Mentorship Programs

[Andrew Spiering]

There appears to be a big push for Mentorship Programs by several landscape organizations. One being, ASLA’s Ace Mentorship Program, where they introduce, “high school students to career opportunities in landscape architecture and other design and construction professions. The ACE program targets young adults and makes a special effort to reach out to minority and underserved populations. All ASLA members can participate, “as mentors throughout the school year in local chapters nationwide, teaching students about landscape architecture and career opportunities in the field.” The program also, “offers internships and scholarships to eligible students.”

The other program (that I know of) was recently developed by The Landscape Institute . They recently launched a new site called, “I want to be a Landscape Architect”, hoping to interest 11-18-year olds in thinking about training as landscape architects.

I am interested to know if anyone has experience with either of these programs, or, one similar, and, what the experience was like…

The two websites are:
http://asla.org/nonmembers/recruitment/recruitment.html#ace
http://www.iwanttobealandscapearchitect.com/

[Deborah Christman]

I don’t have experience with either of these. However, to get kids interested in landscape architecture, I have found that getting them involved in actual projects piques their interest. Luckily, I am a teacher with a roomful of fifth graders. Last year when they were fourth graders (I keep them 2 years) they helped prepare the final touches on our school memorial. They had also designed a landscape for the back of the kindergarten yard and presented their ideas to the teachers. I was so please with their thoughtfulness.

Last month we had a mulch day to protect our natives in the memorial. On their own, kids now check the soil moisture in the memorial, weed while waiting for parents, suggest ideas for the playgrounds, and stake trees that seem like they need it.

When children have responsibility for something that people actually use, they rise to the occasion. When they see results of their work, they feel empowered. I know that some of these kids will someday at least consider landscape architecture as a vocation. Deborah Christman

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