Programs
Programs
Architecture in the Schools: Hands on Learning
Architecture in the Schools (AIS) matches volunteer architects with public school teachers to enrich the learning experience of children. AIS reinforces core academic skills. AIS teaches children how to exercise their analytical and creative skills through the architectural design process. AIS fosters a heightened civic consciousness, bridging the gap between what is learned in school and everyday life.
AIS has reached more than 10,000 children in metropolitan Washington DC schools all wards of the District since it began in 1992 16 years ago. In 2003, Virginia schools in Arlington and Fairfax counties joined AIS. Also in 2003, AIS undertook a special project with Leckie Elementary School.
MV Leckie Elementary School 9/11 Memorial
Related Items
Download: Request AIS for Your School
district architecture center programs
Youth and Family Programs
Washington Architectural Foundation offers monthly programs for children and teens at District Architecture Center. “Young Architects Series: Tools of the Trade” teaches young people skills in drawing, model-making, site design, sustainability, theatre set design, and more. The DAC programs include architectural walking tours of Washington DC neighborhoods. Check the calendar for the monthly listings.
Architecture 101 / 201: DC Teacher Training
The Foundation offers Architecture 101/201 for DC public school teachers as part of the DC Public School's Professional Development Institute. Teachers of all subjects learn to incorporate architecture into their classes during a three-evening workshop that also earns required Professional Learning Units. Volunteer architect instructors focus on architectural history and vocabulary, hands-on activities, and lesson plans for use in the classroom. For information on the next session, email Beth Judy at bjudy@wafonline.org
Exploring Architecture with Kids: Neighborhood Tours
The Washington Architectural Foundation launched a new program in 2005: a series of eight DC neighborhood tours for children ages 6- to 12- years old. After exploring their neighborhood on a guided walking tour, children design and build their own structures. The American Architectural Foundation generously supports this program.
2012 Scholarship for Architecture Students
The Washington Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the Washington Architectural Foundation sponsor a scholarship for architecture students. Applicants must be residents of the District of Columbia and completing high school in a public, private or charter school in the District or surrounding region and entering a degree program at a school of architecture as a college freshman in fall 2011.
Architecture Scholarship Application
Constance Whitake Maffin Memorial Fund High School Design Competition
Washington Architectural Foundation in collaboration with the Constance Whitaker Maffin Memorial Fund challenges Phelps Architecture Construction Engineering High School students to design the development, renovation or preservation of a public space in Washington DC. The goal of the annual design competition is to empower youth to care for public space. By exercising their design skills, students will see how they can influence change in their communities. For more information, please contact Beth Judy at 202.347.9403 x302.
