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DesignUP

DesignUP

A philanthropic design-a-thon where graphic design students, mentored by design professionals, provide creative services for local nonprofit (and select small business) organizations.

Support DesignUP
Students and mentors sitting around a table at DesignUP event

DesignUP is a one-day design sprint hosted by Virginia Tech's College of Architecture, Arts, and Design's Graphic Design program where students collaborate with nonprofits across the New Rivery Valley to create impactful, community-centered design solutions. The event pairs student teams with real-world clients, guided by professional mentors, to develop branding, print, digital, and strategic design work in just a few hours. Rooted in Virginia Tech's motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), DesignUP is an opportunity to use creativity in service to others.

Three photos collaged together from DesignUP event

Previous non-profit and local clients

DesignUP has partnered with over 30 nonprofits and local organizations across the New River Valley and Southwest Virginia to create impactful, community-driven design solutions. From youth programs and cultural heritage sites to environmental initiatives and healthcare services, each client brings a unique mission that students help bring to life through thoughtful design.

Graphic including logos that were designed at DesignUP

And so many more including:

  • Blacksburg Partnership
  • Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad
  • Boy Scouts of America
  • Charities of Southwest Virginia
  • Community Housing Partners
  • Cub Pack 145
  • Historic Smithfield
  • Huckleberry Trail
  • Latinas Network
  • Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley
  • Local Colors of Southwest Virginia
  • Mary Draper Ingles Cultural Heritage Park
  • Michah's Backpack
  • New River Composite Mountain Bike Team
  • New River Robotics
  • NRV CARES
  • Puzzled Events & Puzzled Car Show
  • Roanoke Valley Speech & Hearing
  • Ronald McDonalad House
  • Rush Homes
  • Sustainable Horsemanship
  • The Market at Virginia Tech
  • The Wonder Universe
  • TNR SWVA
  • Virginia Tech String Project
  • Virginia Tech Therapy Dogs
  • Why Not Workshop
  • Wytheville Farmers Market
  • YMCA

Need our design help?

If you're a local nonprofit or small business located in Blacksburg or the New Rivery Valley, we invite you to sign up and be a part of the next DesignUP experience!

Reach Out
A group of students and mentors sit around a table showing a client a design rendering
Photo collage of images from DesignUP events

Like what you see?

Support our cause! Help us continue empowering students and uplifting local communities through the power of design. Whether you're a nonprofit, professional mentor, donor, or advocate--your support makes DesignUP possible and impactful year after year.

Donate now
Group photo from DesignUP event of students and professors

Student-led branding that brings DesignUP to life

Each year, a dedicated team of students develops the visual identity and branding for DesignUP, crafting everything from logos and color palettes to promotional graphics and social media content. This collaborative effort helps set the tone for the event, unifying the experience across print and digital platforms while giving students real-world experience in brand development and communication design.

Photo collage of designs from DesignUP event