Announcing the 2026 Well-Being by Design Fellowship: Empowering Designers to Help Children Thrive

Over the past two years, we’ve had the privilege of supporting two incredible cohorts of Well-Being by Design Fellows—talented designers reimagining digital experiences that capture children’s attention while centering their well-being. In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, this mission is more important than ever.

Applications are now open for the 2026 Fellowship, generously supported by Pinterest.

The fellowship runs for five months, beginning with an in-person kickoff at Sesame Workshop’s headquarters in New York City. Fellows will then take part in a series of interactive virtual sessions, concluding with a public webinar to share their insights with the broader community.

Who Should Apply

We’re seeking mid-career designers currently working on interactive children’s technology or media products. If you’re passionate about embedding well-being principles from the early stages of design, this fellowship is for you.

Why This Matters

The need for thoughtfully designed digital content for children has never been more urgent. With seismic changes unfolding in technology, including the rapid development and deployment of AI, we must keep humans—especially children—at the heart of design.

As Mitch Resnick recently wrote in Medium, we need to expand opportunities for children to develop their most human abilities: to grow as “creative, curious, caring, and collaborative learners.”

That’s why we want to support promising innovations that build on the principles championed by pioneers like Joan Ganz Cooney—innovations that combine equity with bold creativity to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to inspiring, developmentally sound digital experiences that spark curiosity, fuel learning, and nurture their full potential.

Designers are uniquely positioned to lead this charge. Through the Well-Being by Design Fellowship, we provide the tools, frameworks, and support designers need to create meaningful, engaging, and enriching experiences for children.

Building a Community of Practice

We recognize that designing for children’s well-being is complex work. That’s why the Fellowship not only offers evidence-based resources and expert feedback, but also brings in direct input from young people through our youth design team. Just as importantly, it connects Fellows to a supportive network of peers who share their commitment to creating positive digital experiences for kids. Alumni often say this community has both strengthened their projects and enhanced their own well-being.

Apply Now

The application deadline for the 2026 Fellowship program is October 13, 2025.

Help us spread the word about this unique opportunity to innovate, amplify young voices, and shape digital experiences that help children thrive. Learn more and apply here.