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.
![Students sketching during AIA DC Walking Tour at AIA24](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_325x183/public/2024-06/20240606_102859.jpg?h=f49ed93f&itok=6LV9nBbH)
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Explore and 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.
K-12 architecture & design resources
Parents, educators, and community members can all play an important role in introducing students to rewarding and exciting careers—and helping them realize their potential.
Architecture remains a vital and popular career option, with numerous pathways for students who express interest in drawing, creating, building, and problem-solving. Starting early is the key.
Teaching architecture and design means fostering a love of learning and discovery across all core subject areas, cultivating students' innate creativity, and enhancing their observation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
There are numerous resources available to cultivate the next generation of designers and leaders and ensure the future generation of architects is inspired, prepared, and diverse. We're here to help.
Elementary Books (K-5)
100 Things to Know about Architecture by Louis O'Brien & Leanne Daphne (Built environment)
A City Through Time by Philip Steele (Built environment, Design, History)
A Handful of Seeds by Monica Hughes (Climate action, Community)
A Home for Every Plant: Wonders of the Botanical World by Matthew Biggs (Climate action)
A World of Your Own by Laura Carlin (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty (Design, Innovation, Women's History Month)
Alphabet Everywhere by Elliott Kaufman (Design)
Arches to Zigzags by Michael J. Crosbie & Steven Rosenthal (Built environment)
Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg (Innovation, Perseverance)
Beneath the Streets of Boston: Building America's First Subway by Joe McKendry (Built environment, Community, Design, Innovation)
Big City Atlas by Maggie Li (Built environment)
Boxitects by Kim Smith (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
Brick by Brick by Giullano Ferri (Climate action, Community)
Brick by Brick by Heidi Woodward Sheffield (Community, Design, Perseverance, Women's History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month)
Brick: Who Found Herself in Architecture by Joshua David Stein (Built environment)
Build a House by Rhiannon Giddens (Community, Perseverance, Black History Month)
Builder Brothers: Big Plans by Drew & Jonathan Scott (Built environment, Design)
Building Zaha: The Story of Architect Zaha Hadid by Victoria Tentler-Krylov (Biography, Design, Perseverance, Women's History Month)
Design Your World by Maria VanDeman (Black History Month, Design, Women's History Month)
Doll-e 1.0 by Shanda McCloskey (Innovation, Women's History Month)
Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon by Kelly Lyons (Biography, Black History Month, Community)
Dreaming UP by Christy Hale (Built environment)
Empire State Building: When New York Reached for the Skies by Elizabeth Mann (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
Frank Lloyd Wright: Meet the Architect! by Patricia Geis (Biography, Built environment)
Funny Machines for George the Sheep by Géraldine Elschner (Design, Innovation)
Harlem Grown: How One Big Idea Transformed a Neighborhood by Tony Hillery (Black History Month, Climate action, Community, Innovation)
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson (Community, Innovation)
Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth by Oliver Jeffers (Climate action)
House Held Up by Trees by Ted Kooser (Climate action)
How a House is Built by Gail Gibbons (Built environment, Design)
How Cities Work by Feroze & Hancock (Built environment)
How Did They Build That? (series) by various authors (Built environment, Design)
How Do Bridges Not Fall Down? A Book about Architecture & Engineering by Jennifer Shand (Built environment, Design)
I am I.M. Pei by Brad Meltzer (Asian Heritage Month, Biography)
If I Built a House by Chris Van Dusen (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
If I Built a School by Chris Van Dusen (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak (Design, Innovation)
Interstellar Cinderella by Deborah Underwood (Innovation, Perseverance)
Jeux D'enfance Pop-Up Book by Gérard Lo Monaco (Design, Innovation)
Joe and the Skyscraper: The Empire State Building in New York City by Dietrich Neumann (Built environment)
Kid Architect Goes to Moody Nolan Architects by Gary Vance (Black History Month, Built environment)
The Streets are Free by Kurusa (Built environment, Community, Hispanic Heritage Month)
Larry Gets Lost in Philadelphia by John Skewes & Michael Mullin (Built environment)
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena (Community, Hispanic Heritage Month)
Listen to the Earth: Caring for our Planet by Carme Lemnscates (Climate action)
Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World by Vashti Harrison (Asian Heritage Month, Black History Month, Biography, Hispanic Heritage Month, Women's History Month)
Little Elliot, Big City by Mike Curato (Asian Heritage Month, Built environment, Community)
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison (Biography, Black History Month, Women's History Month)
Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History by Vashti Harrison (Biography, Black History Month)
Little People, Big Dreams: Zaha Hadid by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara (Biography, Design, Perseverance, Women's History Month)
Lonely Planet Kids: How Animals Build by Moira Butterfield (Animal architecture)
Lonely Planet Kids: How Cities Work by Jen Feroze (Built environment)
Look at That Building! by Scot Ritchie (Built environment)
Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey (Built environment, Community)
Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines by Jeanne Walker Harvey (Asian Heritage Month, Biography, Design, Innovation)
Maybe I'll be an Architect by Tenille Bettenhausen (Built environment, Career exploration)
Maybe I'll be an Engineer by Tenille Bettenhausen (Built environment, Career exploration)
Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney (Community, Women's History Month)
Moxie, the Dachsund of Fallingwater by Cara Armstrong (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
Need a House? Call Ms. Mouse! by George Mendoza (Built environment, Community, Design)
Not a Box by Antoinette Portis (Design, Innovation)
Numbers Everywhere by Elliott Kaufman (Design)
Old Enough to Save the Planet by Loll Kirby (Climate action)
On This Spot: An Expedition Back Through Time by Susan E. Goodman (Built environment)
Roberto, the Insect Architect by Nina Laden (Community, Design, Innovation)
Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty (Design, Innovation)
Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran (Community, Design, Innovation)
Shapes, Lines, and Light by Katie Yamasaki (Asian Heritage Month, Biography)
Shigeru Ban Builds a Better World by Isadoro Saturno (Biography, Community, Hispanic Heritage Month, Innovation)
Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty (Community, Innovation, Women's History Month)
The Fascinating Engineering Book for Kids by Dr. Jacie Maslyk (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
The Gardener by Sarah Stewart (Climate action, Community)
The Giant Game of Sculpture by Hervé Tullet (Design, Innovation)
The House That She Built by Mollie Elkman (Built environment, Design, Women's History Month)
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires (Innovation, Perseverance)
The Shape of the World: A Portrait of Frank Lloyd Wright by K.L. Going (Biography, Built environment, Design)
The Three Little Pigs: An Architectural Tale by Steven Guarnaccia (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
The World is Not a Rectangle by Jeannette Winter (Biography, Design, Innovation)
The World of Design by Pamela Pease (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
Walking in the City with Jane: A Story of Jane Jacobs by Susan Hughes (Built environment, Community, Perseverance)
We Build Our Homes: Small Stories of Incredible Animal Architects by Laura Knowles (Animal architecture)
What Can a Citizen Do? by Dave Eggers (Community, Innovation)
What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada (Innovation)
What Is Architecture? by Atianna J. Cordova (Built environment)
When Pencil Met Eraser by Karen Kilpatrick & Luis O. Ramos, Jr (Community, Innovation)
When Pencil Met the Markers by Karen Kilpatrick & Luis O. Ramos, Jr. (Community, Innovation)
Where the Trees Grow by Yoon Kang-mi (Asian Heritage Month, Climate action, Community, Innovation, Women's History Month)
Who Made My Stuff? Miles learns about design by Aisha Denemore-Bay (Black History Month, Design, Innovation)
Who was Frank Lloyd Wright? by Ellen Labrecque & Who HQ (Biography, Built environment, Design, Innovation)
Young Frank, Architect by Frank Viva (Built environment, Community, Design)
K-5 Activity books
Ada Twist's Big Project Book for Stellar Scientists by Andrea Beaty (Activities)
Adventures in Architecture for Kids by Vicky Chan (Activities)
Architecture Around the World: Designing from A-Z! by Xena Stryler (Coloring)
Architecture for Kids by Mark Moreno (Activities)
Art-chitect 3D Home Design Architecture Kit (Activities)
Awesome Architecture Activities for Kids by Andrea Mulder-Slater, Jantje Blokhuis-Mulder, & Geoff Slater (Activities)
Awesome Construction Activities for Kids by Akyiaa Morrison (Activities)
Bee an Architect Activity & Coloring Book by AIA Iowa (Activities, Coloring)
Build it! An Activity Book on Architecture by Brian Elling (Sticker Activity)
Colour and Create Architecture: Georgie Finds a Home by Nerea Bermejo Olaizola (Coloring)
Colour and Create Architecture 2: Cities of the World by Nerea Bermejo Olaizola (Coloring)
Creative Houses: Coloring Book for Kids by Rachel Mintz (Coloring)
Gutsy Girls Go for Science: Engineers with STEM Projects for Kids by Diane Taylor (Activities)
Iggy Peck's Big Project Book for Amazing Architects by Andrea Beaty (Activities)
Let's Play Indoors! Fun Crafts for Children by Gestalten Little & Ryan Evers (Activities)
Minecrafter Architect: Amazing Starter Homes by Megan Miller (Design)
Minecrafter Architect: The Builder's Idea Book by Megan Miller (Design)
Rosie Revere's Big Project Book for Bold Engineers by Andrea Beaty (Activities)
The House That She Built Coloring & Activity Book by Mollie Elkman (Activities, Coloring)
You be the Architect by Square Root of Squid Publishing (Activities, Drawing)
Secondary Books (6-12)
All the Buildings in... (series) by James Gulliver Hancock (Built environment, Design)
Animal Architecture: Photographs of Natural Habitats by Ingo Arndt (Animal architecture)
Architecture: The Definitive Visual Guide (Comprehensive)
Barns: A Close-Up Look by Alan Giagnocavo & HABS (Built environment)
Building Toys: An Architect's Collection by John Rock (Architectural building toys)
Climate Change (DK Eyewitness) by DK & John Woodward (Climate action)
Covered Bridges: A Close-Up Look by Alan Giagnocavo & HABS (Built environment)
Full of Life: Exploring Earth's Biodiversity by Isabel Thomas (Climate action)
Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women by Catherine Thimmesh (Design, Innovation, Women's History Month)
Hidden Systems: Water, Electricity, the Internet, and the Secrets Behind the Systems We Use Every Day by Dan Nott (Built Environment, Design, Innovation)
How to Think Like Frank Lloyd Wright by Catherine Teegarden (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
How Was That Built? by Roma Agrawal (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
Immigrant Architect: Rafael Guastavino and the American Dream by Berta de Miguel (Biography, Community, Design, Hispanic Heritage Month, Innovation)
Knowledge Encyclopedia: Art & Architecture by Wonder House Books (Built environment, Design, History)
Le Corbusier in His Own Words by Antoine Vigne (Biography, Built environment, Design)
Lighthouses: A Close-Up Look by Alan Giagnocavo & HABS (Built environment)
Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman (Climate action, community)
The Architecture Book: Big Ideas Explained by DK (Career exploration, Comprehensive)
The Earth and I by James Lovelock (Climate action)
The Future Architect's Handbook by Barbara Beck (Built environment, Design)
The LEGO Architect by Tom Alphin (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
The LEGO Neighborhood Volumes I & II by Lyles & Lyles (Built environment, Design, Innovation)
Watch This Space: Designing, Defending, and Sharing Public Spaces by Hadley Dyer (Built environment, Community, Design)
The World by Design: The Story of a Global Architecture Firm by A. Eugene Kohn (Biography, Design, Innovation)
Who Built That? Modern Houses: An Introduction to Modern Houses and Their Architects by Didier Cornille (Biography, Built environment, Design)
6-12 Activity books
Archi-Doodle by Steve Bowkett (Drawing)
Archi-Doodle City by Steve Bowkett (Drawing)
Archi-Doodle Coloring Books by ALICE (Coloring)
Architecture Crossword Puzzles by Grab Grab A Pencil Press (Puzzles)
Architecture for Teens by Danielle Wilkins (Activities)
Creative Haven Whimsical Houses Coloring Book by Dr. Angela Porter (Coloring)
Famous Buildings of Frank Lloyd Wright by Bruce LaFontaine (Coloring)
How to Draw Architecture by Markus Agerer (Drawing)
The Art of Construction: Projects and Principles for Beginning Engineers and Architects by Mario Salvadori (Activities)
The LEGO Architecture Idea Book by Finch (Activities, Drawing)
GAMES
7 Wonders Architects: Board game, 8+
Akropolis: Board game, 8+
Archeo-Logic: Board game, 12+
Architecto: Board game, 7+
Architects of the West Kingdom: Board game, 12+
Cities: Skylines I & II: PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch, PC: E
Copenhagen: Board game, 8+
Décorum: A game of passive aggressive cohabitation: Board game, 13+
Floor Plan: Board game, 8+
I Can Build It! Architecture Set: Board game, 8+
Iconic Buildings of the World: Board game, 8+
Project Highrise: Architect's Edition: PS4, Xbox, Switch: E10+
Queen's Architect: Board game, 10+
Stonespine Architects: Board game, 10+
Suburbia: The City-Building Boardgame: Board game, 14+
Camps (Grade Level noted)
AIA Chattanooga (6-12, TN): Hip Hop Architecture Camp, July 22-26, 2024
AIA Central New York (9-12, NY): Intro to Architecture Summer Program, July 8-August 14, 2024
AIA New York (3-12): Week-long summer classes for grades 3-5, 6-8,or 9-12
ArchCareersGuide: Comprehensive list updated each winter with summer architecture camps
Archinect: 2024 Summer Architecture Programs for Kids and High School Students
Architecture and Design Exchange (K-12, TX), Ongoing: Through our K-12 activities, we aim to inspire and educate students about the power of architecture, fostering creative problem-solving skills along the way.
Architecture Foundation of Oregon (K-12, OR): Summer camp catalog for Oregon
Architecture Foundation of Oregon (3-6, OR): Virtual architects in school summer camp, June 24-28, 2024
arKIDect (2-8, Virtual): Join young architects as they design dream homes, master floor layouts, and craft 3D models. Design kit delivered to your doorstep.
BAM (Black Architects in the Making) (2-10): Mission is to inspire young minds by planting a seed through the universal language of Architecture and Design. Locations in Orlando and Miami.
Beam Camp (4-12, NH): Specialized summer camp focused on project making, June 29-July 27 or July 30-August 15, 2024
Boston Society for Architecture (9-12, MA): Architecture/Design Thinking Week provides public HS students with the opportunity to learn about architecture from local architects. Held during February school vacation.
Carnegie Mellon University, School of Architecture (K-12, PA): Partnership with fellow arts organizations to offer a variety of summer day camps.
Center for Architecture + Design (9-12, CA): Fun and fast-paced 3-week summer program for HS students, June 1-28 or July 8-26, 2025
Cincinnati Architectural Mentoring Program (8-9, OH): Five-day immersive camp experience for students entering grades 8 or 9, July 8-12, 2024
DesignX (2-9, CA): Students ages 7-15 make their unique ideas for fashion, toys and architecture come alive in a fun, creative and thoughtful environment. Bay area
District Architecture Center (3-8, DC): Summer Camp, July 15-19, 2024
Frank Lloyd Wright Trust (3-5 or 6-8, IL): Work in Wright's iconic Oak Park Studio to collaborate and consider the needs of the community. July-August, 2024
Hip Hop Architecture (6-12, Nationwide): Inspire creativity, inclusivity, and diversity in the world of architecture. Summer
La Jolla Historical Society (7-12, CA): Week-long program for students in 7-9 and 10-12. Summer
Mobile Makers (2-5 and 6-9, IL): Hands-on exploration of design and architecture. June-August, 2024
National Building Museum (2-3, DC): Week-long summer camp for rising 2nd and 3rd graders. July 22-26, July 29-August 2, August 5-9, 2024
Project Pipeline (6-12, Nationwide): NOMA's local summer camp provides students of color the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of architecture and design. Various dates throughout the summer depending on location.
Seattle Summer Intensive (9-12, Seattle): Free educational opportunity for 24 students who want to take a deeper dive into the design process provided by Miller Hull.
SPIKE Studio (9-12, GA): Explore your inner designer, architect, engineer, or builder through STEM learning and hands-on activities. June 10-14 & 17-21, 2024.
Taliesin (5-9, WI): Virtual and In-Person, ages 10-15: Design a Space (Virtual), Architectural Watercolor and Design (In-Person), Minecraft Done Wright! (In-Person). June 17-21, 24-28, and July 22-26.
The Center for Architecture and Design (9-12, OH): High School Design Studio is a 2-week program for students interested in design. June 17-28, 2024
University of TN-Knoxville (9-12, TN): A week of immersive design learning and exploration. July 14-20, 2024
WRNS Studio (9-12, CA & NY): Calling all Black and Brown HS students curious about architecture and the design profession! Summer, 2024
Events
AIA Chicago (9-12, IL): Chicago Architecture + Design College Day: free event open to HS and college students, Fall
AIA Cleveland (Grade 5-Adult, OH): Volleyball & Sand Castle Construction, Summer
AIA Staten Island (Grades 2-8, NY): Spaghetti-Marshmallow Building Contest, Winter
Center for Architecture (7-12, NY): Architecture and Design College Fair for HS and college students, October 19, 2024
CREW Network (9-12, PA): Hands-on one-day or multi-session program introducing girls to the many careers available to them in the commercial real estate industry. Ongoing.
Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation (K-12, AZ): Discovery Day at Taliesin West, Spring
Mobile Makers (8-12, IL): Join like-minded, creative teens from the Chicago area to envision positive community change! Workshop series, May, 2024.
Programs & Workshops
ACE Mentor (9-12, Nationwide): No-cost after-school program that prioritizes workforce development for HS students by connecting them with experts from the design and construction industry.
AIA DC (K-12, DC): Plan, design, and build with the family. Ongoing
AIA New York (9-12, NY): Teen Workshops offered on weekends during the school year. Ongoing.
AIAS (9-12, Nationwide): Join or start a local high school American Institute of Architecture Students chapter for free.
Architecture and Design Exchange (K-8, TX): Design and build the city you want for your future. Ongoing.
Architecture Foundation of Oregon (K-12, OR): 1-page flyer for Oregon students to explore opportunities. Ongoing.
Architectural Foundation of San Francisco (9-12, CA): Half-day program 3 days/week for HS students interested in design, engineering, or architecture. Ongoing.
arKIDect (K-12, Virtual, FL, NY): One-on-one and group architecture classes, after-school programs, and architect birthday parties.
Ball State University (9-12, IN): Faculty, in partnership with STUDIOAXIS Architecture professionals, host workshops for HS students. Ongoing.
Black Architects in the Making (BAM) (6-12, FL): Online sketching workshops in Orlando, FL. Ongoing.
Boston Society for Architecture (K-8, MA): KidsBuild! allows children to formulate ideas about architecture and design as they build a city from the ground up. Ongoing.
Carnegie Mellon University, School of Architecture Saturday Sequence (K-12, PA): The K-12 Saturday Sequence emphasizes the problem-solving skills central to the architectural design process and guides students through an architectural project.
Center for Architecture and Design (K-8, NY): Two-hour family workshops take place one Saturday/month.
Center for Architecture + Design (9-12, Virtual): Distance-learning workshops in sustainable design and digital architecture. Ongoing.
Chicago Architecture Center (7-12, IL): Teen Saturday Studios offer a unique opportunity to learn from those in the field. Ongoing.
Chicago Architecture Center (6-9, IL): Girld Build! is a unique experiential program designed to engage girls ages 12-15. Ongoing.
Design Like a Girl (5-8, DC): Pairs students with women in architecture, open to young people between the ages of 11-13, Ongoing
Design Philadelphia (K-12, PA): Family and Saturday workshops. Ongoing.
Los Angeles Conservancy (3-12, CA): Bring LA history to your home with a virtual workshop. Ongoing.
National Building Museum (K-8, DC): Family workshops held the second Saturday of each month.
Next Great Architects (K-12, IN): Teaching studio that nurtures budding architects from kindergarten through college. Ongoing.
San Diego Architectural Foundation (K-12, Virtual): Monthly series of video tutorials to teach sketching techniques. Ongoing
Sculpture School (3-10, VT): A building program and workspace for youth ages 8-16 in Waitsfield, VT. Ongoing.
Seattle Architecture Foundation (K-12, WA): Workshops encourage youth ages 5-16 to explore architecture and design principles. Ongoing.
The Center for Architecture and Design (3-8, OH): Design Pop! offers engaging activities for aspiring young designers. Ongoing.
The Center for Architecture and Design (9-12, OH): HSDW is a fun 3-5 hour design workshop offered to under-represented HS students interested in architecture. Ongoing.
WRNS Studio (6-12, CA/NY): studioWRNS is an educational program with a focus of attraching Black and Brown students to the field of architecture. Ongoing.
AIA chapter resources
Many local chapters host educational programs and are eager to share their experiences. Reach out to your local AIA chapter to discuss the possibilities.
AIAS #askanarchitect
Interested in learning more about being an Architect? The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) has a variety of videos and interviews as part of their #askanarchitect series
ACE Mentor
Are you a high school student interested in learning more about the design and construction industry? Want to work directly with industry professionals? Learn more about the ACE Mentor Program.
Explore architecture social media channels
If you are old enough, Instagram is a source of impressive architecture from around the world.
NCARB
Regularly updated blog featuring a variety of articles and insights, including the Top Eight YouTube Channels for Architects.
NOMA
Chapters of National Organization of Minority Architects hold annual Project Pipeline summer camps, designed to empower young people to affect change in their community through design. Check out our resource map for summer camp locations.
Curriculum
AIA Lesson Plans (K-5): Hot in here!, Shelter in the midst, Wellness in the warehouse, Fitting in
AIA Lesson Plans (6-12): From tetrahedral conception to creation, Net zero launch, Holding on through the hurricane, Diminutive dwellings, Energy expertise, Creating in your community, At the heart of homelessness
Arch for Kids (K-12)
ASTEK (4-6)
Boston Society for Architecture (K)
CA Architectural Foundation (K-12)
Careers Building Communities (K-12)
Frank Lloyd Wright Trust (K-12)
K-12 Architecture Education: An Interdisciplinary Curriculum Guide (K-12)
Learn Deep Milwaukee (5-12)
Stanford's d.school (K-12)
Urban Plan (11-12): Specific for economics and government courses.
US Department of Education (9-12): Annual HS challenges
USGBC (K-12)
Field Trips
AIA DC (3-8, DC): Walking tour kits of five neighborhoods include everything a parent, teacher, or leader would need to guide children. Designed for ages 8-12 but fun and educational for everyone.
AIA Houston (7-12, TX): 9 area neighborhood walking tours
Architecture and Design Exchange (K-12, TX): Three regular walking tours that explore the breadth of Dallas' architecture.
Frank Lloyd Wright Trust (K-12, IL): On-site and virtual tours
Los Angeles Conservancy (3-12, CA): In-person and virtual field trips
The Glass House (K-12, CT): Shigeru Ban's Paper Log House, a 14'x14' enclosure made of paper tubes, wood, and milk crates (April 15-December 15, 2024)
Guides
AIA Design Charrette: Resource guide for those wishing to create a secondary school student design challenge.
AIA Volunteering Guidelines: Volunteering and engagement tips for those hoping to create a student activation.
NCARB: Guidebook for K-12 counselors and educators to help guide students consider a career in architecture.
Presentations
AIA: Slide deck based on NCARB's Architecture Guidebook to be used as an introduction to architecture. Email k12@aia.org to receive an editable version.
AIA Kansas City (K-6): A slide deck created to teach students what an architect does, design thinking, the stages of design, and how to become an architect.
AIA Kansas City (7-12): A slide deck created to teach students what an architect does, design thinking, the stages of design, and how to become an architect.
Professional Development
AIA New York (K-12)
IDEO (5-12)
Learn Deep Milwaukee (5-12)
School Programs
AIA Baltimore (6-12, MD): Partnership with local Baltimore Design School including portfolio reviews with seniors.
AIA DC (K-12, NY): Match volunteer architects with public school teachers.
AIA FL Northwest (Grade 5, FL): Annual Grade 5 Gingerbread House Competition, complete with zoning code regulations.
AIA Houston (5-8, TX): Kids and Architecture partners with Citizen Schools to teach architecture and design.
AIA New Hampshire (Grade 4, NH): Three class sessions leading to the creation of a "Shoebox Clubhouse" by each child.
AIA New York (K-12, NY): Classroom residency programs introduce students to architecture and design.
Architecture Foundation of Oregon (Grade 5, OR): Match professionals with classroom teachers to co-create a 6-week residency.
arKIDect (K-12, FL, NY): Educators will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to effectively teach architecture to children over the course of an 8-week engaging, fun, and educational program.
Baltimore Architecture Foundation (K-12, Baltimore): Adopt-a-School program in partnership with local architecture firms.
Beam Center (K-12, NY): Co-create curriculum aligned hands-on projects.
Boston Society for Architecture (Grade 4, Boston): Build a 3'x4' model showcasing your design based on the Mayor's prompt.
Design Challenge (6-12): Use AIA's instructional guide to host your own design challenge.
Design Explorr (K-12, OH): Collection of courses and workshops designed to address the diversity gap within the design profession.
Design Lab: Learn & Build (K-8, OH): Free, hands-on program offered to teachers and students in the Cincinnati area.
Design Philadelphia (K-12, PA): 5-6 session series introducing students to the design process through volunteer architects, designers, and engineers.
DesignX (K-12, CA): DesignX offers flexible fashion, toy, and product design programs that can be customized to fit any school's specific requirements, ensuring a tailored and meaningful educational experience.
Florida Foundation for Architecture (K-12, FL): STEAM focused, Florida-standards based, 8-10 week curriculum enrichment program that matches professional architects with classroom teachers. Ongoing.
Learn Deep Milwaukee (5-12, WI): A challenging learning experience that elevates students' voices and extends beyond the classroom.
Los Angeles Conservancy (3-12, Virtual): Bring LA history to students with an interactive multi-session workshop.
Open Studio (9-12, San Diego): Dynamic half-day studio sessions where students learn about architecture and participate in a design project where they will have opportunities to conceptualize, sketch, model, and present their ideas.
Taliesin Preservation (3-8, Virtual): During each project session, educational staff will lead classroom time, broadcasting live directly from the Taliesin estate. Educators will receive a packet of supplemental materials in digital form.
Terrace Town (K-5, WI): Terrace Town brings architecture, design, and city planning curriculum to Dane County elementary classrooms. Occurs every other year.
University of Texas at San Antonio (3 & 5, TX): KIDS is an architecture-based program offered to 3rd and 5th grade students where participants learn art and design concepts by way of exploring the built world.
Apprenticeship
Beam Center: NY students from partner schools, Grade 12
Design Competitions
AIA Atlanta: GA students, 9-12
AIA Houston: Houston students, 9-12
AIA Indianapolis: IN students, 9-12
AIA New Hampshire: NH students, 9-12
AIA Toledo: OH students, 9-12
Architecture and Design Exchange: TX students, 5-12
Center for Architecture + Design: International, 9-12
Chicago Architecture Center: Chicagoland students, 9-12
SchoolsNext: Chapters around the country, 5-12. Sign up by group/class, need not be a member.
The Bit Center: Bridge engineering competition, 5-12. 10/20/24, Baltimore, MD
US Department of Education CTE Momentum--Power Your Future Challenge: Nationwide, 9-12
Externship
AIA New York: NYC students, 9-12
Internships
AIA DC: DC students, 11-12
Boston Society for Architecture: Boston students, 10-12
Denver Public Schools: DPS students, 9-12
Miller Hull: Seattle, 11-12
Tappin Roots: Portland students, 9-12
Youth Build Boston: Boston students, 9-12
Scholarships
AIA Chattanooga: TN students, 9-12
AIA East Tennessee: TN students, 10-12
AIA Richmond, Greater Richmond Metro students, 12
Arch Careers Guide: List of national and regional scholarships
Architects Foundation: Nationwide, Grade 12 and enroling in a NAAB-accredited architecture degree program
Architecture and Design Exchange: list of scholarships and fellowships
Study Architecture: list of resources for prospective students of color
Wisconsin Architects Foundation: WI students, Grade 12
Activities
AIA Climate Action Design Challenge
AIA "The House That She Built" Building Certificate Program
AIA DC Online Learning for Kids
AIA Iowa Activity & Coloring Book
AIA Kansas City Animal Dice Game
AdEx At-home Activities
Resource Guides
AIA Kansas City: Explore Architecture! Resource Guidebook
AIA Nebraska: What is an Architect?
ArchCareersGuide: Free "Careers in Architecture and Beyond" downloadable book
ASLA: Your Path to Landscape Architecture
NCARB's Destination Architect Booklet, Resource Guide, and Webpage: Find out more about the steps to becoming a licensed architect.
Study Architecture: Explore an Architecture Student's Journey
Videos
AIA Future Focused Video Series highlighting underrepresented architects and designers weekly.
AIA Connecticut Video Series of 5 Local Projects
AIA Kansas City Explore Architecture
AIA Connecticut Architecture in Our Community
I am an Architect: History of Architecture
I am an Architect: Discover Architecture
YouTube Channels
Archimarathon: In this channel, Kevin Hüi (Archimarathon) and Andrew Maynard (Austin Maynard Architects) make the topic of architecture more accessible to everyone.
LEGO House: Documentary about the building of a life-size LEGO house
NCARB's Top 8 YouTube Channels for Architects
Sketching Tutorials: Simple tutorials, tips and tricks for architecture sketches.
Stewart Hicks: Architect based in Chicago who makes videos that explore and explain the built environment.
The B1M: The world’s largest, most subscribed-to video channel for construction.
The Local Project: Explore immersive house tours, delve into interior design intricacies, and discover ground breaking home architecture.
30x40 Design Workshop: Videos about architecture, designs of simple modern homes + an architect who openly shares his process online.
Local elementary and high school students joined professionals at AIA24 to engage in a variety of architecture and design activities.
Reach out for any inquiries regarding K-12 outreach or resources at AIA.
Join the discussion on how to support student pathways to the profession.