Graduate eNews

Winter 2006 [Return to issue home]

Designing better futures for inner-city kids

Maurice Woods, '95, '05Maurice Woods
Master's degree, Visual Communication Design
GO-MAP
Presidential Graduate Scholar Award

After graduating with honors in 1995 from the University of Washington in graphic design, Maurice Woods traveled the world, playing basketball professionally in Spain, Greece, and Japan. During the summers, though, he kept his graphic design skills fresh with freelance work. Following a successful seven-year basketball career, Maurice decided to return to the UW and continue his education in the UW's graduate graphic design program.

Maurice experienced the potential of graphic design in his own life, and he turned to GO-MAP (the Graduate Opportunities & Minority Achievement Program) and the visual communication program to help him share this realization with the community. This partnership led to the development of the Inneract Project, a program that teaches inner city youth about the field of graphic design. Launched in 2004, Inneract has had a profound effect on Seattle youth, who are now aware of graphic design as a viable career option and excited about pursuing their interests. Above all else, Inneract provides new-found opportunities for students to maximize their potential and design their way to a better future.

Today, Maurice continues to look for talented students who need a little help finding a purpose for their creative talent. He sees a bright future for Inneract and his students, one that includes hands-on design programs around the city, giving students a public venue for their art, and the opportunity to see graphic design at work in their neighborhoods. Maurice explains, "The financial support I received through GO-MAP and the UW was instrumental in helping me complete my education and bring the Inneract Project to life. GO-MAP also gave me opportunities to connect with community leaders, who helped bridge my program to the public."

What is GO-MAP?

The Graduate Opportunities & Minority Achievement Program (GO-MAP) provides an innovative and inclusive graduate student experience at the University of Washington. GO-MAP leads The Graduate School's efforts to establish and maintain campus, local, national, and international networks for students—to enhance academic and funding opportunities, and to encourage scholarship and research that explores and supports cultural diversity.

For over 30 years, GO-MAP has been a leader in the recruitment and retention of graduate students from diverse backgrounds, building a diverse graduate community, improving campus climate, and enhancing graduate scholarship and research.