The next AAO webinar is about the power of collaboration. Six nonprofits in Pittsburgh offer K-12 architectural education programs of one stripe or another, so they joined together to form the Architecture Learning Network (ALN) to help high school students navigate their options. What began with a shared calendar listing grew into a system of learning pathways and digital badges thanks to a grant from the Sprout Fund.

The person who brought everyone together is AAO member Samantha Weaver. In her daily role as Director of Outreach at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Architecture, she was already in touch with the other design ed groups while planning her school’s summer programs, but she recognized the value of formalizing the network in order to share spaces, talent, and resources. Now instead of competing for the same audiences, they work together to point out connections across the programs. Meanwhile, students and educators get one convenient portal that opens doors to all six local providers.

Whether you’re in K-12 design education, fundraising, or program management, this webinar is for all who recognize that coordinating with other local organizations can maximize the impact of your programming.

Audience Q&A will follow Samantha’s brief presentation. Registration is open to all AAO members.

The Architecture Learning Network

ALN partner organizations include ACE Mentorship Program, Assemble, Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Architecture, Carnegie Museum of Art, Fallingwater, and Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation.

Samantha Weaver

Samantha Weaver is the Director of Outreach at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Architecture and Program Coordinator for Pittsburgh’s Architecture Learning Network (ALN). Samantha graduated from CMU’s School of Architecture in 2011, with a Bachelor of Architecture and is currently a part-time student in CMU’s Master of Education Technology and Applied Learning Science (METALS) program. Her designs and research focus on project-based-learning, participatory design, and equity.

AAO Webinar: Leveraging Local Networks