HiArch Summer High School Program
Week 1: July 21–25, 2025
Week 2: July 28–August 1, 2025
Registration for the HiArch Summer High School Program for 2025 is now closed.
See Registration and Cost page for information about scholarships.
HiArch is a summer architecture program designed to introduce high school students to the culture of architecture, design, thinking, and making.
Taught by UIC School of Architecture instructors, HiArch builds foundational skills in architectural drawing, design, and problem-solving. In the program, students work through design exercises, receive one-on-one feedback from instructors and current UIC students, and engage in group discussions and tutorials.
HiArch introduces students to studying architecture at the college level. Students get a sense of the demands and opportunities unique to an undergraduate architectural education. In addition to gaining new skills in formal composition and exposure to architecture practices in Chicago and beyond, participants leave the program with visual work they can use in supplementing college applications. Additionally, students have the opportunity to learn more about UIC and the college application process.
The program begins with basic skills, including hand-drawing. Then students quickly take their work digital with introductions to drafting software and 3D-modeling. Students who participate in the full two weeks will explore more in-depth model making. All students, regardless of whether they’ve participated in one week or two, will finish the program with a completed project. No prior experience is required.
HiArch is a non-residential program. See the FAQ page for more information on housing options on and around campus.