Who we are

Our purpose, our story, and the people behind World Studios

Our mission

World Studios exists to close the gap between who young adults are and who they want to become. We do that by building a global community of student-led studios on campuses, where members take on projects and turn their ideas into something real. One method, one connected community, in many places.

Our Story

World Studios launched in 2026, and brings together decades of international education experience.

It’s supported by the Watson Foundation who has backed thousands of young adults through its experiential programs for over 55 years, and integrates Design for America’s award-winning studio model that has produced over 1700 student-led projects over 15 years.

In consultative status with the United Nations

In 2026, World Studios was granted special consultative status with the United Nations’ Economic and Social Council, joining a global network of over 6,000 NGOs across 193 countries, a constellation of organizations the UN has built since 1946.

Our Beliefs

What comes next is yours to shape.
Wherever you’re starting from, choosing what’s worth pursuing is where confidence begins.
You learn best by doing.
An idea takes on meaning when you put it into practice, and that kind of learning lasts.
You need room to try, and to try again.
In a studio you can follow an idea, change course, and start over—here, missteps are an intentional part of your learning.
You go further with others.
Your idea gets stronger when you build it with people from different fields, cultures, and points of view.