Architecture & The Built Environment Academy

Frequently Asked Questions

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 (Required): July 15-19,2024
  • Week 2 (Optional): July 22-26, 2024
  • Week 3 (Optional): July 29 - August 2, 2024
  • Week 4 (Optional - on campus experience): August 5-9, 2024

All classes are held online via Zoom and internet access is necessary in order to participate. Week 1 or Week 2 is mandatory in order to participate in week 2, 3, and/or 4 of Exploration and Design: Deep Dive by discipline. Students can choose between 1-week, 2-weeks, 3-weeks and 4-week options.

Students will have assignments to be completed outside of class times during the week.

Offering of courses is contingent on a minimum number of enrollments per 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 $275 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 April 1, 2024 at 11:59 pm EST. The Summer Program registration must be completed by June 1, 2024, to be eligible for scholarships. Registration deadline and full program fee is due by June 24, 2024.

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, 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 Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19144

You can apply here.

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 

Make out check to Thomas Jefferson University. Add name of student and “Summer Academy at Jefferson 2024” Send check with $50 deposit fee to:

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

Summer Academy checks must be received by June 24, 2024. 

Make out check to Thomas Jefferson University. Add name of student and “Summer Academy at Jefferson 2024” Send check with $50 deposit fee to:

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

Summer Academy checks must be received by June 24, 2024. 

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 or application contact Erike.DeVeyra@Jefferson.edu.