Youth Programs
Students and Educators Engaging with Architecture
By cultivating a love for architecture in today’s youth, we lay the foundation for a future filled with visionary design and sustainable cities. We are dedicated to nurturing a passion for architecture among students. Architecture Center Houston (ArCH) and AIA Houston offer a variety of engaging programs and activities designed to inspire the next generation of design enthusiasts.
Design & Scholarship Competition
The Michael G. Meyers Design & Scholarship Competition (MGMC) is an exciting annual event that challenges Houston area high school students to showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills through architectural design.
Since 1986, this competition has given students valuable experiences with industry professionals, providing them with the opportunity to develop skills and nurture creativity that will benefit their future academic and professional pursuits. We are proud to have awarded over $492,665 in scholarships to high school students—funded, in part, by our annual Clays for College fundraiser.
Educational Programs
AIA Houston offers several educational programs to engage students in architecture. Through community outreach activities and the development of in-classroom curricula, we connect students with architecture professionals who offer hands-on experiences and insights into the world of design.
Some of these programs include:
- Career Day speakers that bring architects to schools to discuss architectural careers and educational paths
- Sketching Classes that teach hand sketching skills with professional guidance and city exploration
- Kids + Architecture and Citizen Schools partnership that brings practicing architects into middle school classrooms to teach basic architectural concepts and design skills
Request a youth tour
Private Tours and Field Trips
There’s no substitute for experiencing and learning about architectural spaces firsthand. We offer a range of educational neighborhood architecture tours, perfect for engaging students in the exploration of Houston’s diverse neighborhoods. Led by trained docents, these engaging tours provide students with insights into architectural styles, urban design and local history, making them an enriching field trip experience.
Volunteer Opportunities
We actively seek to collaborate with educators who want to bring architectural education into their classroom. Interested in partnering with us or getting involved as an educator? We offer opportunities like the Gingerbread Build-Off high school competition and so much more. Fill out the volunteer form below to get the conversation started.
