New Report Details AIA Learning by Design Programs in K-8 Classrooms

  • 01/24/19

Washington, D.C. –  A new report from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) details how educational architecture programs are reaching underrepresented students in K-8 classrooms.

AIA’s K-8 Learning by Design Chapter Grants—funded by Armstrong World Industries Foundation—seeks to introduce the architecture profession among underrepresented students in K-8 classrooms. From 2017-2018, the programs funded architectural educational programs in 18 communities, including those that are underserved. Each program—created by AIA chapters—engages students and their families through hands-on architecture experiences. As part of this, chapters develop curricula focused on architecture and design, train educators in design thinking and enlist architects to educate students in classrooms.

“This program nurtures a diverse pipeline for the next generation of architects, which is critical to the future of our profession,” said AIA 2019 President William Bates, FAIA. “More and more, clients are seeking architects that understand their communities and who can provide innovative solutions to their challenges. Creating a more diverse and equitable profession is a key component to delivering on those expectations.”

Between 2017-2018, the program reached more than 9,000 K-8 students. This included a high percentage—nearly 49 percent—of female students, which is above the average percentage for a STEM-related outreach program.

Over the course of the two-year partnership with Armstrong World Industries Foundation, AIA was able to build on its success in 2017 by adding seven new chapters in 2018. Participating chapters included AIA Chicago, AIA Detroit, AIA Albuquerque, AIA Baton Rouge, AIA Spokane, AIA Seattle, Boston Society of Architects, AIA Florida, AIA Birmingham/N. Alabama/Mobile (collaborative), AIA Buffalo/Western New York (collaborative), AIA Baltimore, AIA Columbus, AIA Atlanta, AIA New York, AIA Kansas City, AIA Triangle (NC), AIA Washington, D.C. and AIA Houston. Each chapter received up to $5,000 to fund its program.  

AIA expects to continue chapter grant projects in 2019 and to create baseline metrics to understand the impact of the programs in the future. Learn more about AIA’s K-12 initiative online.

 

Featured

  • Colorado State University Global, SCTE Launch Online Certificate Program

    Colorado State University Global (CSU Global), based in Denver, Colo., recently announced a partnership with CableLabs subsidiary the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) to launch an online certificate training program for broadband professionals, according to a news release.

  • School Construction Projects Boom as Education Systems Address Aging Facilities and Growth

    Construction opportunities are almost always abundant, but currently there are more than usual construction projects being launched for public school campuses. Common objectives include major renovation or expansion of aging facilities, total replacement of inefficient classrooms, upgrades to lighting, technology, and security equipment, and adding new sports and cultural facilities.

  • Designing Learning Spaces that Support Student Mental Health and Wellness

    In today’s education landscape, schools are more than just centers for learning; they are integral to the holistic development and well-being of students. The global pandemic underscored the importance of addressing mental health in schools, as productivity dropped, stress levels rose and students faced challenges managing emotions.

  • Texas K–12 District to Build New Elementary, High Schools

    The High Island Independent School District on the Bolivar Peninsula in Southeast Texas recently announced that construction on a new elementary school and a new high school will begin in January 2026, according to local news. Funding will come from a $27.9-million bond passed in May 2025.

Digital Edition