ACE MENTOR PROGRAM – RALEIGH/DURHAM
http://www.acerdu.org/
The ACE Mentor Program of America, founded in 1994, is a no-cost after-school program that prioritizes workforce development for high school students by connecting them with experts from the design and construction industry. Our mission is to engage, excite, and enlighten high school students to pursue careers in architecture, engineering, and construction through mentoring and to support their continued advancement in the industry. We believe that every student can achieve their full potential with the right support and opportunities.
The ACE Mentor Program of Raleigh/Durham has provided a unique opportunity for students to work with industry professionals, develop critical skills, and explore a variety of AEC career paths through project based learning and construction site visits. Join us today and discover your potential in the design and construction industry.
How ACE Works:
https://www.acementor.org/about-us/how-ace-works/
Register (Registration open August – October):
https://www.acerdu.org/enroll
Program Starts: September
Program Ends: in March-April
Contact: https://www.acerdu.org/contact
EXPLORING
https://exploring.ocscouts.org
“Exploring” is a career exploration program administered by Scouting America, with various design, architecture, and construction related posts around the Triangle.
Intro to Architecture, Post 470 – Offered by global design firm Perkins&Will, high schoolers are given a broad overview of various aspects of the architectural profession, are guided through developing a design concept of their own, and have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to attend NCSU’s summer design camp. Sessions are held Wednesday evenings, once a month in our downtown Durham studio, beginning in September each year.
Architecture Exploring, Post 1618 – Representatives from LS3P (architecture), OBSIDIAN Group (real estate), and Barrier1 Systems (construction products) help high schoolers learn about the profession of architecture through activities, field trips, and mentoring from
local professionals. The year-long program begins in April and meets Wednesday evenings, once a month at Wake Tech’s Southern Wake Campus.
Architecture, Sustainability & Design, Post 471 – With advisors from The City of Durham, Jacobs, and Three Oaks Engineering, this post for high schoolers focuses on issues of sustainability such as water management, street design, and conservation. Sessions are held between June and February in Durham.
Construction, Club 1331 – ABC Carolinas offers a construction focused club for middle schoolers, running February through May of each year. The Club meets Saturday mornings at ABC Carolinas in Raleigh.
Contact: regina.johnson@scouting.org
We welcome any additional programs in support of educating K-12 students about the industry. If you are aware of any we may have missed, please contact us.
[DIVERSIFY ARCHITECTURE]
https://www.diversifyarchitecture.com/
[Diversify Architecture] is transforming the professions that design our world – supporting young BIPOC designers on their paths to Architecture and related fields. Our programs address critical barriers faced by underrepresented communities from Middle School through the licensure process. No matter where you are on your journey, we want to support your development!
Partnering with school teachers, nonprofits, museums, and design firms, [DA]’s programs span from Atlanta to Boston; building awareness of Architecture and Design fields, supporting students as they apply to colleges, and sponsoring opportunities for professional development.
At [Diversify Architecture], we believe that the future belongs to all of us. Let’s make sure all of our communities play a role in designing it!
NC NOMA – PROJECT PIPELINE
https://www.ncnoma.net/project-pipeline
NOMA’s Project Pipeline is a 5-day design camp for students in 6th grade through 12th grade with the primary focus of introducing the profession of architecture. In North Carolina, this immersive in-person camp is offered in both the Triangle area and Charlotte Metro area each summer. Each lesson is taught and facilitated by local architectural professionals with the objective of designing projects that will improve their local communities. Students gain the essential understanding of the design process and the key responsibilities of an architect with creating spaces. Students will also begin to build their network of mentors that can be the beginning of their professional journey as they continue to gain more education about the field.
While NOMA is focused on fostering diversity and advancing people of color within the architectural community, this camp is open to anyone interested in pursuing this fulfilling career path. Often times, this camp is the first introduction to the field of architecture for participating
students.
Cost: $45 (Includes T-shirt, daily lunch, and project supplies)
Dates:
• Registration opens in Spring
• Raleigh + Charlotte Camps: Mid-July
• Daily Schedule: 9am-4pm
Contact: ncprojectpipeline@gmail.com
NCSU K-12 DESIGN LAB
https://design.ncsu.edu/designlab/
The Design Lab for K-12 Education & Outreach is dedicated to teaching design as a way of thinking and to delivering design education experiences to benefit the K-12 community and beyond. Through active partnerships with College of Design faculty, students,
alumni, and community, the Design Lab integrates collaborative, immersive, and interdisciplinary programming and resources for students and educators. We assert that design is a skill of everyday life, and seek to promote development of these skills for the betterment of the future. For more information on our Summer Programs, Weekend Workshops, Field Trips, and other Outreach, please view our website.
Contact: designlab_k12@ncsu.edu