Connecting students and professionals with design opportunities across Oregon

Programs

Architects in Schools
Serving: 3rd-5th grade students
Service Area: Oregon
Topic: Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Design
Program Type: In-school program

The Architecture Foundation of Oregon’s Architects in Schools program introduces elementary school students to the power and possibilities of design. Design and building professionals are matched with 3rd – 5th grade teachers to provide design education for youth. Offered free of charge to Oregon schools.

Bend Science Station
Serving: K-12th grade students
Service Area: Central Oregon
Topic: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
Program Type: Several program types

The Bend Science Station provides exceptional, laboratory-based science education year-round for Central Oregon students in K- 12th grade and inquiry-based training for their teachers. Through problem solving and collaboration, they engage youth as young scientists, empowering them to be critical thinkers. Bend Science Station offers school-year programs and summer camps.

BRING Recycling Student Product Design Challenge
Serving: K-12th grade students
Service Area: Lane County
Topic: Design, Sustainability
Program Type: Competition

Each year, BRING invites K-12 students to submit new products made from recovered building materials. Four $250 cash prizes will be awarded, including one People’s Choice award. By reusing discarded building materials, common waste items, and other supporting materials, students will think about ways to incorporate waste prevention, reuse, and the sustainability of materials in their everyday life.

Building Blocks 2 Success LEGO Robotics Program
Serving: Students 5-15 years old
Service Area: Portland
Topic: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
Program Type: Weekend program

FIRST LEGO League Explorer introduces basic STEM concepts to students grades K-4 by engaging them with LEGOs. Students learn how to think critically while teaming up with professionals to explore a real scientific problem. FIRST LEGO League Challenge is geared towards students grades 4-9 and challenges students to Design, Build, and Program a LEGO Robot to compete in an autonomous table game. Students develop critical and analytical thinking skills, team building skills, STEM knowledge and more.

ELSO Inc.
Serving: Black, Brown, Indigenous and Asian youth, K-20 years old
Service Area: Portland
Topic: STEAMED (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math, Environment and Design)
Program Type: Several program types

ELSO hosts several programs aimed at reducing the achievement gap in STEAMED education and professions while creating a sense of belonging for Black and Brown communities in the natural and built environment. Wayfinders Day Camp for K-8th graders focuses on life science, ecology, community, and cultural history. Youth Design Program is a paid after school program where youth, ages 14-20, learn about design as a tool for racial and social justice. Tappin Roots is an environmental internship program for Black-identified high school students in the Greater Portland area. 

Girls Build
Serving: Girls ages 8-15
Service Area: Southern Oregon, Portland, Oregon Coast
Topic: Construction and Design
Program Type: Summer camps and after school workshops

Girls Build™ offers programming for girls teaching the basics of carpentry, electrical, plumbing, roofing, painting, auto and bike mechanics, sheet metal and more via summer camps (8-15 year olds) and after-school workshops.

In4All
Serving: Elementary, middle and high school students
Service Area: Oregon
Topic: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
Program Type: In-school program

The In4All STEM Connect 4/5 program partners a business with a local elementary school to deliver hands-on learning experiences in the classroom that increase interest in STEM-related fields.

NE STEAM Coalition
Serving: Pre-K-12 students
Service Area: Portland, Gresham and beyond
Topic: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math)
Program Type: Several program types

Together with BIPOC community based organizations (CBOs), the NE STEAM Coalition organizes listening sessions for youth and families to discuss challenges, frame needs, and advocate for solutions in bringing STEAM opportunities and education to students of color. The coalition and partner CBOs boost program engagement by sustaining relationships with youth, offering family services and food, and supporting academic identity and achievement through authentic community ties. To learn more about upcoming NE STEAM Coalition camps and opportunities, email them at nesteamcoalitionpdx@gmail.com.

Oregon State University Precollege Programs
Serving: Elementary, middle and high school students
Service Area: Corvallis and online
Topic: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
Program Type: Summer camps and after school programs

OSU Precollege Programs engage K-12 students throughout the year in STEM topics. The academic programs and youth camps provide pathways to higher education and offer opportunities to enhance college readiness and career awareness.

Saturday Academy
Serving: Students grades 2 – 12
Service Area: Portland Metro and online
Topic: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math)
Program Type: Summer camps and after school programs

Saturday Academy offers STEAM based summer camps and classes to 2nd – 12th graders in Portland as well as after-school programs by school request, including tech classes specific to kids identifying as girls.

Programs

Bend Science Station
Serving: K-12th grade students
Service Area: Central Oregon
Topic: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
Program Type: Several program types

The Bend Science Station provides exceptional, laboratory-based science education year-round for Central Oregon students in K- 12th grade and inquiry-based training for their teachers. Through problem solving and collaboration, they engage youth as young scientists, empowering them to be critical thinkers. Bend Science Station offers school-year programs and summer camps.

BRING Recycling Student Product Design Challenge
Serving: K-12th grade students
Service Area: Lane County
Topic: Design, Sustainability
Program Type: Competition

Each year, BRING invites K-12 students to submit new products made from recovered building materials. Four $250 cash prizes will be awarded, including one People’s Choice award. By reusing discarded building materials, common waste items, and other supporting materials, students will think about ways to incorporate waste prevention, reuse, and the sustainability of materials in their everyday life.

Building Blocks 2 Success FIRST LEGO League Challenge
Serving: 4th-9th grade students
Service Area: Portland
Topic: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
Program Type: Weekend program

FIRST LEGO League Challenge is geared towards 4th-9th grade students and challenges them to Design, Build, and Program a LEGO Robot to compete in an autonomous table game. Students develop critical and analytical thinking, understand the importance of team building, obtain basic STEM knowledge, practice public speaking and more.

Construct Design Challenges
Serving: Middle and high school students
Service Area: Oregon
Topic: Design
Program Type: In-school and summer programs

Design Challenges offer a fun, engaging way to learn about a complex problem while also learning a creative and collaborative process. Middle and high school students can participate in a design challenge with their classroom or during a 2-week summer program.

Constructing Careers Black Youth Mentorship
Serving: Middle and high school students who identify as Black
Service Area: Portland Metro
Topic: Green Sector, Construction and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
Program Type: After school

The Blueprint Foundation’s Constructing Careers program is an opportunity for Black middle and high school students to learn about careers in construction, green building and civil engineering in the Portland Metro area, while being mentored by Black college students and professionals. The hands-on learning experiences can lead to internships and school credit.

ELSO Inc.
Serving: Black, Brown, Indigenous and Asian youth, K-20 years old
Service Area: Portland
Topic: STEAMED (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math, Environment and Design)
Program Type: Several program types

ELSO hosts several programs aimed at reducing the achievement gap in STEAMED education and professions while creating a sense of belonging for Black and Brown communities in the natural and built environment. Wayfinders Day Camp for K-8th graders focuses on life science, ecology, community, and cultural history. Youth Design Program is a paid after school program where youth, ages 14-20, learn about design as a tool for racial and social justice. Tappin Roots is an environmental internship program for Black-identified high school students in the Greater Portland area. 

Girls Build
Serving: Girls ages 8-15
Service Area: Southern Oregon, Portland, Oregon Coast
Topic: Construction and Design
Program Type: Summer camps and after school workshops

Girls Build™ offers programming for girls teaching the basics of carpentry, electrical, plumbing, roofing, painting, auto and bike mechanics, sheet metal and more via summer camps (8-15 year olds) and after-school workshops.

Girls Inc. Eureka!
Serving: 8th-12th grade students who identify as girls/female regardless of their sex assignment at birth, and those who are exploring their gender identity
Service Area: Portland, OR and Southwest Washington region
Topic: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math)
Program Type: Summer program

Eureka! is a 5-year STEM magnet program that empowers youth to see themselves as an important part of the future workforce. During the Eureka! program, youth participate in a variety of exciting lessons and activities that explore STEM through inquiry-based, critical thinking and hands-on activities in a college campus environment.

Grounding Waters Black Youth Mentorship
Serving: Middle and high school students who identify as Black
Service Area: Portland Metro
Topic: Green Sector, Construction and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
Program Type: After school

The Blueprint Foundation’s Grounding Waters program is an opportunity for Black middle and high school students to learn about environmental issues in the Portland Metro area, while being mentored by Black environmental science college students and professionals. The hands-on learning experiences can lead to internships and school credit.

In4All
Serving: Elementary, middle and high school students
Service Area: Oregon
Topic: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
Program Type: In-school program

The In4All middle school program partners a business and middle school to create a design thinking challenge for eighth grade students to solve problems in their community.

NE STEAM Coalition
Serving: Pre-K-12 students
Service Area: Portland, Gresham and beyond
Topic: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math)
Program Type: Several program types

Together with BIPOC community based organizations (CBOs), the NE STEAM Coalition organizes listening sessions for youth and families to discuss challenges, frame needs, and advocate for solutions in bringing STEAM opportunities and education to students of color. The coalition and partner CBOs boost program engagement by sustaining relationships with youth, offering family services and food, and supporting academic identity and achievement through authentic community ties. To learn more about upcoming NE STEAM Coalition camps and opportunities, email them at nesteamcoalitionpdx@gmail.com.

Oregon MESA Schools Program
Serving: Middle and high school students grades 5-12
Service Area: Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington, Marion and Klamath Counties
Topic: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
Program Type: After school and in-school programs

The MESA Schools Program (MSP) is a pre-college program for students grades 5-12th. It’s an academic enrichment program that is offered to underrepresented middle and high school students in select schools in Oregon. MESA students work in teams to identify, design, and build hands-on invention projects that attempt to solve an issue for clients. In addition, Oregon MESA holds annual Demo Days, a community showcase where MESA students present the invention projects they are working on and get valuable feedback from the community.

Oregon State University Precollege Programs
Serving: Elementary, middle and high school students
Service Area: Corvallis and online
Topic: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
Program Type: Summer camps and after school programs

OSU Precollege Programs engage K-12 students throughout the year in STEM topics. The academic programs and youth camps provide pathways to higher education and offer opportunities to enhance college readiness and career awareness.

Project Pipeline Architecture Camp
Serving: Middle school students ages 11-14, grades 6-8
Service Area: Pacific Northwest
Topic: Architecture
Program Type: Summer camp

The National Organization of Minority Architects Project Pipeline Architecture Camp is a two day program that introduces middle school students to the profession of architecture. Students use creative skills to develop an architectural design for a real site in their town/city. Students will learn and practice model making, architectural drawing, sketching, critical thinking and public speaking skills during this fun and challenging program.

Saturday Academy
Serving: Students grades 2 – 12
Service Area: Portland Metro and online
Topic: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math)
Program Type: Summer camps and after school programs

Saturday Academy offers STEAM based summer camps and classes to 2nd – 12th graders in Portland as well as after-school programs by school request, including tech classes specific to kids identifying as girls.

SchoolsNEXT Design Competition
Serving: Middle and high school students
Service Area: Oregon and SW Washington
Topic: Architecture and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math)
Program Type: In-school program

The A4LE SchoolsNEXT Design Competition challenges middle and high school student teams in a semester-long project to design a school of the future. While working with design and building professional mentors, students develop ways for future learning environments to enhance learning, conserve resources, be environmentally responsive and engage the surrounding community.

UO Summer Academy to Inspire Learning (SAIL) Program
Serving: Middle and high school students from low socioeconomic, first-generation and underrepresented backgrounds
Service Area: Oregon
Topic: Architecture, Landscape, Interior and Historical Preservation
Program Type: Summer camp and mentorship

The University of Oregon’s Summer Academy to Inspire Learning (SAIL) is a free, week-long, pre-college program that inspires middle and high school students from low socioeconomic, first-generation and underrepresented backgrounds from across the state of Oregon to pursue, enroll and succeed in higher education. SAIL provides first hand experiences with faculty, volunteers, college student mentors and university campus resources.

Internships

AIA Oregon High School Internship – An in-person or remote internship at an architecture or engineering firm in Oregon. Open to high school youth of color attending school in Oregon.

PNCI Carpenter Trades Youth Internship – An 8-week program open to high school juniors (rising seniors) who live in Clackamas, Clark, Columbia, Multnomah and Washington counties. Student interns explore career options in the construction trades by working for a General Contractor on a commercial building project in the Portland metro area.

Saturday Academy Apprenticeships in Science and Engineering (ASE) – Summer internships open to rising 10th-12th graders in Northwestern Oregon and Southwestern Washington who are interested in exploring careers in STEAM. All interns receive a stipend for their participation.

Tappin Roots Environmental Internship Program – A year-long environmental internship program for Black identified high school youth in the Portland Metro region. Tappin Roots seeks to train and empower the next generation of environmental leaders and community leaders.

Scholarships

A4LE Oregon/SW Washington Chapter Scholarship – An annual merit-based scholarship for graduating high school seniors pursuing post-secondary education in architecture, engineering, construction and related fields.

ACE Mentor of Oregon Scholarships – Each year, the ACE Mentor Program of Oregon awards scholarships to high school seniors who are committed to pursuing construction-related careers in college.

ACE Mentor National Scholarships – A list of scholarships available for high school and college students pursuing architecture, engineering or construction careers.

AFO Tsagaglalal (She Who Watches) Scholarship – Renewable $10,000 scholarship for Native American, Alaskan Native, and Hawaiian Native non-graduating students pursuing a degree in Art or Architecture at Portland State University.

AISES National Scholarships – A list of scholarships available for high school and college students pursuing STEM degrees who identify as American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and/or Indigenous person of Canada.

Architects Foundation Scholarships – A list of scholarships for high school and college students pursuing a career in architecture.

PCS STEM Scholarship – A $2,500 scholarship for high school seniors who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, and are pursuing a 2-4 year degree in STEM professions.

Programs

ACE Mentorship
Serving: High school juniors and seniors
Service Area: Portland Metro
Topic: Architecture, Engineering and Construction
Program Type: After school

The ACE Mentor Program of Oregon is a free after-school program that runs from January to May. Teams of students and mentors work together to develop a building design project, while learning and practicing professional skills such as teamwork and communication. Students have the opportunity to visit multiple professional workplaces, learn how to network, and explore career fields within the industry.

Bend Science Station
Serving: K-12th grade students
Service Area: Central Oregon
Topic: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
Program Type: Several program types

The Bend Science Station provides exceptional, laboratory-based science education year-round for Central Oregon students in K- 12th grade and inquiry-based training for their teachers. Through problem solving and collaboration, they engage youth as young scientists, empowering them to be critical thinkers. Bend Science Station offers school-year programs and summer camps.

BRING Recycling Career and Technical Education
Serving: 9th-12th grade students
Service Area: Lane County
Topic: Design, Sustainability
Program Type: In-school program

BRING provides free in-classroom presentations, tours of Lane County waste-handling facilities, and additional opportunities to engage students in waste prevention. Students learn about the different components of the circular economy, such as design for durability, recycling and repurposing, and examine case studies of companies that have successfully implemented circular economy practices. Classrooms are also introduced to careers in Sustainable Materials Management.

BRING Recycling Student Product Design Challenge
Serving: K-12th grade students
Service Area: Lane County
Topic: Design, Sustainability
Program Type: Competition

Each year, BRING invites K-12 students to submit new products made from recovered building materials. Four $250 cash prizes will be awarded, including one People’s Choice award. By reusing discarded building materials, common waste items, and other supporting materials, students will think about ways to incorporate waste prevention, reuse, and the sustainability of materials in their everyday life.

Building Blocks 2 Success FIRST LEGO League Challenge
Serving: 4th-9th grade students
Service Area: Portland
Topic: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
Program Type: Weekend program

FIRST LEGO League Challenge is geared towards 4th-9th grade students and challenges them to Design, Build, and Program a LEGO Robot to compete in an autonomous table game. Students develop critical and analytical thinking, understand the importance of team building, obtain basic STEM knowledge, practice public speaking and more.

Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) – Residential Construction
Serving: High school students
Service Area: Salem-Keizer School District
Topic: Construction and Architecture
Program Type: In-school programs

CTEC teaches students the fundamental, educational, technical, professional, and networking skills necessary to achieve their goals. Students enrolled in Residential Construction gain a competitive advantage as they learn industry-standard skills and knowledge through multiple construction projects—including construction of a home that is sold on the market (yes, students build a home!)—in the CTEC shop and on a job site, open to the elements.

Construct Design Challenges
Serving: Middle and high school students
Service Area: Oregon
Topic: Design
Program Type: In-school and summer programs

Design Challenges offer a fun, engaging way to learn about a complex problem while also learning a creative and collaborative process. Middle and high school students can participate in a design challenge with their classroom or during a 2-week summer program.

Constructing a Brighter Future
Serving: High school students
Service Area: Lane County
Topic: Construction
Program Type: In-school program

Constructing a Brighter Future (CBF) is a collaborative project that creates single room transitional shelters for the unhoused. CBF introduces young people to the multiple career pathways in high wage/high demand construction trades work and provides them with hands on, work-based learning opportunities to demonstrate and refine these new skills for possible future employment.

Constructing Careers Black Youth Mentorship
Serving: Middle and high school students who identify as Black
Service Area: Portland Metro
Topic: Green Sector, Construction and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
Program Type: After school

The Blueprint Foundation’s Constructing Careers program is an opportunity for Black middle and high school students to learn about careers in construction, green building and civil engineering in the Portland Metro area, while being mentored by Black college students and professionals. The hands-on learning experiences can lead to internships and school credit.

Constructing Hope Youth Summer Program
Serving: Youth ages 16-19
Service Area: Portland Metro
Topic: Construction
Program Type: Summer program

Through Constructing Hope’s five-week Youth Summer Program, students have the opportunity to learn about the construction industry, including green jobs where construction meets environmental protection. Professional instructors lead classroom discussions and supervise new learning experiences in carpentry, environmental restoration and even Aerospace activities. In addition to learning how to build in the shop, students will participate in field trips to active job sites in both urban and wildlife settings.

ELSO Inc.
Serving: Black, Brown, Indigenous and Asian youth, K-20 years old
Service Area: Portland
Topic: STEAMED (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math, Environment and Design)
Program Type: Several program types

ELSO hosts several programs aimed at reducing the achievement gap in STEAMED education and professions while creating a sense of belonging for Black and Brown communities in the natural and built environment. Wayfinders Day Camp for K-8th graders focuses on life science, ecology, community, and cultural history. Studio Justice is a paid after school program where youth, ages 14-20, learn about design as a tool for racial and social justice. Tappin Roots is an environmental internship program for Black-identified high school students in the Greater Portland area. 

Girls Inc. Eureka!
Serving: 8th-12th grade students who identify as girls/female regardless of their sex assignment at birth, and those who are exploring their gender identity
Service Area: Portland, OR and Southwest Washington region
Topic: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math)
Program Type: Summer program

Eureka! is a 5-year STEM magnet program that empowers youth to see themselves as an important part of the future workforce. During the Eureka! program, youth participate in a variety of exciting lessons and activities that explore STEM through inquiry-based, critical thinking and hands-on activities in a college campus environment.

Grounding Waters Black Youth Mentorship
Serving: Middle and high school students who identify as Black
Service Area: Portland Metro
Topic: Green Sector, Construction and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
Program Type: After school

The Blueprint Foundation’s Grounding Waters program is an opportunity for Black middle and high school students to learn about environmental issues in the Portland Metro area, while being mentored by Black environmental science college students and professionals. The hands-on learning experiences can lead to internships and school credit.

In4All
Serving: Elementary, middle and high school students
Service Area: Oregon
Topic: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
Program Type: In-school program

The In4All high school program mobilizes the community to co-create programs that provide meaningful experiences to students enrolled in alternative schools and programs.

Medford School District Construction Concentration
Serving: High school students
Service Area: Medford, Ashland, Phoenix
Topic: Construction
Program Type: Several program/class types

The Construction concentration takes students from developing hand & power tools skills and understanding construction safety to preparing them for careers in electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and heating/air conditioning trades. Advanced Construction students seeking employment in these areas are strongly encouraged to participate in the Medford Pre-Apprenticeship for Construction Trades (MPACT).

NE STEAM Coalition
Serving: Pre-K-12 students
Service Area: Portland, Gresham and beyond
Topic: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math)
Program Type: Several program types

Together with BIPOC community based organizations (CBOs), the NE STEAM Coalition organizes listening sessions for youth and families to discuss challenges, frame needs, and advocate for solutions in bringing STEAM opportunities and education to students of color. The coalition and partner CBOs boost program engagement by sustaining relationships with youth, offering family services and food, and supporting academic identity and achievement through authentic community ties. To learn more about upcoming NE STEAM Coalition camps and opportunities, email them at nesteamcoalitionpdx@gmail.com.

Oregon MESA Schools Program
Serving: Middle and high school students grades 5-12
Service Area: Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington, Marion and Klamath Counties
Topic: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
Program Type: After school and in-school programs

The MESA Schools Program (MSP) is a pre-college program for students grades 5-12th. It’s an academic enrichment program that is offered to underrepresented middle and high school students in select schools in Oregon. MESA students work in teams to identify, design, and build hands-on invention projects that attempt to solve an issue for clients. In addition, Oregon MESA holds annual Demo Days, a community showcase where MESA students present the invention projects they are working on and get valuable feedback from the community.

Oregon State University Precollege Programs
Serving: Elementary, middle and high school students
Service Area: Corvallis and online
Topic: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
Program Type: Summer camps and after school programs

OSU Precollege Programs engage K-12 students throughout the year in STEM topics. The academic programs and youth camps provide pathways to higher education and offer opportunities to enhance college readiness and career awareness.

Portland Workforce Alliance NW Youth Careers Expo
Serving: High school students
Service Area: Statewide, with the event held in Portland
Topic: Career exploration
Program Type: Annual event

The annual NW Youth Careers Expo is the Northwest’s premier career-exploration experience. The event exposes thousands of high school students around Oregon and Southwest Washington to the region’s amazing diversity of career opportunities, along with the skills and education needed for those jobs. The Expo includes hands-on learning, demonstrations, mock interviews, career workshops and the chance to talk directly with professionals about college-and-career options.

PSU ARCH High
Serving: Youth ages 14-20
Service Area: Portland, OR
Topic: Architecture and Design
Program Type: Summer program

The Portland State University Arch High Summer Immersion Program introduces students ages 14-20 to architecture through guided workshops including drafting & drawing, model-building and public speaking. The program is interested in supporting our entire community especially BIPOC, Latinx, Queer, Non-Binary and other marginalized or under-resourced students in addition to first-generation college applicants. Participants are eligible for the Undergraduate Opportunity Scholarship which allows the student to attend PSU on a full scholarship for four years.

PSU Architecture Summer Immersion Program
Serving: Student 18+ with a high school degree
Service Area: Portland, OR
Topic: Architecture and Design
Program Type: Summer program

The Architecture Summer Immersion Program at the Portland State University School of Architecture offers those interested in architecture as a potential career and/or field of study the opportunity to explore the subject in this intensive 4-week experience. Open to those 18 years of age or older with a high school degree, this program is ideal for anyone considering architecture as a major, has an undergraduate degree in another field and is thinking of applying to a Master of Architecture program, or would just like to learn the foundational skills of architecture and have a unique and enlightening experience.

Saturday Academy
Serving: Students grades 2 – 12
Service Area: Portland Metro and online
Topic: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math)
Program Type: Summer camps and after school programs

Saturday Academy offers STEAM based summer camps and classes to 2nd – 12th graders in Portland as well as after-school programs by school request, including tech classes specific to kids identifying as girls.

SchoolsNEXT Design Competition
Serving: Middle and high school students
Service Area: Oregon and SW Washington
Topic: Architecture and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math)
Program Type: In-school program

The A4LE SchoolsNEXT Design Competition challenges middle and high school student teams in a semester-long project to design a school of the future. While working with design and building professional mentors, students develop ways for future learning environments to enhance learning, conserve resources, be environmentally responsive and engage the surrounding community.

UO Summer Academy to Inspire Learning (SAIL) Program
Serving: Middle and high school students from low socioeconomic, first-generation and underrepresented backgrounds
Service Area: Oregon
Topic: Architecture, Landscape, Interior and Historical Preservation
Program Type: Summer camp and mentorship

The University of Oregon’s Summer Academy to Inspire Learning (SAIL) is a free, week-long, pre-college program that inspires middle and high school students from low socioeconomic, first-generation and underrepresented backgrounds from across the state of Oregon to pursue, enroll and succeed in higher education. SAIL provides first hand experiences with faculty, volunteers, college student mentors and university campus resources.

Youth Build Program
Serving: Youth ages 17-24
Service Area: Portland Metro
Topic: Construction
Program Type: Full time, Monday-Friday

Portland YouthBuilders YouthBuild’s construction students learn all aspects of residential construction and give back to the community by building affordable homes for local low-income families. These students receive hands-on training on real construction jobsites as they prepare to enter the construction industry, while earning a GED or high school diploma.

Internships, Mentorships, & Fellowships

AISES Bonneville Power Administration Internship – A Vancouver, Washington based internship for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian engineering students. Interns assist senior engineers in the completion of drawings, planning functions, design, equipment testing, field visits, and other activities related to project planning, design and construction.

BRIC Architecture Summer Internship Opportunity – Students across all levels of architecture undergraduate and graduate studies are encouraged to apply for this summer internship. Hosted in BRIC’s Portland office, the program is responsive to your interests and goals. Opportunities include collaboration with project teams and clients, site visits, community engagement, project-based design and documentation, independent research, and mentorship.

Emerging Leaders – A Portland-based internship program that removes barriers to access by connecting talented students of color with paid internships at top companies throughout the Portland Metro area. Open to current college students of color, and those who’ve graduated within the last year. Candidates need to have completed at least one year of college coursework by summer and hold a high school diploma or equivalent. See FAQ for eligibility details.

Green Workforce Academy – A 5-week, paid opportunity for Black, Native, and people of color in Portland who want to learn more about jobs in the green economy. Participants learn about the environmental issues that impact their communities and what they need to know to get green jobs. Participants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED/TASC.

John Belle Travel Fellowship – A $10,000 annual award to expand students’ understanding of the public realm in existing cities through travel and research, and how the knowledge gained might be applied to contemporary urban needs and design challenges. Open to students of any nationality in their penultimate year of a Masters or PhD degree program in Architecture, Historic Preservation and/or Urban Design.

PIVOT Architecture Fellowship – A summer fellowship open to Bachelor of Architecture, Bachelor of Interior Architecture, Master of Architecture, and Master of Interior Architecture students for the summer preceding their final year of study at the University of Oregon. Fellows work on a project of their choice while also serving on one or more PIVOT project teams.

Scholarships

A4LE Chapter Scholarship – $2,500 merit-based scholarship available for graduating high school students pursuing post-secondary educational opportunities in architecture, engineering or related fields.

ACE Mentor National Scholarships – A list of national scholarships available for high school and college students pursuing architecture, engineering or construction careers.

JE Dunn National Diversity Scholarship – $5,000 scholarship paid over the course of two years for a college freshman or higher, person of color, enrolled in a construction or engineering program. The award includes two years of paid summer internships with JE Dunn.

Simpson Strong-Tie Scholarships – Available to full-time undergraduate juniors and seniors studying architecture, structural engineering, civil engineering or construction management at eligible four-year colleges or universities including OSU, OIT, PSU and UO.

SmithGroup Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Scholarship – $6,000 scholarship for BIPOC undergraduate (at least a junior level standing) or graduate students in an accredited architecture, interior design, planning, landscape architecture or engineering program in the United States.

Stantec Equity & Diversity Scholarship – Scholarships between $1,500-$10,000 for BIPOC students pursuing STEAM careers. Additionally, there will be 10 paid internships (locations to be confirmed annually) available to applicants.

ARCHITECTURE SCHOLARSHIPS

AFO Hatfield Architectural Award – $5,000 scholarship for undergraduate and graduate architecture students attending University of Oregon or Portland State University who express commitment to community service.

AFO/PCC Architecture + Interior Design Scholarship – $5,000 scholarship for first generation students enrolled in Portland Community College’s Architectural Design and Drafting or Interior Design degree program.

AFO Tsagaglalal (She Who Watches) Scholarship – Renewable $10,000 scholarship for Native American, Alaskan Native, and Hawaiian Native non-graduating students pursuing a degree in Art or Architecture at Portland State University.

AFO William Hart Scholarship – $5,000 scholarship for BIPOC Graduate and Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) students entering their last year at University of Oregon or Portland State University (graduating in 2025).

AIAS Scholarships – A list of scholarships and fellowships for architecture students across the nation.

Architects Foundation Scholarships – A list of national scholarships for high school and college students pursuing a career in architecture.

Arch Careers Guide Scholarships – A list of national and regional scholarships for current architecture students and aspiring architects.

Gensler Brinkmann Scholarship – A scholarship for students enrolled at a U.S. not-for-profit educational institution who will begin their final year of an interior design program in the Fall of the awarding year.

Gensler Rising Black Designers Scholarships – Tuition and micro scholarships open to Black students enrolled in NAAB-accredited architecture programs in the U.S.

IA Interior Architects Diversity in Design Scholarship – The program awards one $5,000 scholarship, one $3,000 scholarship, and four $500 scholarships annually, and is open to students worldwide. Graduate and undergraduate minority students who are currently enrolled in an interior design or architecture program worldwide are encouraged to apply.

IIDA John J. Nelson Sr. Legacy Scholarship – An up to $10,000 scholarship for undergraduate students of African American descent who are currently enrolled in a U.S. not for-profit, CIDA-accredited interior design, or NAAB-accredited architecture program.

Landscape Architecture Foundation Scholarships – A list of national scholarships for undergraduate or graduate students enrolled at colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada.

ZGF Norm Zimmer Scholarship – Open to students enrolled in an accredited architecture (NAAB), interior design (CIDA), urban planning and design (PAB), or landscape architecture (LAAB) program, entering their final year of school in the fall. Includes an internship at ZGF Architects.

ZGF Emerging Black Architects Scholarship – $5,000 scholarship open to students entering their final year of an accredited architecture (NAAB), interior design (CIDA), urban planning and design (PAB), or landscape architecture (LAAB) program who identify as Black or African American. Includes an optional paid internship at ZGF Architects.

ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIPS

AISES National Scholarships – A list of scholarships available for high school and college students pursuing STEM degrees who identify as American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and/or Indigenous person of Canada.

ASCE Scholarships – A list of scholarships available for undergraduate ASCE Student Members enrolled in a civil engineering program.

NACME Scholarships – A list of national scholarships for underrepresented minority college students pursuing a career in engineering or computer science.

NSBE Pro-PDX Scholarships – Academic scholarships awarded to Black and African American students interested in or currently majoring in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematical degree in Oregon.

SWE Scholarships – SWE provides financial assistance to those who identify as a woman and are studying at community college, baccalaureate, or graduate programs in preparation for careers in engineering, engineering technology and computer science.

CONSTRUCTION SCHOLARSHIPS

AGC Scholarships – Undergraduate and graduate level scholarships for students enrolled in ABET or ACCE accredited construction management or construction related engineering programs.

Build Oregon Scholarships Hub – A list of scholarships available to Oregon students pursuing a career in construction.

NAWIC Founders Scholarship Foundation – Two national scholarships for college students pursuing a career in construction.

Programs

The Blueprint Foundation College Student Mentors
Serving: College students
Service Area: Portland Metro
Topic: Green Sector, Construction and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
Program Type: After school

The Blueprint Foundation College Student Mentors have the opportunity to earn money while engaging Black high school youth who are participating in the Constructing Careers or Grounding Waters programs. Mentors are asked to share their knowledge on construction and STEM related topics and help prepare youth for college.

PSU Architecture Summer Immersion Program
Serving: Student 18+ with a high school degree
Service Area: Portland, OR
Topic: Architecture and Design
Program Type: Summer program

The Architecture Summer Immersion Program at the Portland State University School of Architecture offers those interested in architecture as a potential career and/or field of study the opportunity to explore the subject in this intensive 4-week experience. Open to those 18 years of age or older with a high school degree, this program is ideal for anyone considering architecture as a major, has an undergraduate degree in another field and is thinking of applying to a Master of Architecture program, or would just like to learn the foundational skills of architecture and have a unique and enlightening experience.

Apprenticeships

Building Energy and Controls Apprenticeship (BECA)
Serving: Adults 18+
Service Area: Oregon and the Western United States
Topic: Building Energy Apprenticeship
Program Type: Online classes and in-person on-the-job training

A Lane Community College energy program, BECA is open to anyone who is curious about the inner workings of buildings and cares about the environment—including current professionals looking to expand their skillset. Participants receive 2000 hours of paid, on-the-job training through a local Training Agent. Scholarships available through the Energy Trust of Oregon and more.

Constructing Hope Adult Construction Training
Serving: Low-income adults, predominantly people of color, open to formerly incarcerated individuals
Service Area: Portland Metro
Topic: Construction Pre-Apprenticeship
Program Type: 10-weeks, 7am-4pm

Constructing Hope’s pre-apprenticeship construction training program is offered no-cost to disadvantaged adults. Students gain construction skills, receive certifications, placement services and career advancement support. Cohorts are offered four times per year, spring, summer, fall, and winter.

Oregon Tradeswomen Pathways to Success
Serving: Adults ages 18+ with a focus on low-income, BIPOC, veteran, and re-entry/formerly incarcerated
Service Area: Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas County
Topic: Construction Pre-Apprenticeship
Program Type: 3 days per week, 8am-4pm

With a focus on apprenticeship, Oregon Tradeswomen’s Pathways to Success program offers the Trades and Apprenticeship Career Class (TACC); a 192-hour apprenticeship and employment readiness training program to prepare adult job-seekers for a career in the skilled construction trades.

PNCI Carpenter Trade Preparation (CTP)
Serving: Adults ages 18+
Service Area: Medford, Pendleton, Portland, Redmond, Scappoose, and Tangent, OR
Topic: Construction Pre-Apprenticeship
Program Type: 3-week program

Carpenter Trade Preparation (CTP) is a Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program that introduces students to the five apprenticeship options at Pacific Northwest Carpenters Institute. At the conclusion of three weeks in the free training, participants will know which of the apprenticeships is the best match for their interests.

POIC Construction Pre-Apprenticeship
Serving: High school graduates ages 18-24
Service Area: Portland, Oregon
Topic: Construction Pre-Apprenticeship
Program Type: Monday-Thursday, 7:30am-2pm

POIC’s 12-week program prepares adults for careers in construction and the trades. Trainees are paid during this hands-on learning experience: classroom instruction, industry-recognized certifications, career exploration, and planning.

Portland YouthBuilders – offering two construction pre-apprenticeships

Bridge Program
Serving: High school graduates ages 18-26
Service Area: Portland Metro
Topic: Construction Pre-Apprenticeship
Program Type: Full time, Monday-Friday

Portland YouthBuilders Bridge Program provides a direct path to employment in the construction industry. Over the course of just nine weeks, Bridge students receive the training and support they need to enter an apprenticeship program and start their construction careers.

Youth Build Program
Serving: Youth ages 17-24
Service Area: Portland Metro
Topic: Construction Pre-Apprenticeship
Program Type: Full time, Monday-Friday

Portland YouthBuilders YouthBuild’s construction students learn all aspects of residential construction and give back to the community by building affordable homes for local low-income families. These students receive hands-on training on real construction jobsites as they prepare to enter the construction industry, while earning a GED or high school diploma.

AECD stands for Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Design

RESOURCES

ACE Mentor Program Student Resources – Explore career pathways in architecture, engineering, construction and design, find scholarships, professional development resources and more.

Architecture Career Resources:

AIA Oregon Resources for Students – Learn More about Oregon’s student architecture communities and access valuable resources

ARCH Careers Guide – Interested in becoming an architect or want to explore where a degree in architecture can take you? Find career resources, educational guidance, architecture programs and career coaching, here.

ASLA Virtual Career Day – Your path to landscape architecture starts here! Access video presentations highlighting a variety of career options within the profession.

NCARB Become an Architect – Interested in pursuing a career in architecture? NCARB explains the multi-step process of becoming an architect.

Study Architecture – Find a wealth of resources, including where to learn about architecture, what to know, and the latest news in the global architecture community.

Engineering Career Resources:

AISES Career Opportunities – Explore this Career Hub for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students pursuing STEM fields.

ASE Student Resources – Explore resources for high school students to engage in STEM fields in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Construction Career Resources:

Build Oregon – A hub for resources and information to inspire the next generation of construction workers.

Oregon Apprenticeship – Explore a career in construction and the different roles you will find in the construction industry.

Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries – Apprenticeship – Access tools, resources and opportunities to become a construction apprentice or pre-apprentice.

Design Advocacy Outreach Group

Hosted by AFO, 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. Join us!

become a mentor

AIA Oregon President’s High School Mentorship Initiative – Increase the awareness and access to the profession of architecture for high school students of color and students who may not have access through their remote location, or lack of programming in their curriculum to the AEC industry.

Construct Design Challenge Mentorship Opportunities – Prepare the next generation of thinkers, doers, and creative problem solvers. Bring your design problems and Construct will turn them into design challenges for students to solve.

Volunteer with a Program

ACE Mentorship – For architecture, construction, or engineering professionals interested in working with Oregon high school students to introduce them to the industry’s wide range of career opportunities. ACE is a great way to support students, strengthen your networks and build our future workforce. 

Architects in Schools – Open to design and building professionals including architects, engineers, contractors, architecture students and more. Architects in Schools pairs volunteers with 3rd-5th grade teachers to create a unique and engaging 1-6 session experience that introduces students to the basic principles of design. Virtual and in-person opportunities.

Building Blocks 2 Success – Engineers and STEM professionals, help children discover the fun in science, technology and STEM. Activities include teaching basic core concepts, creating blueprints, building LEGO inventions, sharing team activities in a public speaking style delivery, team activities, preparing for tournaments and building tournament robots.

Oregon Connections – Industry professionals share their expertise, bringing real-world, authentic learning opportunities to Oregon students (K-20). Host virtual or in-person tours, industry chats, classes, or respond directly to teacher requests.

Oregon MESA – Work with underrepresented students in STEM to unlock solutions to the world’s toughest problems, such as eliminating poverty and disease, conserving finite resources, and creating renewable energy sources. Virtual and in-person opportunities.

SchoolsNEXT Design Competition – A mentoring opportunity open to design and building professionals looking to work with middle school students throughout the annual SchoolsNEXT Design Competition. Mentors assist with teaching about their career skills and knowledge, design and the built environment.

Host an Intern

AIA Oregon President’s High School Internship Initiative – Increase the awareness and access to the profession of architecture for high school students of color and students who may not have access through their remote location, or lack of programming in their curriculum to the AEC industry.

De La Salle North Catholic High School Corporate Work Study Program – the Corporate Work Study Program provides tremendous opportunity for economically disadvantaged students to get a college-prep education, while at the same time providing a diverse, motivated, enthusiastic entry level work force.

Emerging Leaders PDX – ELI connects the region’s most talented college students and recent graduates of color with paid internships at some of Portland’s most exciting, innovative companies.

Energy Trust Net Zero Emerging Leaders Internship – A Net Zero Emerging Leaders intern helps your firm continue to advance high-performance design strategies. Apply to receive financial support to offer a 12-week paid internship to a current undergraduate or graduate student.

Saturday Academy Apprenticeships in Science & Engineering (ASE) – Inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers by supporting a high school student in an 8-week summer internship.

AFO believes that all adults working with youth have a responsibility to not create harm, to give youth space to express their true selves, to look to them as experts, and to center them in our teaching and learning. AFO understands that these are skills that require ongoing learning and will help us be more empathetic and effective teachers, mentors and leaders.

Here you will find training and workshop opportunities that will help prepare you for working with youth of all backgrounds.

Architecture Foundation of Oregon Trauma-Informed Practices Workshops with Renee Mitchell
Subscribe to our newsletter to get updates when workshop registration goes live.

OregonASK Trainings
Subscribe to their newsletter to get updates on workshops, professional development opportunities and more.

Portland Metro STEM Partnership Workshops
Subscribe to their newsletter to get updates on workshops, professional development opportunities and more.

Organizations geared toward supporting Architecture, Engineering and Construction professionals in Oregon and beyond.

• American Institute of Architects Oregon (AIA Oregon)
• American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
• American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
• Association for Learning Environments (A4LE)
• Construction Specifications Institute Portland (CSI Portland)
  Construction Specifications Institute Willamette Valley (CSI Willamette Valley)
• Diversity in Design
• Energy Trust
• International Interior Design Association (IIDA)
• National Association of Minority Contractors – Oregon (NAMC-Oregon)
• National Organization of Minority Architects Portland Chapter (NOMA PDX)
• National Society of Black Engineers – Portland Professionals (NSBE Pro PDX)
• Oregon Green Schools
• Room for More
• Society of Marketing Professional Services Oregon (SMPS Oregon)

In partnership with the National Organization of Minority Architects Portland (NOMA PDX), AIA Oregon Committee on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (AIA Oregon CoEDI), and the Architecture Foundation of Oregon (AFO)

Visit the Community Connection SLAM Miro board to watch past presentations.

The Community Connection SLAM is a virtual Pecha Kucha inspired event connecting youth programs across Oregon.

Our goals:

• Create a resource for Oregon youth interested in architecture and related fields
• Connect programs, students, volunteers and service seekers
• Build a network and encourage collaboration across organizations
• Support BIPOC youth in their pursuit of architecture, engineering, design and construction careers

Check back for an update on upcoming SLAM events!