Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering High School

• Reopened in 2008 after a five-year, $65 million renovation, the Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering High School is a citywide, vocational high school. The facility provides students with state-of-the-art tools, rigorous academics with honors and advanced-placement programs, a virtual heavy equipment simulation lab and a computer in every classroom. Phelps offers career pathways in architecture and design; electrical; carpentry; engineering; heating, ventilation and AC; plumbing; masonry; and welding and sheet metal.
  
  

River Hill High School: Construction and Development Consumer Services/Architectural Design

• Located 30 miles north of Washington, D.C., juniors and seniors at River Hill High School in Clarksville, Maryland, can participate in the Architectural Design Academy sponsored by the Howard County Career Academy Program; this is an off-site program at the Applications and Research Lab. The Architectural Design Academy introduces basic design theories and strategies related to architectural design spatial concepts. The program also connects the principles of the architectural design process to general construction practices. As prerequisites, students must complete the Foundations of Technology and the Algebra I/Data Analysis (minimum level math) courses in ninth grade and maintain a "C" average for all Academy coursework.
  
  

Summer Intensives and Mentoring Programs

• D.C. area high school students interested in architecture also have the opportunity to participate in summer intensives and mentoring programs. The Experiences in Architecture at The Catholic University of America is a three-week, intensive pre-college summer workshop. The workshop covers field trips throughout Washington, D.C., including museum visits; field sketching; visits with professionals; and studio design projects.
  
  The ACE Mentor Program of Greater Washington Metropolitan Area is a partnership of architects, engineers, designers, construction managers, professional societies, universities and high schools. This partnership provides mentors who guide student teams (from D.C., Maryland and Virginia public schools) as they investigate career and educational opportunities in architecture, engineering and construction. Teams meet after school every other week. The program also provides scholarships and summer jobs for qualified students.
  
  

Professional Associations

• To enhance educational and networking opportunities in architecture and design, D.C.-area high school students can also join professional organizations. The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) provides resources, activities and networking opportunities. The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) promotes the quality of architectural education and offers resources and summer programs for high school students.