RISD Trek is a privately funded program that provides RISD students opportunities to engage with art & design professionals and build networks with industry leaders, alumni, and mentors.
Recent RISD Trek experiences include trips to Los Angeles to explore the game design, film, and animation industries in 2023; New York City for an introduction to the fine arts scene in 2024; and the Hudson Valley to experience the creative culture of the region in 2025.
RISD Trek is a privately funded program that provides RISD students opportunities to engage with art & design professionals and build networks with industry leaders, alumni, and mentors.
Recent RISD Trek experiences include trips to Los Angeles to explore the game design, film, and animation industries in 2023; New York City for an introduction to the fine arts scene in 2024; and the Hudson Valley to experience the creative culture of the region in 2025.
LOCATION
New York City
FOCUS
Design and Architecture (Apparel Design, Architecture, Furniture Design, Graphic Design, Interior Architecture, Industrial Design, Landscape Architecture)
DATES
Sunday, August 23, 2026–Friday, August 28, 2026
RISD Trek: New York City is an immersive week-long program designed to provide you with opportunities for meaningful engagement with design professionals and institutions, while expanding your networks through connections with alumni, curated site visits, and networking.
Trek integrates visits to artist and designer studios, architecture and design firms, arts incubators, artist residency programs, and museums. This year's trek includes visits to cutting-edge software companies such as InstaLILY, and design luminaries Smart Design, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and New Lab. Students will also meet with RISD alumni for an individual portfolio review, designed to best prepare them for life after RISD. Students will also engage in alumni panel discussions and networking opportunities, offering both practical knowledge and long-term professional perspective.
RISD Trek is open to students who will be juniors, seniors, 5th-year students or first-year grad students at RISD in fall 2026. This year's program will take place Sunday, August 23–Friday, August 28. All expenses arranged by RISD for the trip will be covered for participants including: roundtrip train fare from Providence to New York City, hotel accommodations, travel to and from Trek New York city sites, and daily meals. Selected students are required to pay a non-refundable $100 program deposit fee to hold their space to participate. Some financial assistance is available for students who might not otherwise be able to participate due to the non-refundable deposit or cost of their travel.
ELIGIBILITY
RISD Trek is open to students who will be juniors, seniors, 5th-year students or second-year grad students at RISD in fall 2026.
The application period for RISD Trek 2026 runs from March 30 through May 1. Students will be notified of their application status the week of May 4.
Applications are now open.
The application deadline for RISD Trek New York City is May 1, 2026 at 12 pm ET.
RISD Trek, a collaborative effort supported by Institutional Advancement, the Career Center, RISD Alumni Association, and various regional alumni clubs and affinity groups, is an opportunity for students and alumni to connect over professional interests and aspirations. Alumni play an important role in enriching the program. Those interested in offering site visits, studio tours, or portfolio reviews, are encouraged to connect with the Alumni Relations Office.
Interested in learning more about how alumni can participate and support RISD Trek? Contact Alumni & Family Relations at alumni@risd.edu and let us know!
Image credits: Kate Sawicki, Dallas Pride
All Rights Reserved to Rhode Island School of Design