About us
Built by students who couldn't find the door — so we drew our own.
Youth Architecture Opportunities (YAO) is a young, student-founded nonprofit. We exist because the path into architecture is invisible from most classrooms, and we believe a high schooler shouldn't need industry connections to find it.
Our story
From one student's question to a national community.
YAO started when founder Jason Hong went looking for architecture experience as a student and found only programs that were expensive, far away, or closed to teenagers. The fix was obvious: build the organization we wished existed. Today, student leaders run research cohorts, design studios, volunteer events, and summer classes for over a thousand students.
1,200+
Students served
across all programs
8,540
Volunteer hours
logged & verified
24
Active projects
research, design & service
12
Programs offered
year-round and summer
Mission
Make the path into architecture visible, practical, and free — through volunteer work, research, design projects, and skill-building experiences led by students.
Vision
A generation of architects and designers who got their start because someone their age held the door open.
Values
What we refuse to compromise on.
Access first
Every program is free. Cost should never decide who gets to become an architect.
Real work, real proof
We don't do busywork. Members leave with published papers, portfolio boards, and verified hours.
Students lead
Founded by students, staffed by students. Leadership here is a first job, not a waiting room.
Earn trust
Verified hours, transparent decisions, and admins accountable for every approval.
How it works
From application to portfolio in four steps.
Step 01
Apply
A short application tells us what you're curious about. The Admissions & Registration council reviews it within about two weeks.
Step 02
Get matched
Approved members are placed into a project space — a research team, design studio, volunteer crew, or class — with a manager and teammates.
Step 03
Do the work
Weekly meetings, clear deadlines, tracked hours. Your space holds everything: files, announcements, meeting links, and tasks.
Step 04
Walk away with proof
Published research, critique-tested designs, certificates, and hour reports your school will accept.
The door is open. Walk in.
Apply as a student, pick up a volunteer shift, or take on a leadership role.