Design Like a Girl Program

The Design Like a Girl Mentor Program was founded in 2016 in Washington DC to introduce local middle school students identifying as girls to architecture and related professions. Students ages 11-14 are paired with female mentors from the architecture, construction, and engineering fields to learn first-hand about these exciting careers from professional women. By engaging more students across the city it is the goal of the program to open doors that might eventually lead to greater gender equality in the architectural, and other STEM professions.

DLAG consists of four full-day workshops during the academic year. Each workshop has a theme and includes a field trip, a design project with drawing and model building and concludes with a presentation by each girl of her design. 

There will be four full mentoring days on Fridays during DCPS's 'days off' for the 2026-2027 school year at different locations in DC. (Some Saturdays may be included) Dates TBA. Applicants must be available to meet all four days. 

This program is by application and limited to 12 participants. Applications are due August 15, 2026. 

Once all application materials are received, WAF will notify applicants of their acceptance and send registration information. The cost of the program is $125.   

WAF provides scholarships for all its classes.  If you are facing a financial hardship please contact Heidi Sohng for a code that will provide a 50% discount. We ask that you only use this option if you are facing financial challenges. If further discounts are required, please contact Heidi to discuss.

This program is supported by a generous grant from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

“I had an amazing time participating in DLAG. I was able to visit new places that I had never been to in DC, and I was able to ultimately learn more about architecture, engineering, and even interior design.” -Lourdes Grant

“That experience stood out to me because architecture and many STEM fields are still heavily male-dominated, especially in leadership roles. Being surrounded by other young women who shared similar interests made me feel encouraged and inspired. Through those programs, I was able to participate in field trips around Washington, DC and learn about many different aspects of the profession, including architecture, construction, interiors, sustainability, and how design impacts people emotionally and socially." -Cameron Thorpe

Location:

District Architecture Center

421 7th Street NW

Washington, D.C. 20004

Questions? Contact Heidi Sohng

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