Three key ways HBCUs impact the profession

When students and faculty from accredited HBCU architecture programs gathered in Washington, DC, on March 22 to explore the concept at the 2024 HBCU Student Form, they heard a clear message from AIA: This organization is committed to the work of dismantling barriers that inhibit opportunity.

The annual HBCU Student Forum unites architecture students with industry leaders for workshops, discussions, lectures, and networking. Along with AIA CEO/EVP Lakisha Ann Woods, CAE, AIA president Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, NOMAC, spoke to the group, sharing her story and offering advice to the emerging leaders.

“Everyone’s journey is different, but what is constant is that architecture schools play a crucial role in the development of future practitioners. School culture and firm culture are interconnected,” said Dowdell. “Your role in shaping the future of the profession is vital. We rely on your leadership to fulfill two critical responsibilities. First, to inspire and guide new students. Second, to question and transform the conventional practices of existing professionals.”

Of the 139 accredited schools of architecture in the United States, only seven HBCU institutions - Howard University, Tuskegee University, Prairie View A&M University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, the University of the District of Columbia, and Morgan State University - have the distinction of offering National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredited degree programs, and their programs produce graduates who are making a positive impact on the building industry.

This event is a reminder that HBCU students are valuable players in the future of architecture. Here are three important ways HBCUs are ensuring the inclusion of minority architects in the future of the profession.

Increasing the number of licensed minority architects in the profession

It has become commonly known that the seven HBCU schools, which represent less than 6% of the institutions with NAAB programs, graduate the vast majority of licensed African American architects in the United States. One third of all Black architecture students attend an HBCU. This is significant because, on average, each of the remaining degree programs only graduates two Black architecture students a year.

Increasing visibility for students who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) scholars and leaders

The matriculation rate of HBCU students in contrast to the matriculation rate of minority students at predominantly white institutions can be largely attributed to the dedicated roles served by underrepresented faculty, staff, and local communities of registered architects that teach, support, and nurture these BIPOC scholars while cultivating the legacies of these HBCU schools of architecture as premiere academic institutions. HBCUs also present students with unique experiences – like serving as an AIA HQ Renewal intern. AIA will host the fourth and final cohort of this special partnership with the seven NAAB accredited HBCUs,   putting Black students in front of leading architects from around the United States and creating an instant professional network to help these students as they launch their careers.

Increasing financial support for BIPOC students

Dedicated HBCU alumni and supporters work tirelessly to ensure that their students, who often come from backgrounds where a career as an architect is not typically considered achievable, are provided opportunities that ensure they receive the highest level of academic learning environments to compete in a challenging and competitive profession. Donating to support an HBCU scholar helps expand opportunity for remarkable students and advances diversity in the profession.