Model City Builders
Build Experience. Reveal Promise.
Model City Builders brings together architecture, art, design, and the building trades to build skills through a project-based curriculum.
Model City Builders is a four-week summer intensive for high school students in grades 10-12 who are interested in exploring career paths in design, construction, and the built environment. The program exposes participants to fields of architecture, woodworking, and construction through hands-on projects.
Students learn to use basic tools and a variety of materials while gaining lifelong skills of making, as well as creative thinking and interpersonal skills within an inquisitive and accepting environment. Graduates have gone on to pursue careers in architecture, engineering, set design, construction, and other fields.
Attend at no cost. No prior experience is necessary. Most participants are eligible for full tuition scholarships and weekly cash grants.
Model City Builders offers a diverse and creative curriculum.
Past workshops have included: Basic Wood Shop Skills & Safety, Tool Box Design & Construction, Collaborative Stained Glass Creation, Virtual Reality Sculpting & Design, Furniture Design & Refinishing, History of Buffalo Architecture, Victorian House Walking Tour, Darwin Martin House Tour, and many others.
MCB FAQ
For those interested in participating in MCB, please read the following frequently asked questions before submitting the interest form.-
MCB is for high school students of all genders who are interested in working with their hands while exploring careers in design and building arts, including architecture, design, engineering, construction, and related fields. Ideal candidates are motivated to learn, dependable, can be on time every day, and commit to the entire program. No prior experience with shop tools is required.
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MCB is a four-week summer intensive on Mondays-Fridays from 8 am-12 pm. 2024 program dates: July 8, 2024- August 2, 2024.
Come back in January 2025 for summer 2025 dates. -
Fill out the online interest form
You’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to schedule your interview
Interview at Assembly House 150 with the MCB program team
Acceptance letters are sent out between 4-8 weeks before the start of the session Waitlist and rejection letters are sent by 3-4 weeks before the start of the session
If you are not selected, we strongly encourage you to follow up with the Program Manager on your application for the following session. Interviews do not need to be repeated unless it has been more than approximately one year
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No, applications are accepted on a rolling basis until spots are filled. Typically, the program is full four weeks before the start–however, you may still get in if you apply late and a spot becomes available.
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Most participants are eligible to participate at no cost and also receive weekly cash grants.
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While MCB is not a job, most participants qualify for a weekly cash grant by check. The grant is attendance-based. This grant is intended to help cover living costs during the program. Perfect attendance is required to receive the full cash grant each week. You’ll receive more information on this in the interview step.
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If accepted in MCB, all tools and building materials are supplied at no cost to you. We ask that you wear comfortable shoes as you spend much time on your feet.
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MCB is not a traditional classroom setting. The Assembly House facility at 150 Edward Street is an immersive learning environment. Participants work hands-on to build skills in the construction trades in small groups and independently. Student to instructor ratio is 3:1.
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If you have any additional questions, please email info@assemblyhouse150.org or call 716-560-8170.
We look forward to meeting you!
Assembly House is not a classroom.
We are an innovative, interactive, and experiential learning center.
