“For students with systemic barriers, the already demanding journey of design school can become that much heavier,” says Wendy Gray RGD. “Together with our generous sponsors, we are thrilled to launch the Trailblazer Awards to acknowledge and celebrate students from marginalized and underrepresented communities. It's our hope that these Awards will help to support the winners in covering the costs of their design education and recognize their design skills, hard work and resilience.”

“The Diversity and Inclusion Committee has been pleased to advise the Education Committee on the creation of this new Award,” adds Jennifer Taback RGD, VP of Diversity & Inclusion. “The Award is an important step in working towards our Committee's goals and mandate, and also for the Association as a whole as we work to create a more equitable, representative design industry.”

How to apply

Students interested in applying for the Trailblazer Awards can do so as part of their entry to the Student Awards program.

On the Student Awards' submission form, all entrants are asked if they want to identify with any underrepresented or marginalized communities. Entrants who so identify themselves will be asked if they want to be considered for the Trailblazer Awards. Applying for the Trailblazer Awards is voluntary. A student can identify with an underrepresented or marginalized community and opt out of consideration if they are not interested or uncomfortable.

With the support of our existing Awards Sponsors, $5000 in cash prizes have been allocated for the 2021 Student Trailblazer Awards. The number of Awards bestowed and how the prize money is allocated will be determined by our Judges as part of our judging process.

Click here to learn more about or apply to the Student Awards program. The deadline to apply is May 28!

If you are interested in supporting this Awards program, please contact RGD's Executive Director, Hilary Ashworth, by email at

Steering Committee: Wendy Gray RGD, Jay Wall RGD and Fe Wyma RGD with insight from the Diversity & Inclusion Committee. The Awards name was chosen by the Student Committee.