Answers, organized.

Any middle or high school student interested in architecture, design, or the built environment. No experience or portfolio is required for entry-level programs — curiosity is the only prerequisite.

All of our programs are free. We are a student-led nonprofit; programs are funded by donations and run by volunteers.

Use the Apply page to submit a short application. The Admissions & Registration council reviews applications on a rolling basis — most decisions arrive within two weeks, by email.

No. Software-based programs use free tools and the Design Software Class teaches everything from zero. A computer with internet access is enough; we can discuss alternatives if that's a barrier.

Every shift you work is logged in the portal. A project manager or event lead verifies each entry, and you can download a signed hour report or certificate for school requirements at any time.

Yes — from your portal up to 48 hours before the event, so we can offer the spot to the waitlist. For last-minute emergencies, message the event lead directly.

Join the waitlist. When a spot opens you're promoted automatically in order and notified by email — you'll have 24 hours to confirm.

Teams of 4–6 students meet weekly with their project manager, split up research tasks, and co-write a paper over 10 weeks. Finished papers are reviewed by our Research Editor and published on the site.

Live, with recordings. Each summer program has weekly scheduled sessions led by an instructor, plus asynchronous work in Google Classroom.

Yes — depending on the program: a published paper, portfolio pieces, a certificate of completion, and verified hours. Staff can also provide references for strong contributors.

The portal contains member contact info and project workspaces, so every account is approved by an admin before activation. This keeps student spaces limited to verified members.

Usually yes — we use Google sign-in. Some school districts block third-party sign-in; if yours does, use a personal Google account and note it on your application.

Tools are role-based. Staff see their assigned spaces and rosters; project managers add attendance and hour approvals; only admins see user management, exports, and announcements. Ask an admin if your role needs an upgrade.