ACADEMIC YEAR PROGRAMS 2024-25
For well over ten years, ARCHCareersGuide.com has provided its popular Architecture Summer Program listing highlighting over 250 programs for aspiring architects. Now, we are including the myriad of programs held during the academic year in the same listing making it easy to view all in the same list.
https://www.archcareersguide.com/summer/
Typically held during the academic program, these programs are designed to introduce you to architecture and design. Some are in-person programs for a specified period. Others are design competitions while others are resources.
Efforts have been made to obtain the most up-to-date information from the program; to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information, you are encouraged to contact the program.
Below is the starting list of programs. We will continue to add programs, events, and resources that help you learn about design and becoming an architect. If you learn of programs not listed, please let us know. — archcareersguide@gmail.com.
Programs from the following are included below:
- American Institute of Architects – Washington, DC
- Architectural Foundation of San Francisco – San Francisco, CA
- Center for Architecture – New York, NY
- The Center for Architecture and Design – Columbus, OH
- Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation – Scottsdale, AZ
- Illinois at Chicago, University of – Chicago, IL
- National Building Museum, Washington, DC
- I-NOMA – Chicago, IL
- North Carolina State University – Raleigh, NC
- Washington, University – Seattle, WA
American Institute of Architects – Washington, DC – AIA K-12 Pathway Initiatives
https://www.aia.org/resource-center/aia-k-12-pathway-initiatives
It’s never too early to start thinking like an architect. AIA’s K-12 initiatives follow a blueprint with three key goals in mind:
Inspire youth to learn about the power of design.
Nourish curiosity to engage in solving grand challenges with design thinking.
Connect students with architects and design professionals.
From the website above, you also access what is listed below.
Explore & discover K-12 resources
Across the United States, K-12 students have access to a wide range of design and architecture resources, including online platforms, workshops, camps, educational programs, design competitions, internships, and scholarship opportunities. Use the search and filter feature to find opportunities near you.
https://www.afsf.org/programs/saturday-design/
Architectural Foundation of San Francisco – San Francisco, CA
The Architectural Foundation of San Francisco (AFSF) announces AFSF Saturday Design Studio 2024 , a distance-learning workshop in sustainable design and architecture for high school students. Participants will learn professional digital design tools, receive 1-on-1 mentoring with an architect or engineer, and create a portfolio of photo-realistic and video renderings of their original 3D designs. In our last session, we had participants from throughout California, five additional states and three foreign countries.
This Studio is being offered this Fall – Saturdays, October 12 – November 16 – for 6 weeks 1 1/2 hours per week (10:00 am – 11:30 am PDT). In addition, every participant will be mentored by a professional architect or designer for a additional one hour session each week.
Fall 2024 AFSF Saturday Design Studio: Oct. 12 – Nov 16
Six straight Saturdays: 10:00 – 11:30 am PDT (via Zoom)
plus 1-hr per week of mentoring during the week
tuition: $500 ($250 deposit required to confirm registration)
https://www.centerforarchitecture.org/k-12/teen-programs/teen-workshops/
Center for Architecture – New York, NY
Teen Workshops are for high school students interested in learning more about the city’s built environment and developing their architectural design skills. Offered on weekends during the school year, these workshops combine architectural exploration with hands-on design projects, nurturing the development of design thinking and providing students with instruction in architecture fundamentals such as architectural drawing, scale measurement, model building, site and precedent analysis.
Plan and Elevation Drawing (Grades 9-12) Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (lunch break 12pm – 1pm)
Price: $125
Architectural drawings are part of the visual language used by architects around the world. Join the Center for Architecture for an introduction to reading and creating drawings such as plans and elevations. This hands-on workshop will include exercises in line weights, drafted lettering, and learning to read and utilize an architect’s scale. Participants’ new skills will culminate in hand drafted plans and elevations drawn to scale.
Architectural Model Making (Grades 9-12) Saturday, December 14, 2024
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (lunch break 12pm – 1pm)
Price: $125
This workshop introduces students to basic model making tools and techniques used by architecture students and professionals. Cutting skills using X-Acto blades will be introduced beginning with one-on-one tutorials before students embark on a selection of small projects to hone their skills. A list of tools and materials will be provided to encourage students to continue their practice at home.
Architectural Model Making (Grades 9-12) Saturday, March 1, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (lunch break 12pm – 1pm)
Price: $125
This workshop introduces students to basic model making tools and techniques used by architecture students and professionals. Cutting skills using X-Acto blades will be introduced beginning with one-on-one tutorials before students embark on a selection of small projects to hone their skills. A list of tools and materials will be provided to encourage students to continue their practice at home.
Plan and Elevation Drawing (Grades 9-12) Saturday, April 5, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (lunch break 12pm – 1pm)
Price: $125
Architectural drawings are part of the visual language used by architects around the world. Join the Center for Architecture for an introduction to reading and creating drawings such as plans and elevations. This hands-on workshop will include exercises in line weights, drafted lettering, and learning to read and utilize an architect’s scale. Participants’ new skills will culminate in hand drafted plans and elevations drawn to scale.
Architectural Sketching (Grades 9-12) Saturday, May 3, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (lunch break 12pm – 1pm)
Price: $125
This session will focus on free-hand techniques for drawing architecture. Students will be introduced to some basic techniques for sketching architecture including methods of shading and rendering different materials. The class will start at the Center for Architecture with some basic lessons and sketching exercises, then will head outside (weather permitting) to practice observational on-site sketching at a site nearby.
https://columbuscfad.ticketleap.com/DesignPop/details
The Center for Architecture and Design – Columbus, OH
Saturday, October 12 2024 9:00 AM — 12:00 PM EDT
Ready to imagine what the cities of the future will look like? In this fun and creative workshop, students will work together as architects, engineers, and planners, designing neighborhoods where sustainability is at the heart of every decision. From futuristic transportation systems to eco-friendly green spaces, students will brainstorm solutions to challenges like climate change and growing populations, and then build their own model city block and connect them with the blocks of other students. These futuristic city blocks will be displayed as an exhibit to showcase during Design Month 2024. Let’s shape the sustainable cities of the future!
Design Pop!
Saturday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m.-Noon
The Center for Architecture and Design
Theme: Sustainable Spaces: Imagining the Neighborhoods of Tomorrow
Partner: GPD Group
Design Pop! sessions are fun three-hour workshops (offered free of charge) held throughout the year, offering engaging activities for aspiring young designers in grades 3-8. Energetic volunteers from design firms in central Ohio lead each workshop.
https://franklloydwright.org/homeschool/
Homeschool Explorations at Taliesin West
Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation – Scottsdale, AZ
Homeschool Explorations
Explore nature, science, engineering, the arts, and architecture at Taliesin West! Each lesson focuses on a new concept, and every activity takes inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright’s work, the Sonoran Desert, and our wonderful World Heritage Site, Taliesin West.
Registration fees are per student. Each class will be taught outside in a partially shaded area. We recommend dressing for the weather.
All classes meet at the ticket kiosk. A parent/guardian must accompany each student; please reserve a FREE parent/guardian ticket when purchasing your child’s ticket. Students and their families must stay with their Museum Educator during the lesson.
October 8 and 10, 2024
Architecture Inspired by Nature
Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs were all based on the principles of organic architecture. What is that? During this lesson, students will explore this architectural philosophy and learn how the natural world helped inspire some of the world’s most beautiful buildings.
Dates & Prices:
Two sessions of this class are offered:
For students age 6-8:
Tuesday, October 8, 2024; 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Homeschool student $15
Adult chaperone $0
For students age 9-11:
Thursday, October 10, 2024, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Homeschool student $15
Adult chaperone $0
October 22 and 24, 2024
Children’s Weaving Workshop
At Taliesin West, there is a long history of weaving and textile arts. In this lesson, students will engage with this tradition, learn about the history of weaving, and create their own woven art piece.
Dates & Prices:
Two sessions of this class are offered:
For students age 6-8:
Tuesday, October 22, 2024; 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Homeschool student $15
Adult chaperone $0
For students age 9-11:
Thursday, October 24, 2024, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Homeschool student $15
Adult chaperone $0
November 5 and 7, 2024
Building Bridges
Students will use the engineering design cycle to design model bridges using K’nex pieces. Through building structural bridges, students will learn about load, span and working in collaborative dynamics like engineers and architects. Students will also examine bridges from around the world.
Dates & Prices:
Two sessions of this class are offered:
For students age 6-8:
Tuesday, November 5, 2024; 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Homeschool student $15
Adult chaperone $0
For students age 9-11:
Thursday, November 7, 2024, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Homeschool student $15
Adult chaperone $0
November 19 and 21, 2024
Building with Balance: Cantilevers
Students will learn about how architects use cantilevers to lift their buildings into the air, soaring over rivers and ravines. They will then explore concepts of balance and use their new knowledge to build unique balancing sculptures.
Dates & Prices:
Two sessions of this class are offered:
For students age 6-8:
Tuesday, November 19, 2024; 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Homeschool student $15
Adult chaperone $0
For students age 9-11:
Thursday, November 21, 2024, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Homeschool student $15
Adult chaperone $0
December 10 and 12, 2024
Holiday Treasure Boxes
When Frank Lloyd Wright lived at Taliesin West with his students, they would create special gift boxes for him at Christmas. These gift boxes were often elaborately painted and hid special artworks or poems inside. In this tradition, students will create their own winter holiday boxes that can hide small notes and treasures.
Dates & Prices:
Two sessions of this class are offered:
For students age 6-8:
Tuesday, December 10, 2024; 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Homeschool student $15
Adult chaperone $0
For students age 9-11:
Thursday, December 12, 2024, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Homeschool student $15
Adult chaperone $0
Illinois at Chicago, University of – Chicago, IL
The Fall 2024 TryArch Workshop will take place on Saturday, November 2 from 10am-6pm.
What is TryArch?
TryArch is an intensive one-day workshop in which participants learn a bit about what it means to study architecture, experience a studio environment, and build content for a portfolio.
Where does TryArch take place?
The workshop is held at the School of Architecture (845 W Harrison St). Participants will also have the opportunity to see the graduate studio and meet the Graduate Academic Advisor Annemarie Furlong. The registration fee includes lunch and all necessary supplies / workshop materials.
Who teaches TryArch?
TryArch is taught by the School of Architecture faculty.
Who can attend?
Anyone! No previous experience is required. The workshop is intended for adults or current undergraduate students who want to learn more about what architecture is all about, get to know the School of Architecture at UIC, or create content for a grad school admission portfolio. Anyone looking for a more in-depth experience should also consider YArch, the School’s month-long summer intensive design workshop. High school-aged students should consider HiArch, our summer program for high school students.
How do I sign up?
The $260 workshop fee (includes supplies and lunch), payable by credit card. Early registration is encouraged. Contact Natalie Wess at nwess2@uic.edu to receive updates about the workshop. The registration fee is non-refundable.
Questions? Contact Natalie Wess at nwess2@uic.edu.
https://nbm.ticketapp.org/portal/product/33/event/f089e177-ff10-41fd-8733-4a3b1aa52aa8
National Building Museum, Washington, DC
Big Build
DATE: Saturday 10/19/24 TIME: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Children and adults will learn side-by-side with roofers, plumbers, designers, artisans, and more at this FREE, hands-on festival celebrating the world we design and build. Kids of all ages will explore a wide variety of unique, interactive activities from professions including plumbing, home remodeling, construction, woodworking, and many more.
From 10 am to 4 pm, the Museum’s Great Hall will be filled with dozens of booths with activities such as wiring a light, pouring concrete, and hammering nails. Everyone will have the opportunity to use real tools and even climb inside construction equipment like a crane at the outdoor Truck Petting Zoo!
Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts can earn their STEM Career Exploration badges by discovering the many trade career possibilities and speaking with professionals in STEM positions. The Tech Room will have augmented reality demonstrations, virtual reality experiences, and other immersive digital activities to engage older children and teens. Storytimes throughout the day will inspire younger visitors to explore the world and find their place within it.
https://www.i-noma.org/pipeline-design-build
I-NOMA – Chicago, IL
PROGRAM OBJECTIVE:
The 2024 Design-Build program intends to introduce and expose high school students to Architecture and other Design Fields through an array of educational and participatory activities which includes guest speakers from various professions, firm visits, skills training, designing and building furniture, construction site tours, and more.
Every Saturday for 5 weeks, students will be introduced to a series of design tools and learn new ways to think critically about their community. The goal is to understand different design career paths, gain the skills needed to excel, and learn more about the work behind a project proposal and development. The five sessions will loosely follow a typical architecture project design sequence: Pre-Design, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, Construction Administration.
DELIVERABLE:
Working with local nonprofit BUILD (Broader Urban Involvement & Leadership Development), the students will design and build furniture incorporating seating, storage, workspace, art, and more to meet the organization’s needs. Since 1969, BUILD has helped thousands of young people transform their lives, and today reaches over 6500 youth and families annually offering a rich variety of experiences in the arts, athletics, college & career preparation, entrepreneurship, leadership development, technology, and mental health programming.
LOGISTICS:
This year, the location of each session will vary, and be typically hosted at the BUILD community center ( 3 sessions) and different architecture firms (2 sessions), so students will get to see a variety of work environments (see locations in the full schedule below).
Lunch will be provided for each session.
See information below to sign up for this year’s program as a volunteer or student. Please send all other questions to designbuild@i-noma.org.
STUDENTS
Applications are open for 2024 Teen Programming! If you’d like to apply to join our 2024 Program, here’s what you need to know:
SCHEDULED SESSION DAYS: Saturdays ( 10/12, 10/19, 11/02, 11/09, 11/16 2023)
TIME: 9am-1pm
AGE: High School Students, Incoming Freshmen – 12th Grade
COST: $50 Due At Registration (To reserve spot)
FULL SCHEDULE:
October 12th, 2024 Saturday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm: INTRODUCTION & DESIGN SPRINT (Location: BUILD | 5100 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL)- Students will learn about the different design professions and interview the “client” to get all the information needed to start the design process.
October 19th, 2024 Saturday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm: DESIGN CHARRETTE (Location: JGMA Architecture & Design | 223 W Ohio St, Chicago, IL)– Students will engage in a design charrette and planning session to start the design process.
November 2nd, 2024 Saturday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm: SKILLS DAY (PRESENTATION & SOFTWARE) (Location: TBD at a local architecture firm)- Students will learn about the visual and presentation tools that make projects come to life. Students will create a 3D model of their designs and the group will narrow down on their final designs.
November 9th, 2024 Saturday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & BUILD DAY #1 (Location: BUILD | 5100 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL)- Students will learn about neighborhood development and construction. Students will begin building their furniture designs.
November 16th, 2024 Saturday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm: BUILD DAY #2 (Location: BUILD | 5100 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL) – Students will learn more about construction and continue and complete their furniture build.
November – Week of 18th (TBD): FINAL SHOWCASE (Location: BUILD | 5100 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL) – Final Showcase where the students receive certificates and the program is closed.
https://design.ncsu.edu/designlab/workshops/
North Carolina State University – Raleigh, NC
The Design Lab offers Weekend Workshops for high school students at our Design Lab studio here at the College of Design. Our workshops are brief, immersive design education experiences, offering a wide range of opportunities for teens interested in design. From skill-building to design thinking to concept-based projects to interdisciplinary design mash-ups and more, our talented instructors guide students in developing knowledge and experience in their focus area. Please continue to visit our website from time to time to learn about new workshops and programs we’re offering.
Fall 2024 // Weekend Workshops
The Design Lab is excited to offer ten discipline-specific, in-person, Weekend Workshops this fall for middle and high school students. Each workshop will take place on Saturdays from 9:00am – 4:00pm with lunch at noon. See the weekend workshop schedule below. Students can register any time between September and one week in advance of each workshop, and students can register for as many weekend workshops as they are interested in.
Workshops will introduce students to design thinking and the design process through challenge-based activities. Through these workshops, students will have the opportunity to develop a better understanding of our designed world and find answer to these questions: What is design? How do designers think?
Please send questions to designlab_k12@ncsu.edu. Thanks!
Architecture // What’s the Weather?
Investigate the relationship between our environment and architecture through design trails of wind, water, and sun! Students will design a series of creative physical models that will adapt and collaborate with natural systems–gaining a greater understanding of the power of design through topics of sustainability and biophilic architecture. Throughout the project, students will learn fundamental model making skills used within the architectural practice and develop a series of 3-5 investigative physical models. Students will have the opportunity to explore sustainable strategies within architecture and implement them into their designs including rainwater management, passive strategies, energy production, and beyond! Learn how to design with nature in “What’s the Weather?”
- Grade Range: 9th – 12th Grade
- Total Seats: 20
- Cost: $90
Architecture // Form in Focus
In this workshop, students will explore the process of form finding and making. They will engage in a conceptual phase of design through ideation, iteration, and craftsmanship. Through collaging, students will establish a concept for a pavilion that promotes leisure and gathering spaces. These concepts will be translated into form-based models to explore various iterations. Additionally, participants will learn the basics of architectural drawing and will grow a deeper understanding of both the preliminary and practical design skills.
- Grade Range: 9th – 12th Grade
- Total Seats: 20
- Cost: $90
Architecture // It’s a Facade!
Come explore the exciting world of architectural design! In this hands-on, one-day workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of facade design by conceptualizing and creating a unique building exterior. Each student will receive a unique client brief and be challenged to design a facade (exterior of the building) that reflects the client’s brand and identity, all while considering aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.
By the end of the workshop, students will have multiple sketches, iteration models, and also a final design!
Whether you’re dreaming of a career in architecture or just love design, this workshop will empower you to think critically and creatively about how buildings interact with their environments. No prior experience is needed—just bring your imagination and passion for design!
- Grade Range: 9th – 12th Grade
- Total Seats: 20
- Cost: $90
https://www.youth-teen.uw.edu/programs/winter-spring-2025-courses
Washington, University – Seattle, WA
3D Design & CAD Modeling
Jan 7–Mar 13, 2025
Tue, Thu 6 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Master the fundamentals of CAD (computer-aided design) for 3D printing, architecture and engineering. In this course, you’ll learn how to work with Tinkercad, SketchUp and Fusion 360 software to turn your ideas into 3D models. You’ll complete challenges that include designing structures, toys, tools, architecture and trophies, and participate in friendly competitions with other students for bragging rights for the best model. We’ll also explore careers connected to 3D design, and professional CAD designers will occasionally pop in for brief presentations. On the last day of class, you’ll share your designs with family and friends at a virtual open house. By the end of this course, you’ll have a solid understanding of the three CAD software programs you worked with and be ready to keep learning on your own.
What You’ll Learn
- Fundamentals of 3D modeling software to create objects with specific shapes and dimensions
- How to analyze architectural models and incorporate various architectural design elements
- Insights into careers and industries that employ people with 3D modeling skills
- Basic universal design terminology and why virtual models are used
Who Should Register
This course is for sixth to eighth graders. You don‘t need any previous CAD experience.
We offer this course multiple times each year to meet student demand. If you’ve previously enrolled in the in-person version of this course, you’ll encounter some curriculum overlap in this online course but also new content to engage with.
Architectural Studies I
Jan 6–Mar 12, 2025
Mon, Wed 6 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
The study of architecture is an exciting multidisciplinary activity that combines an investigation into the design process with an examination of history and socioecological conditions. In this course, you’ll have a chance to explore architectural studies through a sequence of design prompts. You’ll begin with exercises focused on your own home/work area and practice the foundations of orthographic and perspective design drawing. For your final project, you’ll study a photographer’s work to define an aspect of their artistic style, then use this information to inspire a space of your own design — a live/work studio for the photographer. Through drawings and models, you’ll develop your observation, representation and visual presentation skills. The course will conclude with a virtual exhibition of student work to guests from the architectural design community. Come explore whether architecture might be the right path for you.
What You’ll Learn
- Principles of design thinking
- How to plan and deliver visual and verbal presentations
- Design-related vocabulary and visual language to share complex ideas
Who Should Register
This course is for ninth to 12th graders and is a prerequisite for Architectural Studies II.
Architectural Studies II
Mar 24–May 28, 2025
Mon, Wed 6 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Interested in diving deeper into the world of architecture? Architecture II expands upon what you learned in Architectural Studies I. In this course, you’ll work with a hypothetical client, and examine the history and socioeconomic conditions of a specific community in the world. We’ll begin by exploring urban design and design justice. Throughout the course you’ll work on designing a community space for the Japanese American Museum network. You’ll learn from guest speakers and take virtual excursions to sites of significance in the Japanese American Museum network. You’ll also practice skills in siting, programming, vignetting, detailing, and visual and verbal presentation. The course will conclude with an virtual exhibition of student work to guests from the professional architectural design community.
What You’ll Learn
- How to develop your unique design process that is receptive and dynamic
- New attitudes that deepen your understanding of community as a tangible part of architecture
- The ways in which the community is a tangible part of architecture
- How architectural ideas help transform communities
Who Should Register
This course is for ninth to 12th graders. Architectural Studies I is a prerequisite to register for this course.