sasaki-half-image-content-box" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="50px||50px|" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" module_class="order-1" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.sasakifoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_8341_wide-scaled.jpg" title_text="Team Amethyst" align_tablet="center" align_phone="" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="SEED 2 teams" _builder_version="4.27.7" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption1" module_class="caption-1 left-col-caption-1 margin-top-50" _builder_version="4.27.7" custom_padding="|||50px" global_colors_info="{}"]SEED 2 Team Amethyst working with SEED project advisor Ponnapa Prakkamakul at 110 Chauncy
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" module_class="right-col-padding order-2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text module_class="bod-bio body-text" _builder_version="4.27.7" global_colors_info="{}"]SEED 2: BCYF Jackson Mann Community Center with Allston Village Main Streets and Brighton Main Streets
In SEED 2, our returning interns designed concepts for a new community center. The Jackson Mann is the only Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BCYF) site in Allston-Brighton. It has served not only as a youth center, but also as an adult-education site, emergency shelter, cooling center, warming center, vaccination site, and polling place. The campus also housed the Jackson Mann K-8 School until the school closed in June 2022.
The Allston community has been advocating for the City of Boston to invest in a new community center. Since 2022, plans for the Jackson Mann BCYF made little progress. In April 2026, the City of Boston annual budget proposal only included $10 million over five years to study the Jackson Mann site. The community responded. Hundreds of neighbors, including city councillors, gathered at the Jackson Mann to rally for a new center. Thanks to their efforts, the City of Boston confirmed the building is planned for demolition and will be replaced with a new community center. Currently the project is in planning, with public engagement.
SEED 2 teams designed concepts for a new standalone 49,000 square foot community center on the Cambridge Street parcel. Each concept includes a multi-purpose room, a recreation center, classrooms for various lessons and classes, and an outdoor plaza for community events. The new center should be able to provide programming for residents and students of all ages, engaging existing users and attracting new people.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_4,1_8" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Team Amethyst" module_class="sasaki-post-content body-text" _builder_version="4.27.7" text_font_size="20px" text_line_height="24px" header_3_font="|700|||||||" header_3_font_size="40px" global_colors_info="{}"]Jackson Mann: The Assembly
Team Amethyst: Arfin, Sara, Theodore
Teaching Assistant: Arham (SEED 2022 + 2023 + 2024 alum and SEED 2025 teaching assistant)
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids="237286,237285,237287" _builder_version="4.27.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_gallery][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_4,1_8" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Team Topaz" module_class="sasaki-post-content body-text" _builder_version="4.27.7" text_font_size="20px" text_line_height="24px" header_3_font="|700|||||||" header_3_font_size="40px" global_colors_info="{}"]Jackson Mann: Topaz Community Center
Team Topaz: Alex, Garnett, Kelly
Teaching Assistant: Mubarak (SEED 2022 alum and SEED 2025 teaching assistant)
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids="237288,237289,237290" _builder_version="4.27.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_gallery][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_8,1_2" module_class="sasaki-half-image-content-box" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="50px||50px|" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" module_class="order-1" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_8" module_class="order-3" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="SEED 3" module_class="sasaki-post-content body-text" _builder_version="4.27.7" text_font_size="20px" text_line_height="24px" header_3_font="|700|||||||" header_3_font_size="40px" global_colors_info="{}"]SEED 3: Richardson Park Commons with Pear Square Collaborative and Dorchester Historical Society
In SEED 3, our advanced interns designed a new concept for Richardson Park with the Pear Square Collaborative (PSC). PSC fosters initiatives that raise awareness of the Dorchester community’s history. PCS recognizes community history is a community asset. It fosters a link with the past that offers people meaning, purpose and value. Local history serves a community's sustainability. It empowers residents to participate in local democracy and active citizenship. By searching the past to understand the present, community history can build shared culture and trust among Dorchester’s large and extraordinarily diverse populations.
In 2025, state funding enabled PSC to work with Sasaki on a pre-design plan to transform Richardson Park into a community history garden. The park and surrounding area are already home to several historical features and landmarks. The pre-design plan lays out a blueprint for a large, complex undertaking. It incorporates a historical trail, cultural gardens, art installations, and activation. It details project phases, cost estimates, funding needs, and resources. It also outlines roles and responsibilities of essential stakeholders and collaborators.
Our SEED 3 interns designed a concept for the history garden. Their design provides a setting for cultural events, sculpture, education, and other features symbolizing the experiences, challenges, and legacies of Dorchester's diverse communities. Their design highlights the history of Dorchester's diverse communities. It cultivates self-empowerment for each of those communities, and reveals paths to mutual empathy and unity.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" module_class="right-col-padding-left-only order-2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.sasakifoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_8952_wide-scaled.jpg" title_text="Team Opal" align_tablet="center" align_phone="" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="SEED 3" _builder_version="4.27.7" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption1" module_class="caption-1 margin-top-50" _builder_version="4.27.7" custom_padding="|||50px" global_colors_info="{}"]SEED 3 Team Opal working on their project model at 110 Chauncy
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_4,1_8" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text module_class="sasaki-post-content body-text" _builder_version="4.27.7" text_font_size="20px" text_line_height="24px" header_3_font="|700|||||||" header_3_font_size="40px" global_colors_info="{}"]The Richardson Commons
Team Opal: Jonatan, Mahedra, and Thao
Teaching Assistant: Sara
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids="237293,237291,237295" _builder_version="4.27.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_gallery][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_4,1_8" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text module_class="bod-bio body-text" _builder_version="4.27.7" global_colors_info="{}"]Get a closer look at this summer’s SEED experience on Instagram with our SEED 2026 highlights, and watch the final presentations.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src="https://youtu.be/-QYDWjDLE00" _builder_version="4.27.7" _module_preset="default" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" module_alignment="center" sticky_enabled="0"][/et_pb_video][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_4,1_8" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="acknowledgements" module_class="sasaki-post-content body-text" _builder_version="4.27.7" text_font_size="20px" text_line_height="24px" header_3_font="|700|||||||" header_3_font_size="40px" global_colors_info="{}"]The Hideo Sasaki Foundation would like to thank this summer’s SEED staff: Estefany Benitez, Program Manager; Folajimi Bademosi, Program Coordinator; and Alexis Mazzatta, Design Lead.
We also would like to thank all of this summer’s SEED teaching assistants: for SEED 1, Katelyn Le, Matteo Roy, Nelly Bautista-Matias, and Antonio Reyes-Rodriguez; for SEED 2, Mohammed Arham, and Mubarak Ware; and for SEED 3, Sarah Lahmadi.
The Hideo Sasaki Foundation gives a special thanks to all of our project advisors and presenters this year. Their involvement helped make this year’s SEED internship a meaningful and engaging experience for our young designers.
SEED 1 and 2 project advisors were Jared Barnett, Sasaki; Jharitza Cruz Lami, BAC; Maya Diaz, Sasaki; Nick Dyer, Sasaki; Hannah Fuller, Sasaki; Eileen Gainfort, Sasaki; Lan Ge, Sasaki; Inma Gil Cerezo, Sasaki; Wilcox Hallahan, Sasaki; Lucas Kamal, Sasaki; Lauren Li, Sasaki; Dan Lu, Sasaki; Mariana Majima, Sasaki; Sueanne McNeil, Delphi Construction; Emily Miyares, Sasaki; Asmita Patnaik, Sasaki; James Poche, Sasaki; Ponnapa Prakkamakul, Sasaki; Tingue Tan, Sasaki; and Kira Wong, Sasaki. Our SEED 3 mentor was Andrew Gutterman, Sasaki. SEED presenters were Garnette Cadogan, MIT; Zach Chrisco, Sasaki; Caitlyn Clauson, Sasaki; Kevin Derrick, Sasaki; Michael Grove, Sasaki; Jenn Robertson, Sasaki; Pablo Savid-Buteler, Sasaki; and Liz von Goeler, Sasaki.
Finally, thank you to all our funders, partners, and supporting organizations who made this summer’s program possible.
Funders: Commonwealth Corporation via MassHire Metro North Workforce Board, City of Boston Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity, Sasaki
Partners: Allston Village Main Streets, BCYF Jackson Mann, Boston Green Academy, Brighton Main Streets, Dorchester Historical Society, and Pear Square Collaborative.
Supporting Organizations: Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, Shawmut (Annette Valdez), Studio Enee (Danniely Staback Rodriguez), and Utile (Jose Cotto).
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[post_title] => SEED interns design three community spaces
[post_excerpt] => On August 14, 2026, the Hideo Sasaki Foundation wrapped up our ninth annual Summer Exploratory Experience in Design (SEED) internship. SEED is a six-week paid internship for high school students in Greater Boston. Interns explore careers in design by collaborating on real projects for local nonprofits. Our teaching assistants are college-age design students who guide our interns while learning about leadership, team management, project management, and communication. This year, despite statewide budget shifts in youth employment funding, we welcomed 22 high school interns and 7 teaching assistants. Our 2026 intern cohort represented Boston, Cambridge, Everett, Malden, Melrose, Somerville, and Watertown and reflected the rich diversity of our Greater Boston community.
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the power of design
belongs to all of us
2019 SEED high school internship
Incubator at Sasaki | Watertown, Massachusetts
the power of design
belongs to all of us
Team at the Incubator at Sasaki
Watertown, Massachusetts
the power of design
belongs to all of us
Team at the Incubator at Sasaki
Watertown, Massachusetts
the power of design
belongs to all of us
Patron touching art in the Please Touch the Art exhibit
Mosesian Center for the Arts | Watertown, Massachusetts | photo courtesy Matt Jatkola
The Hideo Sasaki Foundation works to advance equity in the design of the environment. We sponsor research and programs that empower communities and strengthen education in design.
Support our 2026 Design Education Matching Campaign by July 6!
Events
2026 Celebration of Design
November 5, 2026
Enjoy food, drinks, and fun while supporting our mission of equity in design! Join the Hideo Sasaki Foundation on November 5, 2026, at 110 Chauncy in Downtown Boston for the fourth annual Celebration of Design. We will celebrate Hideo Sasaki’s career, the foundation’s work, and the design community. All proceeds will support our mission of equity in design.
What we do
Our values build on more than six decades of work by Hideo Sasaki, focusing on the following priority areas.
1
Research & Grants
Large-scale, complex challenges require cross-disciplinary thinking. That’s why we convene experts and innovators from all backgrounds. Our research and grants bring issues of inequity in design to the forefront.
2
Community Learning
Informed and engaged residents are central ingredients of a successful community. That’s why we host public programs that amplify a diversity of voices and address socially relevant topics as we work toward systemic change.
3
Design Education
A thriving design industry relies on a pipeline of diverse, talented, and passionate practitioners who infuse new ideas and disrupt established patterns. That’s why we provide youth with opportunities to discover and explore careers in design.
History
The Hideo Sasaki Foundation is named after Hideo Sasaki, a Japanese American landscape architect who came of age in WWII. Hideo was a pioneer of modern design, a leader, and an educator. He articulated—and proved—the value of interdisciplinary design while breaking down the traditional barriers between practice and teaching.
The Hideo Sasaki Foundation was established by Sasaki, a multidisciplinary design firm founded by Hideo, with support from Hideo’s family and friends. Continuing Hideo’s legacy, we sit at the intersection of research, practice, education, and community-driven processes. We advance equity in design, inviting diverse partners to co-create change.
Hideo Sasaki
1970s