Architecture Foundation of Oregon

Canstruction Family Day
2025-09-21 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Pioneer Place, 700 SW 5th Ave, Portland, Oregon, 97204
Canstruction Family Day
Hosted by the Oregon Food Bank
When: Sunday, September 21, 1-4pm
Where: Pioneer Place Mall, 700 SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97204 (in the atrium near Zara)
Serving: Community members
Service Area: Portland
Topic: Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Design
Program Type: Weekend Pop-up Event
Cost: Free

Van Evera Bailey Fellowship Info Session
2025-09-24 12:00 - 13:00
Join us for a virtual information session and panel discussion on Wednesday, September 24, 12-1pm, focusing on the $50,000 Van Evera Bailey Fellowship. Learn more about this fantastic opportunity for career development and how to prepare your proposal for submission. The Fellowship is currently open for submission through October 26, 2025.
The discussion will include:

An overview of the VEB Award
What makes a strong application
Advice and inspiration from past VEB Fellows
Transparency on the selection process from members of the Selection Committee
Q&A with past Fellows and AFO Staff – bring your questions!

Image courtesy of 2018 Van Evera Bailey Fellow, Rick Potestio AIA
Van Evera Bailey Fellowship Info Session
Wednesday, September 24
12:00-1:00pm
Zoom
Register Now
Learn more about AFO Fellowships
Application Deadline: Sunday, October 26, 2025, 11:59pm

OSU College of Engineering Virtual Talks
2025-09-26 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-03 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-10 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-17 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-10-18 10:00 - 15:00
Oregon State University College Of Engineering Virtual Talks
Hosted by Oregon State University College of Engineering
Join us for a series of online events to connect with Oregon State University College of Engineering students and hear their stories firsthand.
Explore Engineering Majors
Curious about what engineers really do? These sessions help you discover the wide range of engineering disciplines offered at Oregon State. Current engineering students will share what their major involves, the kinds of problems you’ll solve, and the careers they can lead to. Discover what it’s like from students who live it every day.
Explore Engineering Communities
Looking for connection and support as you begin your engineering journey? These sessions explore student organizations and community-based groups at Oregon State that uplift and empower students in STEM. Hear directly from current engineering students about how these groups have shaped their college experience, provided mentorship, and built a sense of belonging. While these events highlight specific communities, everyone is welcome to attend and learn how OSU fosters an inclusive and supportive environment for all future engineers.
When:
September 26, 6-9pm
October 3, 6-9pm
October 10, 6-9pm
October 17, 6-9pm
October 18, 10am-3pm
Where: Online
Serving: High school students
Service Area: Oregon and beyond
Topic: Engineering
Program Type: Virtual presentations
Cost: Free

Architects in Schools Virtual Lunch & Learn
2025-09-29 12:00 - 13:00
Want to learn more about how you can volunteer as a design/building professional, architecture student, or engineering student in the Architects in Schools program? Look no further!
Bring your lunch and join us for this virtual information session to learn how the program works and about the expectation and role of volunteers, with an opportunity for Q&A at the end.
We hope you’ll join us in bringing free design education to more elementary and middle school students across the state!
Architects in Schools Virtual Lunch & Learn
Monday, September 29
12:00-1:00pm
Zoom
Register Now
2025-26 Program Information
Volunteer Application Deadline: October 19, 2025
Questions? Contact Candice Agahan, candice@af-oregon.org

Southern Oregon Trade Careers Expo
2025-09-30 08:00 - 15:30 | Seven Feathers Convention Center, 146 Chief Miwaleta Ln, Canyonville, 97417, United States
Southern Oregon Trade Careers Expo
Hosted by Southern Oregon Trade
Join us on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 Over 140 companies attend the Southern Oregon Trade Careers Expo!
Explore living-wage, trades-related, professional, and certified career opportunities across Lane, Douglas, Coos, Curry, Jackson, Josephine, and Klamath counties.
Event Details:

FREE Admission!
Time: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Seven Feathers Convention Center & Outside 9 acres

Who Attends:
High school and college students from Lane, Douglas, Coos, Curry, Jackson, Josephine, and Klamath counties.
Adult Job Seekers including Veterans, Active-duty Military, Spouses, and public and private agencies.
When: Tuesday, September 30th, 2025
Where: Seven Feathers Convention Center
Serving: High school and college students from Lane, Douglas, Coos, Curry, Jackson, Josephine, and Klamath counties
Service Area: Oregon
Topic: Several trade career paths
Program Type: Career Expo
Cost: Free

Dine & Design: Treasured Troll at Nordic Northwest
2025-10-02 17:30 - 19:30 | Nordic Northwest, 8800 SW Oleson Rd, Portland, Oregon, 97223
Design meets sustainability with Nordic Northwest’s cookie-seeking troll, Ole Bolle!
Hosted by Edward Running and Zach Suchara (Photon Lighting Design) and supported by Richelieu, FFA Architecture and Interiors, and Photon Lighting Design.
Spend a beautiful fall evening with the beloved Ole Bolle, the only Oregon installation of Northwest Trolls: Way of the Bird King, a public art project conceived of and led by Scan Design Foundation. Ole Bolle is a part of an international exhibit features giant hand-built trolls by internationally acclaimed environmental artist Thomas Dambo from Denmark. Fashioned entirely out of recycled materials, the installations turn trash into treasured trolls who tell a tale of protecting nature and honoring our land. This is with a focus on understanding human impact on life in our watersheds and animal habitats. ​
Edward Running (FFA Architecture and Interiors, Nordic Northwest Board member) will lead a tour through the Nordic Northwest campus, including the Nordia House designed by Brian Melton of DiLoreto Architecture and the historic Fogelbo house. Enjoy cocktails and delicious snacks from acclaimed Nordic restaurant Broder Soder around Ole Bolle the troll while hearing from some of the many volunteers involved in the construction of this whimsical character.
Don’t miss this delightful evening celebrating sustainability, art, and Nordic culture. Children are welcome!
Treasured Troll at Nordic Northwest
Thursday, October 2
5:30-7:30pm
Nordic Northwest, Portland
Register Now
AFO Members – $40
Non-AFO Members – $50
Youth under 14 – Free
Our summer Dine & Design event series is a fundraiser benefitting AFO programming, including Architects in Schools and AFO scholarships. Learn more about Dine & Design.

ACE Mentor Program - Virtual Student/Family Info Session
2025-10-09 18:00 - 19:00
ACE Mentor Program Student/Family Info Session
Organized by Portland Workforce Alliance

ACE will be hosting a virtual student/family info session. Join to learn more about our programming for 2025-26.

When: Thursday, October 9, 6-7pm
Where: Virtual
Serving: High school juniors and seniors

Service Area: Portland Metro
Topic: Architecture, Engineering, Construction
Program Type: After-school program
Cost: Free

AFSF - Saturday Design Studio
2025-10-11 10:00 - 2025-11-15 11:30
Saturday Design Studio
Hosted by Architectural Foundation of San Francisco (AFSF)

Curious about architecture & design? Want a broader understanding of the architectural profession? Ready for a deep dive into the design process? Want to work on your design skills? Developing work for your portfolio and your presentation skills? Well, then this is your studio.
Our architecture studio meets online every Saturday for 6 weeks. We’ll focus on developing using digital design tools. You’ll learn foundational architectural concepts and terms in the iterative design process, moving from concept to design. At the end of our studio, you’ll present your project.

When: Saturdays, October 11-November 15, 10-11:30am
Where: Virtual
Serving: High School Students
Service Area: USA
Topic: Architecture
Program Type: Virtual Workshops
Cost: $500

2025 Honored Citizen, Ernesto Fonseca
2025-10-16 17:00 - 21:00 | The Nines, 525 SW Morrison St, Portland, Oregon, 97204
Celebrating Ernesto Fonseca
Ernesto Fonseca has empowered communities and built meaningful public and private partnerships across the state of Oregon through his role as CEO of Hacienda CDC.
Ernesto joined Hacienda as CEO in April 2017, bringing his passion for community development and a belief in the power of connecting families to opportunity. Ernesto’s own story reflects the potential that can be unleashed by investing in all our community members. Raised in a low income but loving family in central Mexico, Ernesto watched his parents take advantage of educational opportunities and their own initiative to build careers in construction and nursing. They passed on their values of hard work and education to their children, and Ernesto embraced those values to gain a foothold in this country by initially working in kitchens and restaurants as he pursued his educational goals, culminating with a Ph.D. from Arizona State University in Environmental Design and Planning.
During his time in Phoenix, he spearheaded initiatives to assess the health impacts of community development including gentrification, access to public transportation, and affordable housing, and helped to create the Stardust Center for Affordable Homes & the Family.
Portland Mercado, Scott Edwards Architecture & PLACE
Ernesto believes it is Hacienda’s job to help all families access the critical ingredients they need to achieve their goals: a stable, affordable home, a healthy family life that allows youth to learn and grow, opportunities for economic success, and access to affordable health care and healthy neighborhoods. He believes in the power of social enterprise to bring increased investment into breaking the cycle of poverty. He joined Hacienda because he shares the same values and experiences with this community and is eager to empower families to flourish like his own has.
Ernesto is infused in impactful community work through his current board service with the Oregon Community Foundation and the iSector, as well as past board service with the Prosperity Agenda, the Energy Trust of Oregon, Housing Oregon, and more. He is also one of the Gubernatorial Appointees for Governor Tina Kotek’s Housing Production Advisory Council, a council of experts charged with developing an action plan to meet ambitious housing construction goals. He has received numerous awards and recognitions for his work in Oregon, Arizona, Mexico, and beyond.
Las Adelitas, Salazar Architect & PLACE
Ernesto’s own story reflects the potential that can be unleashed by investing in our communities.  Ernesto has two kids, Emma, 19, and Emiliano, 17. Ernesto enjoys hiking, camping with his wife Susan and kids, photography, carpentry, and politics.
2025 Honored Citizen
Event Sponsorship by Oregon Community Foundation
Thursday, October 16
5pm Reception | 6:30pm Dinner
The Nines Hotel Ballroom
Downtown Portland
We are currently sold out but are assessing our capacity. Please contact Susan Myers (susan@af-oregon.org) about our waitlist.

Thank you to our Sponsors

STEM Like a Girl - Workshop in Wilsonville
2025-10-19 13:00 - 16:00 | Siemens Wilsonville Campus, 8005 Boeckman Rd, Wilsonville, Oregon, 97070
Workshop in Wilsonville
Hosted by the STEM Like a Girl
When: Sunday, October 19th, 1-4pm
Where: Siemens Wilsonville Campus, 8005 Boeckman Rd, Wilsonville, OR 97070
Serving: All girls and female-identifying youth in 3rd – 5th grade and a parent or other adult caregiver
Service Area: Wilsonville
Topic: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM)
Program Type: Weekend Pop-up Event
Cost: $30 per girl-grown up pair ($20 for additional girls in the same household – Use Promo Code SIBLING). Financial Assistance available by request, here.

STEM Like a Girl - Workshop in Eugene
2025-10-26 13:00 - 16:00 | Campbell Community Center East Hall, 155 High St, Eugene, OR, 97401, United States
Workshop in Eugene
Hosted by the STEM Like a Girl
When: Sunday, October 26th, 1-4pm
Where: Campbell Community Center East Hall, 155 High St, Eugene, OR 97401
Serving: All girls and female-identifying youth in 3rd – 5th grade and a parent or other adult caregiver
Service Area: Eugene
Topic: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM)
Program Type: Weekend Pop-up Event
Cost: $30 per girl-grown up pair ($20 for additional girls in the same household – Use Promo Code SIBLING). Financial Assistance available by request, here.

STEM Like a Girl - Workshop in Albany
2025-10-26 13:00 - 16:00 | Linn Benton Lincoln ESD, 905 SE 4th Ave, Albany, Oregon, 97321
Workshop in Albany
Hosted by the STEM Like a Girl
When: Sunday, October 26th, 1-4pm
Where: Linn Benton Lincoln ESD, 905 SE 4th Ave, Albany, OR 97321
Serving: All girls and female-identifying youth in 3rd – 5th grade and a parent or other adult caregiver
Service Area: Albany
Topic: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM)
Program Type: Weekend Pop-up Event
Cost: $30 per girl-grown up pair ($20 for additional girls in the same household – Use Promo Code SIBLING). Financial Assistance available by request, here.

ACE Mentor Program - In Person Student/Family Info Session
2025-11-04 17:00 - 18:00 | Portland State University Shattuck Hall, 1914 SW Park Ave, Room 212, Portland, Oregon, 97201
ACE Mentor Program Student/Family Info Session
Organized by Portland Workforce Alliance

ACE will be hosting student/family info session at Shattuck Hall (PSU). Join to learn more about our programming for 2025-26.

When: Tuesday, November 4 , 5-6pm
Where: PSU Shattuck Hall, 1914 Southwest Park Ave, Room 212, Portland, OR 97201
Serving: High school juniors and seniors

Service Area: Portland Metro
Topic: Architecture, Engineering, Construction
Program Type: After-school program
Cost: Free

ACE Mentor Program - Registration Deadline
2025-11-06
ACE Mentor Program
Organized by Portland Workforce Alliance
Registration Deadline: Thursday, November 6
Serving: High school juniors and seniors
Service Area: Portland Metro
Topic: Architecture, Engineering, Construction
Program Type: After-school program
Cost: Free

Mahlum - Net Zero Emerging Leaders Internship Application Deadline
2025-11-10
Mahlum Energy Trust of Oregon Net Zero Emerging Leaders Internship (ETO NZELI) Application Deadline
Hosted by Mahlum
Our Vision

Mahlum is a community of practice that envisions a world where healthy human and environmental systems thrive. Our firm’s collective work ranges from cultural to healthcare, Pre-K-12 schools, and higher education facilities. We believe community empowerment is the game-changing force that makes transformation possible, and we seek to prioritize the underrecognized voices in the communities we serve. Mahlum fully embraces architectural principles and practices that respect the earth, show reverence for nature’s life-giving force, and support learning opportunities connected to the environment. Since 2018, Mahlum has been a JUST-labeled organization, which demonstrates our firm’s commitment to the creation and maintenance of an equitable workplace. We take seriously the responsibility to use resources wisely, selecting locally made products, optimizing the design of building systems, and demanding resource conservation for all project types. Come join us.
Our ETO NZELI Intern will work in-person with our staff at our Portland Office to learn, assist with, and apply architectural design principles and practices, with a focus on supporting our reporting for Mahlum’s 16-year participation in the AIA 2030 Commitment.
Learn more about our culture and values here.
Learning opportunities include:

Learning about the profession, gaining practical experience, and developing skills
Assisting the firm in its 2025 reporting year for the AIA 2030 Commitment
Participating in Carbon Strategy Workshops with project teams
Operational and Embodied Carbon Life Cycle Analysis modeling on projects
Integrating material health and embodied carbon metrics into the documentation process

About You
You are pursuing a pathway into the design profession; whether it’s through an accredited architecture or interior design program, or you may have gained experience through programs such as the ACE Mentor Program, the National Organization of Minority Architects Student Chapter (NOMAS), or other community-based, volunteer, or independent efforts that support pathways into the design profession.
You may be early in your journey, but you’re curious about sustainable design, passionate about community engagement, and excited to contribute to the built environment.
Application Instructions
You will be asked to upload or provide resume information, including any work and education history. This can include academic projects, community engagement, volunteer roles, or extracurricular activities. Don’t worry if you don’t have formal work experience; we value a range of backgrounds and lived experiences.
You will be asked to complete or attach a letter of interest that includes:

Your interest in architecture/design
What skills and perspectives would you bring to Mahlum
What do you hope to gain during the course of the Net Zero internship

Additional material, such as work samples/portfolio, is optional. If you choose to submit work samples, please upload a single PDF (under 10MB). Portfolio links (e.g., to personal websites, Dropbox, or Google Drive) are discouraged and may not be reviewed.
Internship Timeline & Additional Details
Mahlum’s ETO NZELI internship is anticipated to take place over a twelve (12) week period of time in the months of January – March 2026 and concludes with a presentation in May 2026.
Interns are anticipated to work between Monday to Friday, part-time hours, approximately 120 hours over three months. Mahlum provides Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Presidents’ Day as paid holidays during this period. This internship is open to candidates in Portland and the surrounding area.
Timeline

October 10 – Application window opens
October 27 – November 24 – Interview Candidates
November 10 – Application window closes
Week of December 1- 5 – Selected candidates notified by Mahlum and offered internships

Salary Description
$27.50 per hour

Formation Mentorship 2025-26 Program Launch Party
2025-11-12 17:30 - 19:30 | MWA Architects, 501 SE 14th Ave, Suite 103, Portland, Oregon, 97214
Join us at a launch party for the 2025-26 season of the Formation Mentorship program!
Organized by Diversity in Design, Architecture Foundation of Oregon, and COMMA
It is often said that it’s not about what you know but who you know…so join us for a fun evening getting to know the students and professionals of Portland’s vibrant design community! Mix, mingle, and build your network across the design fields from graphic design to architecture to product design to experiential design, and many more…all while helping us kick off our second year of Formation.
Formation is a local mentorship program supporting the next generation of designers of color in the transition from student to professional. The program matches BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color) college design students with BIPOC design professionals who will provide guidance on next steps from portfolio review to interview support to career trajectory.
All are welcome for this exciting kick-off event: Black, Indigenous, people of color, and our White allies. Begin, build, and reconnect with your network—students and professionals alike!
APPLY: Applications to become a Formation mentor or mentee are currently open through November 16, 2025. Learn more and apply, here!
SPONSOR: Interested in sponsoring our 2025-26 program? Explore sponsorship opportunites, here!
DONATE: Want to make a donation to our 2025-26 program? Click here to make a contribution—every bit counts!
The Evening’s Agenda
5:30-6:00pm: Arrival, food and drinks, mingle
6:00-6:15pm: Opening remarks, program overview
6:15-7:15pm: Networking games
7:15-7:30pm: Closing remarks, prize give-away
There are many things competing for your time, so why attend this event?

Students will meet professionals in various design fields and have the opportunity to gain insight on potential career paths, connect with prospective mentors, and meet fellow design students.
Professionals will meet top talent from local design schools, learn new ideas and perspectives from students, meet prospective mentees, and mingle with fellow professionals across design industries.
Participate in fun networking games for a chance to win a grand prize!

Site Accessibility, Transportation, and Parking
MWA Architects is located in at 501 SE 14th Ave, Suite 103, Portland, OR 97214, on the 1st floor of Revolution Hall. The entrance is on the corner of 14th and Stark, across from Sunee Thai. The space and entry are fully ADA accessible.
We recommend taking public transit! Visit Trimet’s Trip Planner to help you get there. If you’re driving, street parking is available on surrounding blocks.
Photo Release Consent
By reserving a ticket, I understand that photos will be taken during the event and that they will be used by DiD, AFO, and COMMA for marketing purposes. If I do not want my photo taken, I will notify the InFormation Team via email: formationmentorship@gmail.com

We can’t wait to meet you/see you again! Please reach out to the InFormation Team with any questions or special requests: formationmentorship@gmail.com
Register Now
Wednesday, November 12
5:30-7:30pm
MWA Architects, 501 SE 14th Ave, Suite 103, Portland, OR 97214
Apply by November 16 to participate as a mentor or mentee in our 2025-26 program.
2025-26 Program Sponsors

The Design Trail: Columbia River Gorge
2025-11-14 - 2025-11-15
AFO is taking Dine & Design on the road!
Join us for an intimate design tour of Hood River and surrounding areas with other design enthusiasts. Discover historic and contemporary buildings and the leaders that are initiating innovation while celebrating the natural and historic beauty of the Gorge.
This two-day experience will be brimming with design as guests enjoy incredible structures and hear from the teams that built them. Guests are encouraged to stay at the soon-to-be-unveiled Lightwell Hotel + Spa, formerly the Hotel Waucoma, in the heart of downtown Hood River.
Itinerary

Day 1 – Friday, November 14

Lightwell Hotel + Spa private lunch and tour with the visionaries involved in the project
Renovation Walking Tour of Hood River, stops including the Butler Bank Building with Steffen Lunding and the Union Building Lofts with Pasquale and Jacquie Barone
Dinner and wine tasting at Phelps Creek Vineyards Tasting Room

Day 2 – Saturday, November 15

Hood River Waterfront and Outpost tour and lunch at Ferment with Jeff Kovel (Skylab), Claudia Munk-Von Flotow (Key Development), and GreenWorks
Society Hotel tour with owner Jonathan Cohen, architect Ben Waechter, and Mayor of Bingen Catherine Kiewit
Closing happy hour

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to discover Hood River and the Gorge with fellow lovers of design and the Pacific Northwest. Proceeds from this tour help fund AFO’s impactful mission and educational programs like Architects in Schools, Formation Mentorship, and Scholarship Program.
Details

The cost per person is $475 for members and $525 for non-members, not including accommodations or transportation. Not a member yet? Join now!
The deadline to register is October 24, 2025. We have limited spots available – book ASAP to reserve your place!
All meals will be included in the tour.
Accommodations are to be reserved by attendees. We have a block of discounted rooms for our guests at the Lightwell Hotel + Spa and strongly encourage attendees to stay with us Friday night with an option to stay Saturday night as well. The discounted cost of the rooms is $161.00 for both King and Queen rooms. Details will be sent after tickets are purchased.
Guests will provide their own transportation. AFO will provide detailed information about the tour stop locations and accessibility. AFO can assist in arranging carpooling for those interested.
We can accommodate up to 16 people for the tour.

The Design Trail: Columbia River Gorge
Friday, November 14 – Saturday, November 15
Hood River and surrounding areas
Register Now
AFO Members – $475
Non-AFO Members – $525

STEM Like a Girl - Workshop in Eugene
2025-11-16 13:00 - 16:00 | Campbell Community Center East Hall, 155 High St, Eugene, OR, 97401, United States
Workshop in Eugene
Hosted by the STEM Like a Girl
When: Sunday, November 11, 1-4pm
Where: Campbell Community Center East Hall, 155 High St, Eugene, OR 97401
Serving: All girls and female-identifying youth in 3rd – 5th grade and a parent or other adult caregiver
Service Area: Eugene
Topic: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM)
Program Type: Weekend Pop-up Event
Cost: $30 per girl-grown up pair ($20 for additional girls in the same household – Use Promo Code SIBLING). Financial Assistance available by request, here.

STEM Like a Girl - Workshop in Albany
2025-11-16 13:00 - 16:00 | Linn Benton Lincoln ESD, 905 SE 4th Ave, Albany, Oregon, 97321
Workshop in Albany
Hosted by the STEM Like a Girl
When: Sunday, November 16, 1-4pm
Where: Linn Benton Lincoln ESD, 905 SE 4th Ave, Albany, OR 97321
Serving: All girls and female-identifying youth in 3rd – 5th grade and a parent or other adult caregiver
Service Area: Albany
Topic: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM)
Program Type: Weekend Pop-up Event
Cost: $30 per girl-grown up pair ($20 for additional girls in the same household – Use Promo Code SIBLING). Financial Assistance available by request, here.

STEM Like a Girl - Workshop in Roseburg
2025-11-23 13:00 - 16:00 | Roseburg Public Library, 1409 NE Diamond Lake Blvd, Roseburg, Oregon, 97470
Workshop in Roseburg
Hosted by the STEM Like a Girl
When: Sunday, November 23, 1-4pm
Where: Roseburg Public Library, 1409 NE Diamond Lake Blvd Roseburg, OR 97470
Serving: All girls and female-identifying youth in 3rd – 5th grade and a parent or other adult caregiver
Service Area: Roseburg
Topic: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM)
Program Type: Weekend Workshop
Cost: Free

NE STEAM Coalition - Creative Lab
2025-11-24 09:30 - 14:00 | NE STEAM Coalition Makerspace, 3935 N Lombard St, Portland, Oregon, 97217
Creative Lab
Hosted by the NE STEAM Coalition
Join us for a fun and inspiring 2 day Creative Camp, where creativity takes center stage, starting Monday November 24th.
About the Camp
Creative Lab gives youth a chance to explore science, creativity, and design in one fun, hands-on experience. Campers will make their own bath and body products—like bath salts, scrubs, lip balm, soap, and candles—while learning about the simple science behind how things work. They’ll also spend time in our makerspace designing and pressing their own shirts or hoodies. It’s a relaxed, creative environment where curiosity and imagination lead the way.

Who Should Attend
This camp is for 4th–8th grade youth who love to create, experiment, and explore new ideas. No prior experience is needed—just curiosity and imagination!
What Campers Will Do and Learn
Campers will explore the science of wellness through fun, hands-on projects that connect creativity with real-world science. Each session blends art, design, and problem-solving as youth experiment with materials and bring their ideas to life.
They’ll:

Make their own wellness products, such as fizzy bath salts, scrubs, lip balm, soap, candles, and bath bombs.
Design and press custom shirts or hoodies using digital design tools, a cutter, and a heat press.
Practice creative problem-solving as they plan, test, and refine their projects.
Build persistence and confidence by working through challenges and completing their work from start to finish.
Strengthen teamwork and communication skills through group activities and shared projects.
Develop a positive STEM identity by discovering that science, design, and creativity all connect.

Campers will take home everything they make—along with new skills, confidence, and pride in their work.
When and Where
Creative Camp meets for two sessions, from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM, with lunch and snacks included. We’ll also be open Wednesday for drop-in time for campers who want extra time to finish projects or explore the makerspace.
NE STEAM Coalition Makerspace
3935 N Lombard St, North Portland
Daily Details for Parents

Drop-off: 9:15–9:30 AM
Pick-up: 2:00 PM
What to bring: A reusable water bottle and clothes that can get messy.
Materials: All supplies, tools, and safety gear are provided.
Safety: Activities use non-toxic, age-appropriate materials with close adult supervision.

Cost
The camp is free and includes lunch and snacks each day.
Our Approach
Creative Camp is inclusive, culturally responsive, and designed to help youth build persistence, confidence, and curiosity. We create space for every camper to explore ideas, express themselves, and discover that STEM and creativity go hand in hand.

When: Monday, November 24, 9:30am-2pm
Where: NE STEAM Coalition Makerspace, 3935 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97217
Serving: 4th-8th Grade Youth
Service Area: Portland
Topic: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM)
Program Type: Workshop
Cost: The camp is free and includes lunch and snacks each day

Design Advocacy Outreach Group (DAO-G)
2025-12-02 12:00 - 13:00
Hosted by AFO and AIA Oregon, the Design Advocacy Outreach Group (DAO-G) meets quarterly with the mission of increasing student access to architecture, engineering, construction, and design (AECD) fields in the state of Oregon. As a group of local partners who are aligned around this shared mission, DAO-G meetings are a time for us to harness this network to share opportunities for students, volunteer needs, resources, outreach efforts, and more.
Wondering if you’re the right fit? If you identify with any of these statements, we encourage you to join our efforts!

You are passionate about increasing student access and participation in AECD fields – particularly for those who have been historically marginalized and underrepresented in the field
You are seeking opportunities to volunteer with and/or contribute to AECD programs for students (Kindergarten – Higher Ed)
You are a youth program provider or organization seeking to connect with potential volunteer professionals and spread the word about your program
You are an educator looking for opportunities to share with students interested in AECD fields
You represent a community group or company that is aligned with our shared mission

2025 Meeting Schedule:

Tuesday, March 4, 12-1pm, Zoom
Tuesday, June 3, 12-1pm, Zoom
Tuesday, September 9, 12-1pm, Zoom
Tuesday, December 2, 12-1pm, Zoom

Visit the DAO-G Miro board for a recap of our discussions.
Questions? Contact Candice Agahan, AFO Director of Community Engagement, candice@af-oregon.org, 503-542-3823
Submit the form below to join DAO-G
Fill out my LGL Form!

STEM Like a Girl - Workshop in Portland
2025-12-07 13:00 - 16:00 | Multnomah ESD, 11611 NE Ainsworth Cir, Portland, Oregon, 97220
Workshop in Portland
Hosted by the STEM Like a Girl
When: Sunday, December 7, 1-4pm
Where: Multnomah ESD, 11611 NE Ainsworth Cir, Portland, OR 97220
Serving: All girls and female-identifying youth in 3rd – 5th grade and a parent or other adult caregiver
Service Area: Portland
Topic: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM)
Program Type: Weekend Workshop
Cost: $30 per girl-grown up pair ($20 for additional girls in the same household – Use Promo Code SIBLING). Financial Assistance available by request, here.

AFO Holiday Party
2025-12-08 17:00 - 19:00 | SMG Collective, 110 NW 9th Ave, Portland, Oregon, 97209
AFO welcomes our members and community to celebrate the season and raise a glass to an incredible year!
Hosted at SMG Collective, guests will be able to browse beautifully designed items just in time for holiday shopping while enjoying the company of other AEC professionals.
We will bring tasty refreshments and an opportunity to give back to the Portland community – you bring the fun! Join us for a festive evening as we close out 2025 and look ahead to the new year.
SMG Collective is a women-owned design showroom based in Portland, Oregon, specializing in handcrafted custom rugs, modern furniture, artisanal wallpaper, and locally made ceramics and glassware. With a deep commitment to sustainability and ethical production, we champion the work of both local and global makers who honor traditional craft techniques and use natural, responsibly sourced materials.
Not a member yet? Sign up today!
Register Now
Monday, December 8
5:00-7:00pm
SMG Collective, 110 NW 9th Ave, Portland, OR 97209

ELSO's Studio Justice Youth Design Program - FREE & Students Earn Stipend
2026-01-14
ELSO’s Studio Justice Youth Design Program
Hosted by ELSO’s Studio Justice Program
Studio Justice is ELSO’s design program. Studio Justice is a series of paid after-school programs and outreach events for youth ages 14-20 to learn about design as a tool enabling leadership and agency for youth. Our programs aim to expand our youth’s STEAMED career pathways to include professions in the built environment while widening their exposure to green sector careers.
Through this vital opportunity, participants can find their STEAMED identities and learn about designing public spaces, the power of place, and health equity.
There are no student fees for design program events. Instead, we ensure youth participants receive a scholarship stipend to support growth in STEAMED learning and related careers.
We are currently accepting applications for Studio Justice in both Oregon and Texas.
Deadline to Register: January 14th 2026

Annual Impact Meeting
2026-01-15 16:30 - 17:30
Join us for our annual open meeting to hear about AFO’s impact in 2025 and what we have in store for 2026.
We encourage you to come ready to share your input as we shape our community-informed work, from advocacy to programming.
Now fully virtual, we welcome folks living and working throughout the state of Oregon to participate and be a part of deepening our impact in Oregon. Come to listen, share, and celebrate with fellow supporters of AFO!
Register Now
Thursday, January 15
4:30-5:30pm
Zoom
Free to attend
