Hoefer Welker Architects Help with Local STEM Camp for Students

Last year, an estimated 2.4 million STEM jobs went unfilled. These included positions ranging from artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to cybersecurity and architecture. Increasing education and involvement in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields continues to be a critical link to developing our future workforce. In 2018, the U.S. Department of Education presented a 5-year strategy based on a vision for a future “where all Americans will have lifelong access to high-quality STEM education ….” Blue Springs School District (BSSD), a top-ranked school district serving more than 14,000 students in the eastern Kansas City metro area, embraced this vision by expanding its STEM curriculum.

Diamond Bronson, a senior associate in our Kansas City office, was approached by her daughter’s teacher to be part of BSSD’s STEM camp. Specifically, the teacher asked if Diamond would critique the 6th and 7th-grade student designs, which focused on architecture. Diamond jumped at the opportunity and rallied three Hoefer Welker colleagues to join the effort: Kelly Whitney, an associate and architect in our healthcare studio; Ashley Eusey, a professional engineer and sustainability advocate; and Ashley Wagner, a higher education and healthcare architect.

To provide hands-on experience with architecture, BSSD purchased 3D housing kits from Arckit. These freeform architectural modeling systems allow students to explore designs and bring their ideas to life. Students began by building the houses as directed in each kit. Then, in teams of two to four, they disassembled the kits and developed their own unique designs. A variety of creative designs were presented.