Empowering the next generation of design leaders
AIA25 is about more than just innovation and inspiration—it’s a catalyst for community impact. As we bring together thousands of AEC professionals in Boston, we’re also creating space to give back—one of AIA’s core values.
Student mentorship and shadowing program
The future of architecture begins at the grassroots—with students, emerging professionals, and the communities that shape them. That’s why AIA25 offers an opportunity for attendees to uplift Boston’s future design leaders and make a meaningful impact in our host city. This year, we’re proud to launch a new mentorship and shadowing program designed to help local design students to connect, learn, and grow.
Led by the Boston Society for Architecture (BSA), AIA’s local chapter, this program will provide free conference passes to students from nine local design programs. On Thursday, June 5, students will also have the opportunity to shadow a licensed architect or AEC industry professional, gaining first-hand experience and exposure to the industry at its premier event.
It’s an investment in the next generation—and a meaningful way for conference attendees to pay it forward.
Interested in being shadowed at AIA25?
We’re currently seeking professionals to serve as mentors during the conference. To participate, contact the BSA’s Ben Peterson at bpeterson@architects.org.
Participating schools
Students from the following programs will participate in the initiative:
- Northeastern University
- Harvard Graduate School of Design
- Boston Architectural College
- Wentworth Institute of Technology
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- MASS ART
- UMASS Amherst
- Rhode Island School of Design
- Roger Williams University
Program highlights & schedule
Students and mentors will meet on Thursday, June 5 at 8am at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center for a coffee meet-and-greet. Participants in the shadowing program will then be matched and can plan for their day together, starting with the 9am keynote with Allie K. Miller.
Students will also have access to a variety of student-focused sessions and resources throughout conference.
AIA25 student-focused programming:
Wednesday, June 4
- 12:15–1:30pm: Future Leaders: Student Networking Lunch
Thursday, June 5
- 8-9am: Community Impact Cohort Meet-and-Match
- 10:30am-5pm: Free headshots at the AIA NextGen Lounge
- 11am-4pm: Free AEC career coaching at the AIA NextGen Lounge, provided by Career Collective
- 10:30-11:30am: Emerging Professional Meetup
- 11am-12pm: Architecture Student Meetup
- 12-12:10pm: Three Resources to Interrupt Bias and Move the Profession Forward
- 12:30-12:40pm: Five Things to Know Before You Start Your First Job or Internship
- 1-1:10pm: How to Navigate the AIA Salary Calculator
- 2-3pm: Early-Career Speed Mentoring at the NextGen Lounge
- 3:30-4:30pm: The Path to Licensure: Navigating the Journey from Education to Practice at the NextGen Lounge
Friday, June 6
- 9am-12pm: Inspire: Camp AIA (Interested in mentoring? Contact devondavis@aia.org.)
- 10:30am-4pm: Free headshots at the AIA NextGen Lounge
- 10:30-11:30am: AIA Framework for Design Excellence Workshop at the NextGen Lounge
- 11am-4pm: Free AEC career coaching at the AIA NextGen Lounge, provided by Career Collective
- 12:30-12:40pm: Five Things to Know Before You Start Your First Job or Internship
- 1-1:10pm: How to Navigate the AIA Salary Calculator
- 1:30-2pm: Building Leadership Through Volunteerism
- 3-4pm: NextGen Mixer
Join the initiative today
AIA25 isn’t just convening the profession—we’re actively shaping its future. Whether you’re a student ready to step into your career or a professional eager to mentor the next generation, this is your opportunity to make a lasting difference.
Contact BSA’s Ben Peterson at bpeterson@architects.org to participate.
Sponsors
