Chicago Architecture Center and City Colleges building a path for youths to find careers in architecture

Gabrielle Speller, a 16-year-old student at Kenwood Academy High School, has a passion for architecture. Hailing from South Shore, Chicagoland, Speller admires the diversity and beauty of the structures designed by renowned architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. So much so, that she is considering attending New York University to study urban planning.

To further explore her interest, Speller joined the Teen Fellows program, a collaboration between the Chicago Architecture Center, City Colleges of Chicago, and Chicago Public Schools. This program offers high school students an opportunity to delve into the architecture and design fields and explore potential career paths.

The program, which spans three semesters, provides students with the chance to learn basic architecture skills through free Saturday classes at Harold Washington College. Topics covered include architecture concepts, design, history, and tactile skills like hand-drafting and renderings. As the program progresses, students get hands-on experience with model-based building software.

Currently in the second semester of the program, Speller and her peers are applying their newfound knowledge to design a community center for a South Side urban farm. The program culminates with a showcase where students will present their projects in the spring.

Eleanor Gorski, the chief executive and president at the Chicago Architecture Center, wants to dispel the notion that strong math skills are a prerequisite for participating in the program. Students are also eligible to earn college credit, engage with industry professionals, and may even secure paid summer internships at architecture or design firms.

Looking ahead, both Gorski and Angela Esposito, senior director of learning and community engagement at the Chicago Architecture Center, have plans to expand the program and provide additional opportunities for students.

Speller is making the most of her experience, even starting an architecture club at Kenwood Academy to ignite interest in the built environment among her peers. She is planning to use her portfolio to apply for college and is eager to partake in a summer internship through the program.

Overall, the Teen Fellows program is not only providing valuable education and experience but is creating new opportunities for young people with a passion for architecture and design. If you are interested in applying for the next cohort, you can find the application on architecture.org.