Dawson Design Company

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At Dawson, authentic and purposeful experiences are the cornerstone of deeper learning.

The Dawson Design Company (DDC) brings "client-based learning" to life for seventh and eighth graders. By harnessing the power of cutting-edge technology, DDC immerses students in an experience that blends design, digital fabrication, entrepreneurship, and service.

As part of a larger effort toward providing real-world learning, DDC allows students to run a business. They design and create products, conduct market research, and sell to customers. Even more powerful is its purpose: 100 percent of proceeds are donated to a cause or organization selected by the students each semester.

This program helps students develop practical skills while fostering creativity, problem-solving, and a sense of purpose, allowing them to see how they can make an impact today.

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Service Learning

Service is a key component of the Dawson Design Company class. All proceeds made by the DDC are donated to an organization selected by the students each semester.

Tyler Robinson Foundation
Maui Preparatory Academy

Tyler Robinson Foundation

The Tyler Robinson Foundation (TRF), founded by Las Vegas hometown heroes Imagine Dragons, empowers families impacted by pediatric cancer and provides them with holistic support. After our students heard Imagine Dragons bassist Ben McKee speak about TRF at the Moonridge Philanthropy Summit, they chose the foundation as the recipient of their first-year donation. Since then, the DDC's connection with TRF has expanded.

Presentation to the DDC by TRF Director of Operations Ana Estrada and Family Liaison Azalea Sanchez
A group of DDC representatives attended the 2024 Rise Up Gala
DDC students created TRF-themed stickers and keychains for the organization

A group of Dawson Design Company students work with TRF families in the Dawson Design Lab

DDC hosted a Saturday morning design workshop for families who received support from the organization. They created "Thank You" trophies as gifts to those who contributed to the TRF gala.
In 2024, the DDC donated $4,000 to TRF, supporting the incredible work they do both in and outside of the Las Vegas Valley.

Thank You awards made by Dawson Design Company students for client TRF

Maui Preparatory Academy

Learn More

Dawson Design Company: Course Description & Learning Outcomes

About DDC Products (opens in new window/tab)

Technology: A Catalyst for Authentic Learning

Marketing Our Products

Start a Design Company at Your School

Design Technology at Dawson

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DDC News

A team of eight students and their teacher are ATLIS award winners

Dawson Design Company Students are Award-Winning Innovators

Eight students from our Dawson Design Company elective, led by Director of Academic Innovation & Design Rich Lehrer were honored with the 2025 Aspire Visionary Excellence Award.

Students work on items in the Dawson Design Lab

Middle School Students Design for a Cause

Dawson believes future-ready learning thrives on advocacy and service. This initiative connects academic learning with real-world tasks, expanding students' sense of civic responsibility within our Dawson community and the wider world.

In This Section

Dawson Design Company

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Slide

At Dawson, authentic and purposeful experiences are the cornerstone of deeper learning.

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Service Learning

Tyler Robinson Foundation

Maui Preparatory Academy

Learn More

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DDC News

Featured on What's Cool At School?

Authenticity in Action