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.
REGISTER
Registration Now Open!
To participate in this year’s summer camp register before May 23, 2025. Space is limited to 50 students. Register today!
Eligibility
Middle School Students (Grades 6-8, Ages 11-14). Students currently in 5th grade and entering 6th grade in Fall 2025 are eligible to register.
Cost
Free! Students registered for the camp will be provided with design kits that include all materials and supplies they will need for the camp.
Location
Portland Community College - Cascade Campus Student Union
5575 N Albina Ave, Portland, OR 97217
Dates/Hours
Thursday, June 26 - Saturday, June 28
9 AM - 3 PM
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 and facilitate design discussions, workshops, and activities.
Must be an active NOMA PDX or NOMAS member and available all summer camp days.
(10) Design Mentor Leads needed
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Assist the Lead Design Mentor with design discussions, workshops, and activities.
Open to non-members and all design professionals and students (architects, planners, designers, and related fields).
Must be available for all summer camp days.
(10) Design Mentors needed
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Assist with various tasks for the camp. This may include pre/post camp preparation, assisting with model making,
Open to non-members and all design professionals and students (architects, planners, designers, and related fields).
Must participate a minimum of two days.
SAVE THE DATE!
Required Volunteer Trainings:
For Design Lead Mentor and Design Mentors
June 7, 2025 10:00 AM - 02:30 PM | Location: TBA
June 14, 2025 10:00 AM - 02:30 PM | Location: TBA
For General Support volunteers
June 14, 2025 10:00 AM - 02:30 PM | Location: TBA
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.
