Model City Builders Summer High School Career Exploration
The School of Architecture and Planning is partnering with The Assembly House, Dennis Maher’s Architectural Dreamworld for the Building Arts, to host a summer camp in July/August 2026 to introduce high school students from a diversity of backgrounds to architecture and the city. The Model City Builders Summer High School Career Exploration program brings together architecture, art, design, and construction to build skills through a project-based curriculum. Participants will also learn about the discipline and profession of architecture and visit important buildings and landscapes in Buffalo.
No prior experience is necessary.
Learning Objectives
- Develop the fundamental skill sets of architectural design through hands on making
- Learn a variety of drawing, physical modeling techniques, and basic shop skills
- Be introduced to the architecture and landscapes of Buffalo, as well as practicing architects
- Experience what it is like to be in a college architecture course
"The Model City Builders program helped me as a woman in STEM to feel more empowered in my future and career. It definitely helped me decide that I truly do want to go into the architectural field when I go to college, and helped me boost my creativity, learn teamwork, and problem solving."
-Faeza Rahman
MCB is for rising sophomore, junior or senior high school students of all backgrounds who are interested in working with their hands while exploring careers in design and building arts, including architecture, design, engineering, construction, and related fields. Ideal candidates are motivated to learn, dependable, can be on time every day, and commit to the entire program. No prior experience is required.
All students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion.
MCB is a four-week summer intensive on Mondays-Fridays from July 13-August 7, 2026
Monday-Friday 8:00am-12:00pm
Week 1-2 at The Assembly House, 150 Edward Street
Week 3-4 at Hayes Hall, School of Architecture and Planning, University at Buffalo
Application deadline: March 1, 2026
The program fee for student participation is $1,500. We offer adjusted program rates for students who indicate financial need.
Please see "Financial Attestation" in the application for more information.
MCB is unique in that it does not take place in a traditional classroom setting. The Assembly House at 150 Edward Street is a unique immersive learning environment within a transformed historic church. Participants work hands-on to build skills in small groups and independently. Hayes Hall is the icon of the University at Buffalo—and home to the School of Architecture and Planning—where students can experience what it is like to study in a campus setting. The city of Buffalo is an amazing classroom of design excellence that students will be able to tour.