The Designery is an intensive program that engages high school students with experienced architectural designers in addressing the needs of an under-served community. The Designery collaborates with private and nonprofit entities to develop a nontraditional program that empowers young people with the skills and opportunities necessary to succeed in academically, socially, and in careers. Participants gain an understanding of the forces that shape their environment, and are encouraged to become its stewards by honing their leadership and workplace skills through hands-on learning with a wide range of professionals including those from local architecture firms and universities. Participants identify community structures in need of repair, and followed by extensive research, proceed to improve it through a collaborative design/build process. Post construction, the team returns to evaluate the project's performance using qualitative and quantitative research methods.