Partnership provides internship opportunities, job shadowing, networking, and more
Making Waves Education Foundation teams up with corporate and community partners to support historically underrepresented students in developing their career skills and to build a more diverse workforce.
This fall, Studio Bondy became an official corporate partner of Making Waves. The funding supports future leaders in architecture, art, and design by contributing to Making Waves’ college and career success program, which provides scholarships along with college, financial, and career coaching.
A long-time supporter of Making Waves, Studio Bondy designs unique learning environments throughout Northern California and was an instrumental part of the team that developed the state-of-the-art Making Waves Academy campus in Richmond, California.
“We are delighted to welcome Studio Bondy as a partner,” shared Allison Holton, chief of external affairs at Making Waves.
“Studio Bondy’s generous contribution will create career pathways, mentorship, and hands-on experiences for first-generation college students, students of color, and those from low-income backgrounds,” Holton shared.
Creating more access to opportunities in the field of architecture
Currently, the field of architecture does not reflect the demographics of the U.S. According to the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, or NCARB, white males comprised 69% of all architects in the U.S. in 2022. In the same year, 3% of architects were Black, 10.2% were Latinx, and 15% were Asian.
The partnership between Making Waves and Studio Bondy is looking to change that by creating more access and opportunities in the field for historically underrepresented communities.
The partnership brings opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in architecture and design through internships, externships, and job shadowing. Students also gain support for applications and interviews through resume and portfolio reviews and mock interviews.
Providing early exposure to different career options
Plus, Studio Bondy is offering networking opportunities and field trips. In fact, the partnership kicked off with a field trip of 14 high schoolers from Making Waves Academy to Studio Bondy’s office in Oakland, where students met with professionals, learned about the different jobs in architecture and design, asked questions, and even saw the blueprints of their school.
Making Waves students shared how the experience was both educational and inspirational.
“This field trip was a wonderful and educational experience! I already had an idea of going into landscape architecture, but didn’t know what the process of becoming one looked like. They really broke down the steps of how to get to where they’re at in a way that didn’t feel overwhelming.” – Gabriella Perez
“It gave me a clear sense of my future path, and I now feel more confident in pursuing architecture as my career. I love that architecture is an endless journey, where I can explore different styles, tools, and meet diverse people. This experience inspired me to start practicing and learning on my own to get ahead.” – Emmanuel Alberto
“I really enjoyed this trip because I have wanted to get into construction management. This trip showed me what I have to do in the profession and the education I need. It encouraged me to look for internship or work opportunities, possibly at Studio Bondy.” – Shihab Alkaheli
“This field trip was really inspiring because it made me realize that everything is connected and that no matter where I end up, if I have connections and different ideas, I can always figure out a place for myself.” – Andrea Martinez Alvarez
“Our partnership with Making Waves is a great opportunity to impact the lives of students beyond the physical built environment,” shared Thomas Lumikko, principal at Studio Bondy Architecture. “New voices and perspectives are needed in our profession, and we cherish the opportunity to provide students with hands-on engagement, introducing them to the architectural process, from design to construction, sparking interest in the profession and demonstrating its potential as a career path.”
“Through this partnership, Studio Bondy wants to help bridge the gap between education and professional aspiration in design related fields, encouraging students to envision themselves as future architects and designers who can shape their communities,” he shared.
Easing the transitions between high school, college, and workforce
Support for college students
Studio Bondy will support college students in Making Waves Education Foundation’s college and career success program through:
- Scholarships for graduate school or licensing fees for college graduates pursuing a career in architecture, art, or design.
- Internship, externships, and hands-on project opportunities.
- Job shadowing or similar learning opportunities for college students and alumni.
- Resume and portfolio reviews and mock interviews.
- Sharing expertise around job applications and interviews.
Support for high school students
Studio Bondy will support students attending Making Waves Academy through:
- Field trips to Studio Bondy headquarters or architectural project sites.
- Job shadowing and other short-term professional learning opportunities.
- Career day events.
- Resume and portfolio reviews and mock interviews for college applications.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Studio Bondy for their commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the architecture and design fields. We look forward to supporting the next generation of Wave-Makers as they embark on their journeys in these dynamic fields,” Holton shared.
Let’s partner!
At Making Waves, we know corporate and community partnerships are a win-win.
Together we can support historically underrepresented students in developing their career skills and we can build a more diverse workforce – all while boosting your organization’s brand awareness and employee engagement.
About Making Waves Education Foundation
At Making Waves, we’re opening doors to economic mobility. Our programs provide students of color from low-income backgrounds with the educational opportunities, career skills, and financial freedom to meet their goals and thrive. We partner with students as early as 5th grade through high school, college, and into their careers. Learn more about our model and impact.
About Studio Bondy
Studio Bondy Architecture leverages decades of professional experience and leadership in the design of educational, institutional, and non-profit projects. The firm addresses the comprehensive range of issues inherent in these project types, where the users are considered the primary clients. This includes master planning, conceptualization, programming, sustainability, design applications, capital needs, accessibility, safety, constructability, and maintenance. Notably, a significant portion of their portfolio demonstrates expertise in the repurposing of existing and often historic buildings and spaces, navigating their inherent challenges and constraints.
Studio Bondy Architecture provides complete architectural, planning, and interior design services, from conceptual design and programming through construction contract administration. Their portfolio encompasses a diverse range of building types, including classrooms, libraries, studios, maker spaces, administrative offices, kitchens, cafeterias, performance spaces, outdoor play and gathering spaces, sports and recreation facilities, and student centers. The firm’s work seamlessly integrates the unique needs of its clients, the specific characteristics of each site, the interplay of space and function, and the interplay of light and form, with a rigorous attention to detail.
