"Snap Design Academy is a program like no other, and I think it sets a whole new precedence for what big companies can and could be doing to help students. I could tell that every detail and activity was carefully handpicked to provide the most value possible. I think SDA came from a really extraordinary place, and it definitely wouldn't have been possible without the support of Snap, Bixel Exchange and everyone involved." - Taylor K., L.A. Trade-Technical College

In July of 2018, Bixel Exchange's L.A. Tech Talent Pipeline partnered with Snap Inc. to launch the Snap Design Academy, a hands-on, 100-hour design training course for 20 students from Los Angeles area community colleges and our youth partner organizations. Each young person participated in custom, creative workshops, fireside chats and mentorship with Snap employees and L.A. artists. The program - taught by Silas Munro, a communication arts and graphic design professor at Otis College of Art and Design - culminated with a student art showcase in August.

During the showcase, Bixel's first class shared their final group projects using Snapchat features to address problems faced by local nonprofits. After the presentations, students were given the opportunity to share their portfolios with the wider Snap staff and attendees. Every student was given a certificate of completion and an award for their work throughout the program. See the photos.

"All the participants we interviewed, all of their life hacks and how they adapted to technology in their own little way, that was really inspiring and eye-opening to me." - Santa Monica College IxD student

In September 2018, Bixel Exchange and Hulu kicked off the Hulu Design Challenge. The initiative partnered students from Santa Monica College’s IxD program with Hulu, tasking them to design solutions to make Hulu content and services more accessible to people with disabilities.

Students were divided into five groups and matched with a UX and product design “Hulugan.” They met weekly to research, prototype and test during the design-thinking process. The program culminated at Hulu's offices in December where students presented their prototypes and recommendations to a group of Hulugans and engaged in one-on-one conversations to share their findings.

"Programs like this are important because they give you the experience that you need ... so that we actually are ready to go to these professional networking events and interviews." - Sayla F., West L.A. College

Bixel Exchange and TOMS celebrated #GivingTuesday by hosting Tech Career Community Day at West Los Angeles College. The event included mock interviews and speed networking with community college students facilitated by Bixel Exchange's L.A. Tech Talent Pipeline program. TOMS CEO Jim Alling and 45 TOMS volunteers spoke to and met with students, giving them valuable feedback on interviewing techniques and finding a job in the tech field.