Diversifying Architecture

So, I'm heading to the statewide STEM Summit today. i hope to make some great connections and do a littl ebit of networking, eavesdropping, and note-taking. The last time around, I got some great insight on the value of service learning and tried to integrate a lot of its tenets into some of our programming. Plus, I saw a great piece in Monday's Herald (pdf) covering Ted Landsmark's attempts to diversify and expose more students of color to the architecture profession. I highly admire Mr. Landsmark. He is a great mentor and inspiration to me. I ran into him last week at Mel King's birthday celebration and had a quick second to shake his hand and briefly catch up. As a matter of fact, he has spoken to the NSBE Boston chapter the last 3 years. I completely feel his cause and the urgency with which it is needed. I once referred to myself as an engineering evangelist. After the laughter subsided, I pleaded my case. Too many youngsters around the way may seem tech-savvy, yet they are keyboard peckers with little awareness of anything beyond the power button. Every time I visit a class or school, I am constantly voicing the need for students to wo/man up and become producers as opposed to merely consumers. Some get it and want to be down. And unfortuately, with just a week away, I don't think enough attention has been paid ot the need for a national heightened sense of urgency in ensuring these professions have a pipeline of students in order to keep this country competitive on a global scale. My NSBE peoples, if you willing to step it up a notch and put some more sweat into your giving back endeavors, feel free to fill out a mentoring program form and holla at me.