Cultivating Diverse Creative Talent Since 2009
Design for Social Impact
Design is shaping the future of work, driving cultural expression, and building more equitable communities. BRIDGEGOOD educates the next generation of designers to lead with purpose and create change.
Design, tech literacy, and creative storytelling power today’s progress, connection, and growth.
Systemic hiring biases continue to limit access to tech careers for women and students of color. In design roles across the tech industry, representation remains disproportionately low. According to 2024 data:
- Black Americans make up approximately 7% of the tech workforce
- Latinx Americans represent about 8%
- Asian Americans account for roughly 20%
These disparities restrict access to high-wage jobs and reinforce barriers to economic mobility.
Design-related tech jobs offer a critical pathway to opportunity. In the San Francisco Bay Area:
- Entry-level Graphic Designers earn an average annual salary of $73,901.
- Entry-level UX Designers earn approximately $110,000 annually.
Since 2009, BRIDGEGOOD has been actively addressing these inequities by providing tuition-free design education and equitable tech access.
BRIDGEGOOD programs integrate cultural perspective, racial and social equity, and emotional intelligence through creative storytelling and human-centered coaching. Students receive 1-on-1 and small group guidance that supports both their personal growth and professional success.
Oakland Mindset with a Global Reach
Increasing accessibility and representation in design is not just a local effort; it’s a global imperative.
The design industry is expanding rapidly, with the global market projected to reach $85 billion by 2032, reflecting a 5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).
In the United States, the graphic design sector is valued at over $16 billion, and employment of graphic designers is projected to grow 2% from 2023 to 2033, with an estimated 21,100 job openings annually due to workforce turnover.
For nearly two decades, BRIDGEGOOD has worked to eliminate barriers that prevent women and underrepresented designers of color from entering and thriving in the global design ecosystem. By 2030, our goal is to train 40,000 student participants, ideally to succeed in one of the following design career paths:
- User Experience (UX) Design – improving digital interactions through usability, accessibility, and user-centered experiences
- User Interface (UI) Design – creating intuitive, visually compelling interfaces that enhance engagement and functionality
- Product Design – innovating and developing user-centered solutions from concept to launch
The skills BRIDGEGOOD students gain are not limited to careers in tech. They are equally applicable to supporting nonprofits, small businesses, and social enterprises, helping local and mission-driven organizations thrive through inclusive, community-informed design.
As job titles and demands evolve, BRIDGEGOOD prepares students with adaptable, industry-relevant skills. Participants also explore emerging fields like Experience Design (XD) and Design Operations (DesignOps).
BRIDGEGOOD’s unique approach is grounded in real-world application, continuous learning, and cultural inclusion. Students are prepared not only to access opportunity but to shape the future of design across industries.
UX / UI Designer
A user experience (UX) and interface designer (UI) enhances customer satisfaction by making products easier to use, more accessible, and engaging. This role blends research, psychology, and digital design to turn ideas into functional experiences.
Visual Designer
A visual designer creates graphics for websites, apps, and products, focusing on branding, marketing, and problem-solving. This role emphasizes human-centered design (HCD) and digital expertise to enhance user experiences.
Product Designer
A product designer leads the design and development process, refining ideas, overseeing features, and tracking performance. This role requires strong design skills and the ability to take concepts from idea to launch.
50+ Schools Impacted
16+ Years of Community Service
16,500+ Students Trained
12+ Counties Reached
Collaboration + Experience
Leadership + Teamwork
Guidance + Support
Communication + Presentation
Share your Generosity
Donate to BRIDGEGOOD
What are you funding?
- $50 funds BRIDGEGOOD Open Labs
- $250 funds Inspire Oakland Billboards
- $500 funds Design Student Stipends
- $1,000 funds Apprenticeship Scholarships
- 100% of your tax-deductible donation directly supports community-benefit programs
Dedicate your Time
Volunteer with BRIDGEGOOD
What do volunteers do?
- Lead one-off design + tech workshops
- Teach a session during one of our programs
- Coach students during one of our programs
- Connect us with your company (e.g., CSR)
- Support the BRIDGEGOOD staff with a variety of tasks
Real-World Collaboration to Enhance Learning and Employment
BRIDGEGOOD's Impact
Founded in 2009, BRIDGEGOOD is an award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides equitable access to technology, design opportunities, and professional resources for job seekers of all backgrounds.
For nearly two decades, BRIDGEGOOD has advanced design for social good by collaborating with industry leaders, centering community input, and expanding opportunities that build a more equitable and inclusive society.
Students & Creatives served
Volunteers & Mentors involved
Hours of Classes & Trainings taught
Career earnings ($) achieved