Vallejo Students Build Design Skills at Project Pipeline Summer Camp

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Four Vallejo High School students joined peers across the Bay Area for the San Francisco chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (SFNOMA) Project Pipeline Summer Camp, a weeklong architecture-focused program held at the Academy of Art University from June 16 to June 22, 2025.

The camp, hosted by SFNOMA, introduces middle and high school students to design through hands-on activities emphasizing science, technology, engineering, architecture, and math (STEAM). As part of a national effort to diversify the architecture and planning professions, the program empowers students from underrepresented backgrounds to explore design careers.

Vallejo High students Priscilla Aquino Delgadillo (ninth grade), James Henderson (ninth grade), Charissy Reyes Velasquez (ninth grade), and Lelah Mendoza (tenth grade) attended the six-day camp in San Francisco. Three received full scholarships, and all four were provided with transportation, ensuring equitable access.

Throughout the camp, students learned essential design skills, such as sketching, diagramming, technical drawing, and model making. They also participated in firm tours, developed bubble diagrams and floor plans, and explored how architecture can solve real-world challenges in their communities.

James Henderson, one of the participants, said the experience was fun and eye-opening.

“My experience at the Project Pipeline Summer Camp was great,” he said. “I had a lot of fun learning how to design and make a model of a community center that I got to design. My favorite part was learning how to do a Design Project Sketch, which helped me understand measurements and how to sketch out an architectural project. I think this camp will help my future career path because architects will look at my accomplishments and see me as a valuable asset to their company.”

SFNOMA has used the Bay Area as a living classroom for over a decade, connecting youth with practicing architects and planners. The Project Pipeline initiative equips students with tools to think creatively, communicate their ideas, and lead future community-focused design efforts.

By participating in this program, Vallejo students gained technical skills and strengthened their confidence and voice as future designers and changemakers.