Creating a clear, accessible pathway into the architecture and design industry for youth in Wisconsin

Why we do it.

 

Only 17% of new architects identify as a racial or ethnic minority and only 35% are women.

3% of new architects are black and less than 1% are Hispanic or Latinx.

Less than 0.3% of licensed architects nationwide are black women.

Only 25% of prospective architects surveyed felt confident they can afford the licensure testing process.

From NCARB by the Numbers’ survey data 2018-2020

How we do it.

 

We are connecting the dots to make the design professions more accessible in Wisconsin.

Our program enables students to build long term relationships with industry role models and mentors, get valuable professional experience, personal and professional growth, and develop tangible skills and a portfolio.

Students complete the program as strong candidates for architecture and design post-secondary education and scholarships as well as post-graduate job opportunities.

Meet Litzy. She participated in every phase of the BOSS program pipeline.

She attended the BOSS Intro to 3D Modeling Workshop in Fall 2019.

During Summer 2020 she participated in the BOSS Summer Skill Building Program.

Based on that program, she decided she wanted to pursue design further and applied to collegiate programs in Fall 2020.

In Summer 2021 She worked as a BOSS Paid Summer Intern at a Madison architecture firm.

She began her freshman year at UW Stevens Point in the Interior Architecture program in Fall 2021.

 

  • 2020 State Street Architecture walking tour with the Summer Skill Building Students.

  • 2019 Digital Model Making & Fabrication Workshop hosted at a local Madison architecture firm.

  • Interior rendering from a student’s Summer Skill Building final project.

  • Snapshot of some of the 2020 Summer Skill Building Program cohort