“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Is a question that can shape a child’s sense of possibility. As part of an AIA Pennsylvania initiative to introduce K–5 students to the field of architecture for #ArchitectureWeek, volunteer architects hosted story hours statewide while distributing books statewide to inspire the next generation.
Jamie Ober, Mary Schoenharl, and Chloe Woo participated by reading to students “Iggy Peck, Architect” by Andrea Beaty, followed by a hands-on activity encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and a whole lot of imagination. The program’s success was best summarized by one student’s simple request: “Please do this again.”
North Wales Area Library Librarian, Nicole Skinner, added: “Storytimes like this connect imagination to real careers, showing children that even the quirkiest ideas can build something meaningful.”
These experiences help students see architecture as an accessible, impactful career path. We’re already looking forward to next year.