10 Best Architecture Internships for High School Students
Have you ever dreamed of designing the next iconic building or creating spaces that inspire people? High school is the perfect time to explore your passion for architecture, design, and construction. Internships offer an incredible opportunity to step into the world of architecture, learn from professionals, and gain hands-on experience.
But with so many internship programs out there, finding the right internship can be tough. That’s where we come in! This blog shares the top 10 architecture internships specifically designed for high school students. From historic preservation to advanced sustainable design, get ready to discover exciting internships that will jumpstart your architectural journey.
Why Do an Architecture Internship?
Architectural internships offer a multitude of benefits for high school students, and the most significant advantage might surprise you. While gaining practical experience and developing technical skills are undoubtedly valuable takeaways, the true power of an internship lies in its ability to help you explore the vast and varied career paths within the architecture field.
Architecture encompasses a much wider range than just designing buildings. Civil engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental studies, and urban planning are just a few of the exciting sub-fields that contribute to the world we build. An internship allows you to step into these different areas and get a firsthand look at the day-to-day work and responsibilities of each. This experience can help you refine your interests and narrow down your future academic and professional paths.
An internship might reveal a passion for sustainable building practices, leading you to pursue a degree in environmental studies, or it could spark an interest in the structural integrity of buildings, pushing you toward civil engineering.
Moreover, each program allows you to interact with industry professionals who are at the forefront of their respective fields. These mentors can become invaluable resources, provide guidance, answer your questions, and offer insights into the realities of the profession. Furthermore, internships can open doors to connections that can be instrumental in securing letters of recommendation and even future job prospects after graduation.
Finally, your participation in an architectural internship shows college admission officers your dedication and passion for the subject. Many internship programs even allow you to take ownership of your projects. This hands-on experience shows your ability to translate theoretical concepts learned in the classroom and apply them to real-world situations. This kind of initiative and practical application will set you apart from the competition for your college applications.
The 10 Best Architecture Internships for High School Students
1. Yocket High School Summer Internship Program
The Yocket High School Summer Internship Program is designed to give you a head start on your college applications and future career. This exclusive program offers an opportunity to work in the field of architecture. You’ll gain hands-on experience by working on a real architectural project. This could involve anything from assisting with design concepts to creating 3D models. Throughout the program, you’ll be mentored by industry experts who will guide you through the project and share their professional insights. These mentorship sessions will provide you with the skills to excel in the program and guidance to craft a standout college application and build an impressive professional profile.
This intensive 4-week virtual program requires a 10-hour weekly commitment and offers limited spots for only 50 students. Weekly mentorship sessions, practice assessments, an official letter of recommendation, and a certificate signed by company directors are all included to solidify your application.
2. Chicago Architecture Center Summer Fellows
The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) offers an opportunity through its Teen Fellows program. This program spans three semesters and provides you with a solid foundation in architecture while giving you a taste of what a career in this field might be like.
Over the course of the program, you’ll work on design projects that solve real-world challenges in your city and help you build a strong portfolio that shows your skills. You’ll learn how to use industry-standard software like SketchUp and AutoCAD to create digital designs and gain hands-on experience working with physical models. The program even opens doors to further paid summer internships at local architecture and design firms.
3. AI Architecture + AI Program
Inspirit AI’s Architecture + AI program is specifically designed for high school students. It introduces them to the potential of AI in the architectural field. Students explore how AI can be used to enhance design processes, from generating creative concepts to optimizing building structures. The program doesn’t shy away from ethical considerations either. Participants actively discuss responsible AI applications in art and aesthetics, ensuring they understand the impact of this technology on creative spaces.
In addition to Architecture + AI, Inspirit AI offers a broader program called the AI Scholars Program. This program helps high school students around the world explore the possibilities of AI across various disciplines. With a strong emphasis on project-based learning, the AI Scholars Program encourages students to pursue their passions and use AI to conduct impactful research that can make a positive difference in their chosen field.
4. Gensler High School Internship Program
Gensler offers an opportunity for high school students with a passion for architecture through the Gensler High School Internship Program. This comprehensive program is designed to introduce young minds to the diverse and exciting field of architectural design. Throughout the internship, participants gain hands-on experience through workshops, site visits, and even working alongside experienced professionals on real-world projects.
The program also emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving. It provides a well-rounded foundation for future careers in design. Interns gain insights into the daily workings of an architecture firm, from project development and client interactions to the intricacies of the design process itself.
5. Boston Private Industry Council Architecture Internship
The Boston Private Industry Council, along with the Boston Society for Architecture (BSA), offers an internship program specifically for Boston Public High School students. This program allows you to gain hands-on experience working alongside professionals at top architecture firms in Greater Boston.
Throughout the 6-week summer internship program, you’ll get to work on real projects, expand your design skills through physical model building, and explore new design software and technologies. The BSA also facilitates site visits, giving you a chance to see how design translates into the built environment and how people interact with it. You’ll present your final project to an audience of BSA staff, architect mentors, and fellow interns at the program’s conclusion.
6. STEMcx Summer Architecture Internship
STEMcx, in partnership with Bmore NOMA, is offering a summer internship program for high school students residing in the Baltimore area. This program is designed to introduce students to architecture and STEM fields. Throughout the 8-week program, interns will gain firsthand experience by shadowing practicing architects, participating in design exercises, and engaging in one-on-one discussions with team members.
Additionally, interns will have the opportunity to participate in construction tours and contribute to meaningful community engagement projects with the Neighbourhood Design Center (NDC). The program culminates with a final project developed collaboratively with the assigned architectural firm and the NDC. With a flexible rolling admission process, a daily time commitment of 4 hours, and a provided stipend, this internship program offers a comprehensive and accessible opportunity for Baltimore-area high school students to explore the rewarding field of architecture.
7. NYC Center for Architecture K–12 Programs
The Center for Architecture in New York City cultivates a love for architecture in young minds through its engaging K–12 programs. These programs are specifically designed to cater to different age groups, with a particular focus on providing in-depth exploration for high school students. Through workshops and design studios, participants are encouraged to think critically and creatively about the built environment around them.
Engaging in hands-on activities fosters a deeper understanding of architectural principles. Students also benefit from the guidance and mentorship of experienced architects and design educators, who help them hone their design skills. By participating in these programs, high school students gain a well-rounded understanding of the architecture field, preparing them to pursue their architectural aspirations with confidence.
8. Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation High School Design Camp
The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation’s High School Design Camp is held at Taliesin West, Wright’s winter home and design playground. This camp is an incredible opportunity for students who are passionate about architecture and design. Campers learn about the principles of organic architecture, Wright’s signature philosophy that emphasizes harmony between buildings and their natural surroundings.
Through hands-on activities, they’ll learn to design structures that seamlessly integrate with the environment. The camp also offers a look into Wright’s life and work, inspiring creative thinking and a newfound appreciation for the interconnectedness of architecture, nature, and the human experience.
9. Architectural Foundation of San Francisco’s Build San Francisco Summer Design Institute
The Architectural Foundation of San Francisco’s Build San Francisco Summer Design Institute offers a program for high school students interested in architecture, urban planning, and design. Through hands-on workshops and design challenges, students learn the core concepts and principles of architecture while honing their critical thinking and creativity.
A unique aspect of the program is the chance to solve real-world urban challenges through collaborative design projects. This includes site visits to architectural landmarks, interaction with design professionals, and final presentations that provide feedback and industry insights.
10. SCI-Arc Design Immersion Days
The Design Immersion Days program is offered by the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc). This program is specifically designed for high school students who are curious about the field. Over the course of the program, participants will be fully engrossed in the world of architectural design. They’ll learn the core principles behind architecture, explore design thinking methodologies, and gain proficiency in digital design tools.
Through a combination of hands-on projects, workshops, and lectures, students will be challenged to tap into their creativity and develop a strong understanding of spatial concepts. They’ll also gain insights into architectural education and potential career paths through interaction with SCI-Arc faculty and students.
From the Desk of Yocket
Architecture internships for high school students are a chance to step beyond textbooks and theory and see architecture in action. Through internships, you can gain hands-on experience that can’t be replicated in a classroom setting. You’ll get a taste of the daily tasks architects perform, from creating models and drafting plans to visiting construction sites and understanding how designs translate into physical structures. This builds practical skills and gives you a deeper understanding of the entire architectural process.
This first-hand experience can be incredibly eye-opening. It can solidify your interest in architecture as a career path, or it can help you discover new aspects of the field you might not have considered before. Even if you decide architecture isn’t the perfect fit, the internship will still provide you with design thinking skills and an understanding of the built environment. And the practical skills you learn, like using design software, can be assets in many fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of tasks might I do in an architecture internship?
Tasks can vary depending on the firm, but you might assist with creating models, drafting basic plans, researching materials, learning to use design software, or even shadowing architects on-site.
What are some benefits of an architecture internship in high school?
An architecture internship allows you to explore your interest in the field firsthand. You can gain practical experience, develop skills like design and drafting, and learn about the day-to-day work of architects.
What skills help get an architecture internship?
Strong visual arts and drafting skills are a plus, but interest in design, creativity, and problem-solving are also important. Communication and teamwork skills are essential for working in an architecture firm. Some programs might look for experience with drafting software like AutoCAD or SketchUp.
What should I include in my application for an architecture internship?
Your application should include a resume highlighting your relevant skills and experiences, a cover letter expressing your interest in architecture and the specific internship, and potentially a portfolio showing any design work you’ve done.
Do I need a portfolio to apply for an architecture internship?
A formal portfolio might not be required but it can help you stand out. You may include any relevant art projects, drawings, or design work you’ve done in school.