Purdue University’s Center for Community and Environmental Design (CCED) is inviting community partners to collaborate with senior Landscape Architecture students for the 2026–27 academic year. Through the Student Design Support program, students apply fresh, data-driven design perspectives to real-world challenges facing communities across Indiana and beyond.
Each year, approximately 25 dedicated students work with local leaders, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies to explore solutions to community and environmental design problems. These partnerships provide valuable experiential learning for students while offering design services at no cost to participating organizations.
The CCED is seeking partners interested in projects that address a wide range of community needs, including placemaking, community development, nature access, waterways and trails, and park planning. Example project types include creating people-centered public spaces, designing sustainable site layouts, planning natural areas for ecological health, developing trail networks, and envisioning long-term park strategies.
Organizations interested in participating are encouraged to submit a brief statement of interest (250–500 words) outlining their project’s purpose, geographic area, community need, and type of design assistance requested.
The submission deadline is August 15, 2026.
For questions or to submit ideas, contact:
Dr. Aaron Thompson, Director
awthomps@purdue.edu
To learn more about past projects and explore partnership opportunities, visit: bit.ly/PurdueCCED
This is a unique opportunity for communities to collaborate with Purdue students while gaining innovative insights and practical design solutions.