Lily Ornelas, Manager of Programs and Curriculum at ASA, shared, “The SEED program does an excellent job at providing students with opportunities for them to envision themselves in careers in design. It is perhaps even more important now, given the uncertainty students face in this COVID-19 reality. We are proud at ASA to support a program that empowers students through career exploration by designing experiences for students that has them thinking about relevant issues, like what going back to school would like look like in our new reality and for their communities. ”

Although the program is virtual this year, once a week students will go out into their neighborhoods for a site visit. Last week, students visited the locations they selected for their mobile classrooms and discussed their thinking behind their choice. Students will also participate in weekly interviews with Sasaki principals, where they have the opportunity to ask the firm’s leadership about their paths in the design world. Two teaching assistants help lead the program: Shemar Stewart, a junior at University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and Tess McCann, a graduate student at MIT. Stewart was a teaching assistant in last year’s program, as well as a participating student the year before.

After working with the students during the program’s second week, Sasaki mentor Elaine Limmer reflected, “Engaging with the four incredible students gave us a valuable learning opportunity to see the city planning and design through their perspective. Their passion for their neighborhoods was inspiring, and we’re looking forward to seeing their creativity come through in their projects this summer.”