why host?

We believe that during the formative years of middle and high school, all students should have access to engaging material about career paths that allow them to influence the world in meaningful ways. As a [DA] club host, you will provide students with a space to explore Architecture and a variety of intersecting fields through group discussions, classroom activities, design projects, and field trips.

The material presented to students will highlight diverse professional representation, giving students from underrepresented groups precedents and role models for their own success. This goal is central to the mission of [DA].

BIPOC students participating in [DA] clubs may become candidates for further programming through [DA] development and [DA] scholarships. These programs build off of [DA] club curriculum to bolster students’ college application material and secure internships with local architecture firms.

who can host?

Any teacher or administrator qualified to lead an after school club at your school can become a [DA] club host. We work to identify Architects in the community willing to partner in hosting the [DA] clubs. These partners will attend club meetings and assist in administering design lessons and projects to the students, along with setting up visits to local firms.

That means educators in any subject can host [DA] clubs! However, those who will be most interested in hosting are passionate about one or more of the following : racial equity, social justice, diversity, career exposure for students, architecture, art + design, or college prep.

We prioritize schools that meet BIPOC student body thresholds of 70% or 50%. If you aren’t sure that your school fits this criteria, we can help you find out!

We ask that each [DA] club meet at least 20 times for scheduled programming over the course of an academic year. If you are unable to commit to 20 meetings, we recommend finding a cohost at your school to help meet this minimum.

what do i need?

[DA] will provide hosts with a curriculum in the form of discussions, activities, projects, and suggested field trips, and a recommended order for 25 meetings throughout the school year. Curriculum for 5 additional meetings will be provided to give you flexibility in the material presented, or to extend the club to 30 meetings over the course of the year.

[DA] will also provide you with materials for your students’ design projects. This will include materials for drawing, model-making, and other special materials for various activities and projects.

Finally, [DA] will provide a list of volunteers in your region who may be available as guest speakers, and a list of companies open to hosting your club at their office / construction sites.

If your school would like to donate funds to [DA] toward the procurement of materials or access to the curriculum, contact us through our partner page.