2025 Summer Camp
June 26th - 28th
Empowering young people to affect change in their community through design.
About
In 2006 the National Organization of Minority Architects created an initiative called Project Pipeline with the goal of providing the “pipeline” for a more equitable and diverse profession by introducing architecture to minority students, with a focus on Black students. Using the city as the classroom and connecting young people to real-world architects and planners, we foster the next generation of design professionals, civic leaders, and changemakers. We advocate for increased inclusiveness, diversity, fellowship, equity, and excellence in design.
To continue the legacy, in 2022, the Portland Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA PDX) created an Architecture Summer Camp designed to introduce middle school students (grades 6-8/ ages 11-14), with a focus on those who have been historically underrepresented in the profession, to the field of architecture and design.
The 3-day summer camp guides middle school students through all stages of the design process using design tools and practices such as sketching, diagramming, research, site visits, drawing, and model making, to create a fully realized project that addresses a community-focused issue. Students are mentored by local architects, designers, and community members to develop skills and tools to contribute to their community critically and constructively.
Through the summer camp, young people grasp the significance of architecture in their daily lives, as well as the broader cultural, social, and historical implications.
Days at a Glance
Day 1: What is Design
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The camp starts with an intro to the fundamentals of architecture, design, and design justice.
Students are then introduced to the design challenge (local to the camp’s location), go on site tours and interview community members. They work closely with architects and designers who guide them through engaging and collaborative activities.
Day 2: Power of Design
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Students continue to explore their project collectively as a group through research, diagramming, drawing, collage making, and begin exploring model making.
They continue to develop the skills and tools to create designs they and the community would like to see.
Day 3: I Can Design!
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In the first half of the day students work on finalizing their design and presentation materials.
Students present a fully realized project that addresses the design challenge to their families and invited community members.
For middle school students to participate in the summer camp, registration in advance is required.
Student Registration Update: Closed
Space is limited to 50 students and we have reached capacity as of 5/9/2025.
The waitlist is also capped as of 5/19/2025.
Please visit us in January 2026 when we announce registration for next year’s summer camp.
REGISTER
SUPPORT
The summer camp is a community-supported program made possible by the support of our volunteers and sponsors in the AEC Community.
Volunteer!
Middle school students who participate in our summer camp are taught and mentored by Architects, Designers, Planners, and Community Members to create designs they would like to see in their communities.
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Lead a small group of middle school students, facilitate design discussions, workshops, and activities, and guide the students through all stages of the design process to help their students/group fully realize a project that addresses a community-focused issue.
Attendance to all summer camp days (June 26, 27, and 28) required.
(2) Design Mentor trainings (listed below) required.
Open to active NOMA PDX or NOMAS members only.
(10) Design Mentor Leads needed
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Assist the Lead Design Mentor with design discussions, workshops, and activities.
Attendance to all summer camp days (June 26, 27, and 28) required.
(2) Design Mentor trainings (listed below) required.
Open to non-members and all design professionals and students (architects, planners, designers, and related fields).
(10) Design Mentors needed
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Assist with various tasks for the camp - from pre/post camp preparation, setup/takedown, registration, nutrition, running a model making station, etc.
Any time you can commit is welcomed but we would greatly appreciate it if you can participate a minimum of two days.
As with past years, Fridays and Saturdays need the most support with design production and model making.
Volunteer assignments will be made based on the needs of the Camp. We ask you all to be flexible in your assignment.
Open to non-members and all design professionals and students (architects, planners, designers, and related fields).
(1) Training required
SAVE THE DATE!
Required Volunteer Trainings:
For Design Lead Mentor and Design Mentors
June 7, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Location: BRIC Architecture
June 14, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Location: BRIC Architecture
For General Support volunteers
June 14, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Join Video Call
UPDATE 6/6 : VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION CLOSED!
Join the Community Outreach and Engagement Committee for more ways to be involved in youth outreach and engagement thought the year.
Sponsor!
We’re inviting you to participate at the $250, $500, $1,000, and $2,500 levels to help us cover materials, technology, and supplies—ensuring all students can attend free of charge. If we exceed our goal, we hope to again exhibit the student work around Portland after the camp concludes. Last year, sponsorship funds helped showcase the model and student presentations at both the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) and the City of Possibility exhibition in downtown Portland.
We are asking for sponsorships by May 30th. Contributions can be made by check (make checks payable to NOMAPDX) or online. Please mail checks to NOMAPDX, PO Box 8181, Portland OR 97207. If you would like an invoice, please contact donate@nomapdx.org. Please note NOMA PDX is a 501 C (6) non-profit organization, and contributions given directly to our Chapter for local initiatives are not tax-deductible.
