ALN Organizations
A top-ranked architecture school, a nationally recognized museum, a cutting edge community learning space, a leader in historic preservation and service, an inspirational mentorship program, and arguably the most famous architect's masterpiece.
The ACE High School Mentorship Program, Assemble, Carnegie Mellon University School of Architecture, Carnegie Museum of Art, Fallingwater, and Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation collaborated to form the Architecture Learning Network (ALN) based on decades of K-12 architectural outreach and educational programs. These non-profits have since been joined by other regional partners to continue providing unique architecture education pathways.
ACE High School Mentorship Program
High school students in the Pittsburgh area can benefit from a nationwide program designed to introduce them to the wide range of career opportunities open to young people in architecture, construction, engineering, and related areas of the building design and construction industry.
Assemble
Assemble connects artists, technologists, and makers with curious adults and kids of all ages through interactive gallery shows, community talk backs, learning parties, and workshops focused on teaching STEAM principles (science, technology, engineering, art, and math).
Carnegie Mellon University School of Architecture
CMU SoA’s K-12 program offers multiple avenues for students to fulfill their unique desire for architectural learning. Programs provide an architectural foundation for children and youth, which imparts a knowledge and appreciation of the built environment, encourages creative expression and critical thought, and inspires civic responsibility.
Carnegie Museum of Art
Join one of CMoA’s fun activities or classes and find inspiration in the museum's collection of sculptures, functional objects, and more. Travel across the globe and throughout history using the world-class exhibitions to inspire your own designs.
Fallingwater
Fallingwater’s educational workshops enhance the experience of students visiting Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece by addressing academic standards in different subject areas and providing students with the opportunity to learn more about Fallingwater each time they visit, growing as lifelong learners.
Pittsburgh history and landmarks foundation
Year-round, PHLF offers a variety of educational programs that bring the Pittsburgh region’s rich history and architecture to life for people of all ages and abilities. In the process, participants develop a sense of hometown pride, learn to value diversity, and have the chance to imagine, inquire, investigate, explore, create, and share.
University of Pittsburgh Architectural Studies Program
The University of Pittsburgh Architectural Studies Program is proud to offer a summer studio for local high school students. The program exposes students to architectural study and practice, with design projects, fabrication and model making, walking tours, and site visits. Instructors are professionals and Pitt faculty, providing students with valuable experience and instruction in history, place, and design. Students who complete the course gain knowledge of both what is it like to study and practice architecture.
Chatham University Interior Architecture
The Bachelor and Master of Interior Architecture programs at Chatham University are CIDA-accredited and prepare students for professional practice in interior design. This program also allows students the option of studying at Fallingwater during a week-long residency.
The National Organization of Minority Architects, Pittsburgh Chapter, facilitates youth architecture programs throughout the year. Project Pipeline provides mentoring for minority students through the generous volunteering of local NOMA architects.
Founded in 2013 by CMU School of Architecture and UDream alumni, Christian Hughes, Drafting Dreams inspires the next generation of designers by exposing K-12 students to the principles of architecture and urban design through creative exercises and design-oriented curricula with a particular focus on increasing women and minority interest in the design professions.
Young Preservationists Association of Pittsburgh
YPA works to connect real life experiences for high school students, to inspire young people to save and maintain the history of their built environment. Programs focus on self-dignity, empowerment, safety, and the histories of the people who built our historic buildings.