Summary: The American Institute of Architects has issued a request for proposals for its Practice Academy Initiative. The initiative supports the development of mutually beneficial programs that prepare students for architectural practice and professional advancement through partnerships between the academy and firms. Grants of up to $10,000 are awarded for one-year periods to support new initiatives and/or for special initiatives that are part of an existing program.

Since 2006, when the initiative began, three programs have received grants of $10,000 annually—for a total of $30,000 awarded to each program. The Boston Architectural College has used grant funding to develop a Practice Academy project devoted to understanding and teaching current developments in building information modeling (BIM). Iowa State University implemented a program in which practitioners, students, and faculty all contribute to design projects in the local community. The University of Cincinnati offers students a practitioner-led workshop series called “Jump Start.” The common thread running through each program is a desire to assist students as they make the transition from academic institutions to architectural practice.

Architecture firms or schools may submit proposals for the Practice Academy Initiative. Programs may begin in fall 2009 or spring 2010, with planning undertaken in the preceding semester. Proposals are due April 20, 2009.

Information about the Practice Academy initiative, including submission requirements and evaluation criteria, are available as a downloadable PDF document.

Direct questions about the program to Catherine Roussel, director, AIA Education.