City of Neighborhoods
The Chicago Architecture Center’s City of Neighborhoods teen program (formerly Neighborhood Teen Ambassadors) encourages high school students to investigate architecture through the lens of local history and culture.
This seven-day summer program is designed to engage students ages 15-18 in place-based research and community engagement. Participants will dive into the rich history of Chicago neighborhoods, developing skills in public speaking, digital storytelling, and interview techniques. Students who complete the program are eligible for a $500 stipend and qualify for service-learning credit.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The 2023 summer program will take place June 20-29 (not including Fridays) and will include visits to historic buildings and culturally important sites in various neighborhoods around Chicago. Over the course of a week and a half, students will interview lifelong Chicago residents and neighborhood stakeholders about change over time in the community, then develop, write, and produce a series of TikTok videos focusing on intersections of architecture and culture on Chicago’s various sides.
ELIGIBILITY
The City of Neighborhoods teen program is open to high school-aged students of 15-18 years old. The Chicago Architecture Center is committed to increasing access to students from populations historically under-represented in architecture, construction, engineering and design professions, such as girls and minorities.
Application
Applications for the summer 2023 City of Neighborhoods program are now open, and specifics will be updated soon. The application deadline is Monday, June 9, 2023. If you have any questions about the program, please contact us at teens@architecture.org.