The Architectural Association (AA) School of Architecture will expand its collaboration with Open City’s Accelerate programme this year by becoming a university partner in the programme and offering a package of benefits to help Accelerate students pursue education at the AA. Accelerate offers learning and mentoring opportunities for 16- to 18-year olds interested in studying architecture and the built environment. The programme’s aim is to empower students from under-represented backgrounds to pursue careers in this sector.
The AA began its collaboration with Open City in 2022 and helped to develop the Accelerate Studios programme for 14- to 16-year olds, offering a series of workshops exploring themes relating to exhibitions in the AA Gallery. This year, the collaboration has developed as the AA becomes the fourth university partner to support the Accelerate programme.
As a university partner, the AA will host a series of workshops at Bedford Square throughout the Accelerate course, which will enable students to explore the school and the facilities it has to offer. The AA, as an independent higher education provider, is also offering a package of benefits for Accelerate students applying to the school, making study at the AA more financially viable for students from underprivileged backgrounds.
The AA’s partnership with the Accelerate programme reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to widening participation in architectural education. Approximately one in five AA students currently receive financial assistance from the school in the form of a scholarship, bursary or assistantship. This, along with the package of benefits available to Accelerate students, will ensure that the most talented individuals are able to study at the school, regardless of their financial situation.
Siraaj Mitha, Head of Accelerate at Open City, said: “We are incredibly excited to be working together in the year ahead, and hope that this partnership will allow us to continue to support young Londoners from under-represented backgrounds with a programme that offers far-reaching insight and experience into every part of built environment.”
For more information about the partnership and forthcoming activities as part of the AA’s ongoing collaboration with Open City’s Accelerate programme, please email outreach@aaschool.ac.uk