Last year POCinA ran a mentoring program for Part 1 Architecture students, to prepare them for the year out in practice. We now are open to accepting students for this years program and would like to shed some light on the opportunity.
Within the UK just 1% of architects are Black and this can make it difficult for the younger demographic of black and mixed heritage aspiring architecture students to see the career as attainable, or to feel recognised as they progress through the 7 year education journey. Throughout my entire architectural education I did not have a tutor of African or Caribbean heritage, and I studied at three University's.
This experience also appears to be similar to a vast majority of my peers, thus the idea for the POC in Architecture Mentoring was formed. The aim is to create a unique program for the African and Caribbean heritage students at an early point in their education and career, to support them in transitioning into a practice. Our mentors are fully qualified, and practicing architects - 60% Black and BAME, 40% White demographic. The foundation of POC in Architecture is to promote and bring awareness to the importance diversity and inclusion in the industry, whilst creating a unique space, and opportunity to the minority within architecture.
The program will be running from March - May for the mentoring and June for the exhibition date, as a student you can exhibit your final project in an art gallery in London. This will be a celebration as well as a showing. Students who took the opportunity last year found the exhibition, enjoyable as they got to network with architects they could relate to, through more than design, as well as growing their confidence in speaking with the other mentors and students who attended. It is also an opportunity to have guests view your work, from outside of University.
Applications are now open for this years mentoring program, you must apply by 22/02/23 via email to: savannah@pocinarchitecture.com
Please include:
Name
University
Course Name
Nationally
Heritage
A short paragraph about yourself