IDSA Student Chapters provide rich academic and professional growth environments for students to organize around their career aspiration at colleges and universities across the United States. These localized, school-based communities create an invaluable support network for those who participate. Official IDSA Student Chapters enjoy the benefits of using IDSA’s globally recognized identity and receive operational support resources from IDSA headquarters in the fulfillment of their activities. Additionally, they are able to participate in the Society’s annual Student Merit Award (SMA) competition and other programs offered by IDSA that are built to enhance the college experience and assist in the transition to the professional workforce.

IDSA Student Members, through their involvement with Student Chapters, have the opportunity to learn new skillsets, gain visibility, and connect to a larger network of other similarly motivated individuals. The legitimacy that the IDSA Student Chapter status provides allows the participants to effectively establish solid relationships with professional designers in their area and gives the group instant credibility in the community.