At the NSLC on Architecture, live the life of an architect as you take a building project from idea to reality. From hand-drawing, CAD, and model-making, to structural analysis, selecting building materials, and employing cutting-edge technology, you and your peers will make the big decisions that go into designing buildings. Working closely with the faculty at leading architecture schools you will gain insight into the careers available within architecture and the challenges and opportunities facing architects today.
College Credit is Available for This Program
The National Student Leadership Conference has a unique partnership with American University to offer college credit for our high school summer programs. The American University is distinguished as a premier global university and known for turning “ideas into action and action into service.” As a result of this NSLC/AU alliance, students attending the NSLC’s summer programs for high school students have the opportunity to take college credit classes taught by American University faculty at all NSLC locations. This credit option enhances your education within the framework of your program experience, without interrupting NSLC activities.
Read more about earning college credit through your NSLC program.
Program Highlights
Hands-on Design
Design buildings, select materials, and analyze environmental impact, as you use hand-drawing, CAD, and model-making in the hands-on design simulation.
Architecture Tour
Get up close and personal with the major sights and best examples of architectural styles on an exclusive architectural cruise.
Guest Speakers
Meet with leading architects, engineers, and art historians as they discuss topics such as architectural design, modern architecture, the history of structures, and architectural technology.
Dates & Locations
Northwestern University
Chicago, IL
- June 29 - July 7
- July 11 - July 19
- July 23 - July 31
- August 4 - August 12
Explore the birthplace of modern architecture
Hands-On Simulations
At the NSLC you will learn the skills of professional architects as you participate in a variety of hands-on workshops and design projects, including:
- Create designs using hand-drawing and CAD and bring them to life in a model-making workshop
- Test the limits of structural engineering and design
- Experiment with innovative materials
Exclusive Guest Speakers
While at the NSLC, you will meet with and learn from professional architects, structural engineers and designers as you discover the opportunities awaiting you in the architecture field.
In past years, guest speakers have included:
Mr. Carlos J. Cardoso
Partner, Director of Construction Administration, Beyer Blinder Belle
Erica Hartmann
Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University
Ms. Jeanne Marie Gath
Principal, Pfeiffer Partners Architects
Mr. Mark Regulinski
Partner, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, LLP
Mr. John R. Sorrenti
President, JRS Architect, PC
Mr. Mark Hartmann
Architect, Harley Ellis Devereaux
Dr. Karen Chou
Clinical Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University
Paola Gomez-Pineiro
Architect, GREC Architects
Dr. David Corr
Associate Clinical Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University
Work together on innovative designs
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
An important part of the NSLC summer high school architecture program is seeing the sites around one of the world’s greatest architectural cities. These trips are designed as both sightseeing tours and exclusive educational trips specifically tailored to the area of architecture.
These trips may include:
- Gensler Architecture Firm
- Turner Construction Active Construction Tour
- Chicago River Architectural Boat Tour
- Navy Pier
- Millennium Park
- Magnificent Mile
Leadership Training
At the heart of each of our youth leadership programs is a curriculum designed to build concrete leadership skills that will help you succeed. From the beginning of your program you will learn to work as a team during an exciting Ropes Challenge Course. Interactive lectures and small-group workshops will give you an opportunity to build upon your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.
Leadership topics tailored to the Architecture program include:
- Personality Styles and Group Dynamics
- Conflict Resolution
- Public Speaking
- Ethical Decision-Making
Your NSLC tuition is all-inclusive. Your tuition covers course materials, housing, on-campus meals, social events and transportation throughout your program.
We offer a comprehensive scholarship program to assist qualified students with the cost of NSLC tuition, based on financial need, academic merit and extracurriculars.
Fundraising is a great way to raise funds to contribute toward your NSLC program tuition while also forging relationships with leaders in your community.