This year’s program is actively delivering hands-on, sequential learning experiences that guide students through a full creative and technical arc. The fall semester began with glassblowing demonstrations for all Industrial Design juniors, introducing students to the material properties and expressive potential of glass while offering direct exposure to professional artistic practice. 

As the academic year continues, selected juniors will move into an intensive borosilicate flameworking project, where they will learn advanced construction techniques while designing and fabricating original wearable and sculptural works in a professional studio environment. Over the summer, participating students will further refine their skills through UrbanGlass youth programs, collaborating with peers from across New York City. 

In fall 2025, seniors engaged in the advanced neon design project, completing the full design cycle from concept development to fabrication and final execution. The academic year will conclude with up-cycling workshops for all juniors and seniors, reinforcing sustainable design principles, followed by entrepreneurial development sessions, led by St. Francis College faculty, introducing students to business strategy, marketing, and professional presentation. St. Francis is an integral partner of the initiative.