SYMPOSIUM ON K-12 OUTREACH: Approaches, Challenges, and Successes

The K-12 Symposium is being convened and hosted by the Washington Architecture Foundation, co-located with AIA|DC at the District Architecture Center (DAC).  The purpose of the Symposium is to establish a network and community of common interest regarding raising awareness of architectural practice and the impact of architecture with the K-12 demographic.  Goals for the symposium include sharing of best practices and problem solving tools in a manner that positions existing and prospective programs for success.

Presentation Team:  

Leaders/Staff from five K-12 programs in the jurisdictions of Boston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.

  • Host: Mary Fitch, AICP, Hon. AIA  Executive Director, AIA DC/Washington Architectural Foundation (WAF)
  • Taylor Johnson  Design Education + Engagement Manager, Boston Society for Architecture/BSA Foundation
  • Joanna Schmickel, FAIA  Program Director, WAF “Design Like a Girl”
  • Tiffany Shepherd, CAE  Deputy Director, AIA Kansas City “Explore Architecture”
  • Heidi Sohng  WAF Youth Programs Manager 
  • Michael Spain, Assoc. AIA. NOMA  Director of Design Education, K-12 Design Education Program, Center for DesignPhiladelphia
  • Ingalill Wahlroos-Ritter, FAIA  Past President, Architecture for Communities Los Angeles
  • Moderator:  Michael Armstrong  Board of Directors, Washington Architectural Foundation; Chief Executive Officer, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)

Agenda Format 

  • Five 45-minute modules:  Local Program Case Study/Topic Panel/Attendee Q&A
  • Lunch provided by AIA National

AGENDA
9 a.m.   Opening Remarks and Introduction:  Washington Architecture Foundation (9 am start)

  • Case Study #1:  Boston (Johnson)
  • Panel #1:  Developing Relationships with School Districts: Boston, DC (Sohng), LA, Philadelphia
  • Q&A

Break

  • Case Study #2: Kansas City 
  • Panel #2: Recruiting and Keeping Volunteers: Boston, DC (Fitch), Philadelphia
  • Q&A

Break

  • Case Study #3:  Los Angeles (Wahlroos-Ritter)
  • Panel #3:  Fundraising Sources and Approaches: Kansas City, DC (Fitch), Los Angeles
  • Q&A

Lunch    

  • Case Study #4: Philadelphia (Spain)
  • Panel #4: Community Engagement, Outreach and PR:  Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia
  • Q&A

Break

  • Case Study #5: Washington, DC – “Design Like a Girl” (Schmickel)
  • Panel #5: Operations, Infrastructure, Governance (All Panelists)
  • Q&A

Comments/Reaction: Devon Davis Manager, K-12 Initiatives & Engagement, AIA

Closing Remarks: Washington Architecture Foundation (4 p.m. adjourn)