Student-founded · Student-led nonprofit

Architecture careers start with an open door.

Youth Architecture Opportunities connects students to real experience in architecture — volunteer work, published research, design studios, and skill-building programs — all free, all run by students like you.

Apply as a student Volunteer with us

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Free programs · Verified service hours · Real portfolios

YAO · Sheet A-101Drawn by students

213

Verified volunteers

and growing

Student staff

leading programs

Programs offered

all free

Open leadership roles

yours to claim

Our mission

Make the path into architecture visible, practical, and free.

Architecture can feel locked behind expensive software, unpaid internships, and connections most students don't have. We tear that wall down with structured programs where young people do real work — and leave with proof of it.

Do real work

Research that gets published. Designs that get critiqued. Events that serve real communities.

Leave with proof

Verified volunteer hours, certificates, portfolio pieces, and references from project managers.

Learn from peers

Programs are designed and led by student staff who were in your seat a year ago.

Belong to a team

Every member joins a project space with teammates, a manager, and a clear mission.

What you leave with

You don't just show up — you walk away with proof.

Every YAO activity is built to hand you something real for college apps, scholarships, and your future. Here's what's yours to keep.

Verified service hours

Log every hour in your portal — a project lead verifies it — then export a clean, school-ready report. No chasing signatures; hours count toward NHS, scholarships, and graduation requirements.

A portfolio of real work

Research papers, design studios, and hands-on builds — real projects you can show colleges and firms, not just a certificate of attendance.

Published work, with your name on it

Get bylined on a research paper or journalism piece, published on our site permanently.

See our published papers →

Certificates & references

Completion certificates and letters of recommendation from the student leaders and instructors who actually worked with you.

Programs — 01

Seven ways in.

Year-round programs plus a summer slate. Every one is free and built around real deliverables.

View all programs

Research

Group Research Program

Co-author real architecture research with a student team.

3–5 hrs/week · 10-week cohorts

Learn more →

Design

Architecture Design Projects

Build a portfolio with guided design challenges.

4–6 hrs/week · 8-week studio

Learn more →

Volunteer

Volunteer Corps

Earn verified service hours supporting events and community builds.

Flexible · shift-based

Learn more →

Summerw/ Kimberly

Virtual Engagement Program

A summer of talks, tours, and challenges that make architecture approachable.

2 hrs/week · June–August

Learn more →

Summerw/ Sindara

Architectural Design Software Class

Hands-on basics of CAD, SketchUp, and Revit-style modeling.

3 hrs/week · 8 weeks

Learn more →

Summerw/ Goodnews

Sustain-A-Build

Design and prototype sustainable structures from recycled materials.

3–4 hrs/week · 6 weeks

Learn more →

Volunteer — 02

Shifts that count.

Sat, Aug 8 · 9:00 AM

The ETP (Educator Training Program)

Zoom (Spaces optional)

40 spots open

See all volunteer opportunities

Research & design — 03

Build something you can point to.

Join a 10-week research team or an 8-week design studio. Small groups, real mentors, real outcomes.

Research

Group Research Program

Twelve student teams, each led by a project manager, co-author publishable papers on topics like adaptive reuse and green housing.

Explore research projects →

Design

Architecture Design Projects

Studio challenges — micro libraries, pavilions, tiny homes — taken from concept sketches to final presentation boards.

Explore design projects →

Summer 2026 — 04

Skill-building, all summer.

Three instructor-led programs running June through August. Registration is open now.

2 hrs/week · June–August

Virtual Engagement Program

A summer of talks, tours, and challenges that make architecture approachable.

Kimberly Ngoc

Instructor

3 hrs/week · 8 weeks

Architectural Design Software Class

Hands-on basics of CAD, SketchUp, and Revit-style modeling.

Sindara Opaleye

Instructor

3–4 hrs/week · 6 weeks

Sustain-A-Build

Design and prototype sustainable structures from recycled materials.

Goodnews Ajayi

Instructor

Find your door — 05

Three ways to walk in.

Students

Apply for research teams, design studios, and summer programs. No experience needed — just curiosity.

Apply now

Volunteers

Pick up shifts at events and workshops. Every hour is tracked, verified, and exportable for school requirements.

Browse shifts

Staff & leaders

Seven leadership roles are open right now. Run a program, manage a research team, or shape the whole org.

See open roles

Supporters

Every program is free for students. Donations cover software, materials, and event costs — and stay that way.

Donate

Leadership — 06

Run by students, for students.

Meet the executive team — and the open seats waiting for the next student leader.

Full staff directory

Jason Hong

President, CEO & Founder

Founded YAO to make architecture careers visible and reachable for students.

Gabriella Karpiuk

Vice President of Human Resources

Leads recruiting, onboarding, and the people side of every program.

Alexander Mishra

Vice President of Internal Affairs & Outreach

Runs internal operations and builds partnerships with schools and firms.

open leadership roles

VP of Events, VP of Marketing, Research Editor, and more.

Claim one →

Announcements — 07

Recent announcements

2026-07-03

Youth Architecture Opportunities - Wishing you a happy fourth of July.

Happy Fourth of July from Youth Architecture Opportunities. As we observe the holiday, we remain focused on our mission to provide accessible architecture resources and professional development for students. We offer programs at no cost to ensure equal opportunity. We help students build portfolios through research and design projects. We connect aspiring designers with peer mentorship. Visit youthao.org to learn more about our work and upcoming opportunities.

2026-06-15

Welcome to the new Youth Architecture Opportunities!

Youth Architecture Opportunities (YAO) connects students with real world experience in architecture through volunteer opportunities, published research, design studios, mentorship, and skill building programs. Every opportunity is completely free and created by students, for students. Whether you're interested in architecture, urban planning, design, engineering, or research, YAO provides a place to learn, collaborate, and build your portfolio while making a meaningful impact. Apply as a Student Join a growing community of young architects, designers, and researchers. Gain hands on experience, participate in projects, attend events, and develop skills that prepare you for future academic and professional opportunities. Volunteer With Us Support programs, lead initiatives, help organize events, contribute to research, and make a difference in the next generation of design education. Portal Features • Volunteer hour tracking and reporting • Organization wide announcements • Event registration and sign ups • Interactive calendars and schedules • Student and volunteer dashboards • Program updates and notifications • Resource libraries and learning materials • Application management tools • Community collaboration features • And much more Your journey in architecture starts here. Explore opportunities, connect with other students, and build the future through design. Have questions? Read our FAQ at youthao.org/faq.

Calendar — 08