Ringling College of Art and Design announces high school student theme park design competition
First-ever competition invites high school students to imagine a theme park element, connect with industry pros, and win a college scholarship
ORLANDO — From the thrill rides and performances to the shops and restaurants, every element of a theme park experience is crafted with intention. Now, an all-new design competition hopes to find best of experience designers of the future—and winners will earn a college scholarship and a trip to Universal Orlando Resort.
The first-ever Theme Park Design Competition presented by Ringling College of Art and Design will be open to all U.S. high school juniors and seniors from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30, 2025.
This year, the competition requires all entrants to conceptualize a mobile merchandise cart that could be used in outdoor theme parks. Each student entry will be evaluated by a prestigious panel of judges, including professors from Ringling College of Art and Design, Universal Creative, and other experienced professionals in the entertainment design industry.
The top prize winners of the Theme Park Design Competition will win a $20,000 tuition scholarship to Ringling College of Art and Design and an exclusive VIP “behind the scenes” experience at Universal Studios Florida with complimentary travel and accommodations. Selected second and third place competition finalists can also earn a scholarship to the 2025 Ringling College of Art and Design PreCollege Summer Program. Entries will be judged in December 2025, with winners announced in January 2026.
“Entertainment Design impacts everything from theme parks, museums, and concerts to hotels, retail stores, and sporting events,” said Jamie DeRuyter, Entertainment Design Department Head at Ringling College of Art and Design.
“Through this competition, we hope to inspire today’s high school students to see themselves as tomorrow’s immersive experience designers and raise their awareness of this exciting, versatile, and fast-growing career field,” she continued.
“We are proud to collaborate with Ringling College of Art and Design in creating this first-of-its-kind entertainment design competition,” said Eliza Lee of Universal Creative.
“This competition is intended to get high school juniors and seniors thinking practically about how to solve creative problems, design memorable experiences, and bring their unique ideas to life.”
For more information about the Theme Park Design Competition presented by Ringling College of Art and Design, visit www.ringling.edu/themeparkdesigncompetition.
About Ringling College of Art and Design
Since 1931, Ringling College of Art and Design has cultivated the creative spirit in students from around the globe. The private, not-for-profit, fully accredited college offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 11 disciplines and the Bachelor of Arts in two. The College’s rigorous curriculum employs the studio model of teaching and immediately engages students through a comprehensive program that is both specific to the major of study and focused on the liberal arts. The Ringling College teaching model ultimately shapes students into highly employable and globally aware artists and designers. For more information, visit www.ringling.edu and follow the College on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
About Universal Creative
With a mission to create a Universe of fun through unparalleled innovation and inspired collaboration, Universal Creative supports all Universal Parks & Resorts properties and ventures worldwide, with offices in Orlando, Hollywood, Osaka, and Beijing. Together, we strive to make sure that the next thing we create will be even more exhilarating, more immersive, and more unforgettable than the last thing we did.
