Empowering Chicago’s Youth Through Architecture at Harold Washington College

In the hands of young architects at Harold Washington College, blueprints aren’t just designs—they’re dreams.

In addition to degrees and certificates, the college offers a robust three-semester program that allows Chicago high schoolers to explore careers in architecture and design while they earn dual credit from City Colleges and Chicago Public Schools at no cost. The opportunity is made possible through the Chicago Architecture (CAC) Teen Fellows program, a partnership between the CAC and Harold Washington.

Most recently, these teens took a huge step forward toward a future career in architecture during a six-week summer program with the two organizations. Harold Washington offered students introductory architecture courses for college credit in software and sketching. CAC provided the students with real-world, hands-on experience, like visiting architecture firms, attending architecture tours, and learning how to build models.

During the program, students were tasked with working on a project—designing a community center for new arrivals. Students visited the site and created drawings for the floor and site plans. CAC helped students with building models and designing floor plans. At the program’s close, the students held a critique session where they received feedback from professionals.

“The partnership between CAC and Harold Washington gives students a really rich, wonderful experience,” says Associate Professor of Architectural Technology at Harold Washington College Ivan Tejeda. “It lets them see what architecture is about. They get to practice a design on their own and solve a design problem.”

Students interested in architecture are invited to Chicago Career Day on Saturday, September 21 at Harold Washington College. Colleges and universities that offer architecture and interior come to prospective students, so those students don’t have to travel. Fifty U.S. and international colleges plan to attend. Future architecture students can also listen to current architecture students share their experience during a panel discussion.

Harold Washington’s partnership with CAC has been successful and mutually beneficial for all parties involved. CAC has access to a pool of future viable candidates. Future architecture students get a formal introduction, experience, and mentors who can help them build a successful future.