Architecture & the Built Environment Academy by Jefferson: A Virtual Summer Program in Design for High School Students
What Is Architecture & the Built Environment Academy?
Architecture & the Built Environment Academy is a virtual summer program created by Jefferson University's College of Architecture & the Built Environment to introduce high school students to architectural design fields. It combines live instruction, hands-on learning, and mentorship to help students explore architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, construction management, and real estate development.
Jefferson University's College of Architecture & the Built Environment is an award-winning institution offering a range of professional degree programs in architecture and related fields.
This program is part of our curated list of the best virtual summer programs for high school students, updated annually.
What the Program Claims
The Architecture & the Built Environment Academy positions itself as a comprehensive introduction to architectural disciplines through hands-on and real-world learning. The program emphasizes exploration of different architectural fields and career pathways while providing mentorship from industry professionals. It aims to build students' confidence and skills for future college applications and architectural studies.
The program highlights its faculty's industry experience and connections to alumni and industry partners as key advantages in providing students with authentic insights into architectural professions.
Who Should Consider This Program?
Recommended Grades: 11–12 (Juniors and Seniors)
Experience Level: Beginner (no prior experience required)
Ideal For Students Interested In: Architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, construction management, and real estate development
What You'll Do
Students in Architecture & the Built Environment Academy will:
Attend live virtual classes and workshops led by Jefferson faculty and industry professionals
Work on hands-on design projects and research projects
Participate in virtual firm visits to see real-world applications
Develop foundational knowledge and skills in architectural disciplines through sketching, drawing, and model building
Receive mentorship from professionals in the architecture, design, and construction industry
See the Schedule section for session structure and subject options.
How It's Taught
The program is delivered through an online environment (specific platform not specified in available information)
Instruction is synchronous, with live virtual sessions
Students receive a supply kit needed to complete the program's hands-on components
Each participant is assigned a mentor from the architecture, design, and construction industry
Time Commitment
Live Class Time: Specific daily hours not provided, but programs run Monday–Friday during scheduled weeks
Homework or Independent Work: Information not available in search results
Program Length: 1-2 weeks depending on options selected
Schedule
Session Dates:
Week 1 (Required): July 14-18, 2025 — Career Discovery Week: Exploring the Architectural Disciplines
Week 2 (Optional): July 21-25, 2025 — Exploration and Design Week: Deep Dive into a Chosen Discipline
Class Size: Information not available in search results
Program Structure:
Week 1 (Career Discovery): Students explore different architecture and design disciplines that collaborate to create built environments. They hear directly from architects, interior designers, landscape architects, historic preservationists, and construction managers, and explore the disciplines through small, hands-on projects.
Week 2 (Optional Deep Dive): Students select and explore one architectural discipline in greater depth through hands-on projects, sketching, and drawing. Options include Architecture, Interior Design, and Construction Management.
Tracks or Focus Areas:
Architecture: Learn about the architecture profession with an introduction to drawing and design skills, emphasizing expression through sketching, drawing, and model building.
Interior Design: Explore how interior designers make spaces functional, safe, and beautiful, learning about design methodologies, processes, color theory, and design elements.
Landscape Architecture: Discover how landscape architects design outdoor spaces with knowledge of plants, soil, and ecology, focusing on responsibility, creativity, and environmental advocacy.
Course Catalog: View the full program page here
Who Teaches the Program
The program is taught by faculty from Jefferson's College of Architecture & the Built Environment, who bring years of industry experience and connections to alumni and industry partners. Students also learn from Jefferson alumni and current college students, as well as professionals from the architecture, design, and construction industry who serve as mentors.
Cost & Financial Aid
Tuition: $325 for Week 1 (Career Discovery); additional $275 for Week 2 (Optional Deep Dive) - total cost for full program: $600
Payment Options: Information not available in search results
Financial Aid: Scholarships are available, though specific details are not provided
Refund Policy: Information not available in search results
How to Apply
Deadline: Information not available in search results
Application Process: $50 nonrefundable application fee
Apply Here: Program application page
What Students Say
Independent reviews for this program are limited in the available search results. We recommend reaching out to the organizers for student references or attending an info session.
Final Thoughts
Architecture & the Built Environment Academy is a mentorship-driven virtual summer program for high school students who want to explore architectural disciplines. It offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from faculty and industry professionals while developing foundational skills through hands-on projects. The program's emphasis on career exploration and pathways into the professions makes it particularly valuable for students considering architecture or design as a college major or future career.