Architecture & the Built Environment Academy

We enthusiastically say, yes! We asked the compelling question whether architecture and design can be taught in a virtual environment – we learned through the pandemic that the work of our students was actually enriched through the virtual environment and that teaching design online was absolutely possible. Our classes are taught synchronously and we are keeping our classes small to give everybody a student centric experience. We hope you will join at one of our programs and have an impactful and enriching experience of your own. 

The virtual Architecture and the Built Environment Academy will be held daily from 10:00 am -3:00 pm EST. All classes are held online, live via Zoom.

• Week 1: July 14-18 or July 21-25, 2025
• Week 2: July 21-25, 2025
• Week 3: July 28-August 1, 2025

All classes are held online via Zoom and internet access is necessary in order to participate. Week 1 or Week 2 of Career Discovery Week is a prerequisite and mandatory in order to participate in week 2 and 3 of Exploration and Design: Deep Dive by discipline or the on-campus experience. Students can choose between 1-week, 2-weeks, 3-week experiences.

Students will have assignments to be completed outside of class times during the weekby hand and/or uploaded to our online platforms of Canvas (University platform) and Mural/Miro. References, reflections and announcements are located on Canvas.

Offering of courses is contingent on a minimum number of enrollments per course. We communicate with students any schedule changes to combine participants and meet the minimum enrollment for a course, and if unable to cancel the course.

This program is for creative problem solvers and out-of-the-box thinkers who seek a creative challenge. No experience needed!

Students who identify as underrepresented minorities including first generation college students, are strongly encouraged to apply.

The program is open to high school students who:

• Will be a high school sophmore, junior or senior by September 2024
• Are motivated high school students with a sincere interest in the architectural fields

The program fee is $300 per week/course.

The $50, non-refundable deposit fee is due along with submission of application. The Summer Program Early Registration ($50 off) deadline is at 11:59 pm EST. Registration deadline and full program fee is due by June 24. Scholarships available by submitting your Statement of Financial Need by June 1st.

If you require a payment plan, please contact the Academy Program Director Erike De Veyra as soon as possible Erike.DeVeyra@jefferson.edu.

To pay by check, register your student here then follow the instructions to send a check. Make checks out to Thomas Jefferson University, and mail to:

Attn: Sarah Bott - Academy
Thomas Jefferson University
College of Architecture and the Built Environment
4201 Henry Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19144

Register for the Summer Academy by following the link via the button:

Interested students should submit the following information for consideration:

• Application form
• Statement of Financial Need (if applicable)
• Upload copy of high school transcript 
• or copy of most recent report card
• $50, non‐refundable deposit fee 

We want to make sure that program fees do not pose a barrier for any student who wishes to attend. If you feel that your financial circumstances might qualify you for financial assistance, submit your Statement of Financial Need.

For questions regarding the Academy registration, please contact Erike.DeVeyra@jefferson.edu.