For many college students, earning a degree isn’t just a matter of hard work; it’s a matter of access. The Design Pathways Program — established in 2024 by a generous gift from alumnus Jerry Cook and his wife, Marilyn — was created to provide that access for students in the College of Design.

An extension of Pack Promise, which supports the financial needs of NC State students from low-income North Carolina households, Design Pathways is open to eligible design students starting sophomore year. The program funds enriching opportunities that help students excel inside and outside the classroom.

Supporting the Creative Journey

Mac Dameron, a junior in media arts, design and technology, is passionate about using animation to tell stories. Design Pathways gave her the tools to get the job done in her tech-heavy animation courses, where the right hardware is a prerequisite for professional-grade storytelling.

“I got my first iPad when I came to college, but it was secondhand and not in the best condition,” Dameron said. “Design Pathways allowed me to get one of the best available, as well as a drawing tablet, which has helped me in my classes.”

She put those tools to good use in a recent class project that required groups of students to produce short animated commercials advertising fictional products. Her group devised a product called Creative Juice, a performance supplement for people in creative fields.

“With the new tablet, I was able to use a program that works really well for animation and has a great workflow,” she said. “I pushed out the animation a lot faster than I could with the tools I had before.”

Design Pathways also helps students embrace life-changing experiences, like studying abroad.

Autumn Tate, a junior in graphic and experience design, used her funds to take part in a summer program in Japan. The two-week, seven-city itinerary sent her on an “exploration of Japan’s visual culture,” with stops at natural wonders, like Nachi Waterfall, and cultural sites, like the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum.

“I like to blend my artistic side with graphical techniques, and the trip influenced me to try new things beyond just the techniques I’ve learned in the classroom,” Tate said.

Penelli Yang, a senior who’s also in graphic & experience design, used funds from Design Pathways to study at the NC State European Center in Prague. As part of the center’s Spring Classic Program, she spent early 2026 immersed in the deep well of European design history.

“Design Pathways allowed me to commit to the full semester abroad without the huge burden of financial stress,” Yang said. “They paid for my plane ticket and they helped pay for my food — those little things you don’t think about until you’re there.”

Nurturing a Culture of Belonging

Beyond funding, Design Pathways offers a close-knit community to help students navigate the pressures of college life and prepare for their careers.

“The people running the program are amazing,” Dameron said. “They help you understand that the challenges you’re going through are normal, and they’re here to help you deal with them.”

Monthly meetings give students a safe forum to discuss important topics — like mental wellness and professional development — and share how they’re using their funds.

“It’s really cool because it’s not just students from one specific major,” Tate said. “I like hearing the stories of students throughout our college. They inspire me.”

The program’s mentors provide career guidance and encourage students to explore professional opportunities such as conferences and internships. Tate is excited to connect with working creatives at the upcoming CreativePro Week in Nashville — an experience she’s paying for with Design Pathways funds.

“Having the support to do things outside of the regular classroom experience — things that help us in our careers — is crucial,” Tate said.

The first cohort of Design Pathways students had a chance at the end of the 2025 academic year to meet the people at the program’s heart: Jerry and Marilyn Cook. The full-circle moment only enhanced the students’ appreciation for the support they’ve received.

“Just getting that face-to-face connection — it helps you to know there are people out there who believe in you,” Yang said.

“When we were pursuing higher education, we were clueless. Both of us were first generation students and had no idea how or who to turn to for guidance. We are now delighted to fund this program with the desire that it will provide students valuable opportunities and coaching not available to us.”
Jerry [B.Arch. ‘66] and Marilyn Cook

This post was originally published in College of Design Blog.