Friday, October 2, 2009

Architects in Schools 2009-2010

Architects in Schools (AiS) is a unique program providing elementary schools the opportunity to work with practicing professional architects and designers in curriculum-based activities. The program is funded by Architecture Foundation of Oregon (AFO), which coordinates the formation of exciting partnerships between design professionals and area schools. Architects, intern architects, landscape architects, and interior designers are all welcome to participate.

Thousands of students have participated in AiS over the years. It is just as vital and relevant today as it was when Marjorie Wintermute and Jody Proppe first initiated the program nearly 25 years ago.

Commitment
Architects in Schools is open to grades 3 through 5 and is offered to schools at no charge. The design professional’s commitment to the program usually totals approximately 20 hours between January and April as follows:
  • 12 hours in the classroom (approximately two hours per week over a six-week period that works with the architect’s schedule)
  • 8 hours of orientation, including pre-planning time with teachers, and
  • Up to 2 additional hours of “floating time”

There is no charge for participation for design professionals or schools. Architects may receive Continuing Education credits and interns may receive IDP credits for completion of the entire program. Everyone receives a copy of the comprehensive curriculum, Architecture as a Basic Curriculum Builder.

Click the link below to download the 2009-2010 Architects in Schools Application for Architects:

http://www.af-oregon.org/pdf/ARCH0910app-otheroregon.pdf

Application submissions to participate in the 2009-2010 school year must be received or postmarked no later than Friday, October 30, 2009. For more information, contact Kim Ruthardt Knowles at (503) 317-7537 or by e-mail at kim_ais@msn.com. Applicants will be notified of participation status in early December 2009.

It’s been a while since I participated in the Architects in Schools program (I taught third graders at Coburg Elementary School), but it stands today as one of my most rewarding volunteer experiences. Consider sharing your passion and professional skills with the community through the AiS program. If you do, you'll see what I mean.

No comments: