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Feature Articles |
A record year for UrbanPlan: 2006 is tops in student + school participation, volunteer involvement & sponsorshipsNovember 1, 2006By Dafna Zilafro
The program has grown from its humble beginnings of three teams to well over 25 teams representing more than 200 students. To date, the UrbanPlan competition includes six Los Angeles-area high schools, and an after-school youth center. For the first time in its history here, this year's UrbanPlan 2006 curriculum outlined a local challenge: a request-for-proposal for the Marlton development within the Crenshaw District. Each classroom team's effort culminated in a written development proposal, a three-dimensional model, a financial pro forma statement, and a formal oral presentation to a panel of judges. "We are educating tomorrow's builders, architects, and city planners. Planning a community is such a fundamental part of city living, and these students are learning first-hand how it impacts many issues: congestion, sprawl, social equity, urban revitalization, the desire for parks and open space, the need to balance quality housing with quality jobs," said Renata Simril, Vice President of Forest City Development and UrbanPlan Awards keynote speaker. "This program has been so inspirational to me because I will be attending UCLA in the fall and I plan to major in Real Estate Law as a result of UrbanPlan," said Evans. "I now fully understand the demand for certain types of housing, the process of creating financial gains to investors and how best to leverage the needs and resources that are important to my community." Instructor Mateo Leonardo of Environmental Charter High School in Lawndale also reported a positive experience from his students, but noted that he had to personally purchase classroom materials because of a lack of resources at the school. While UrbanPlan provided student guides, teacher guides and the professional development tutors, the schools that ULI targets for the program are traditionally under-funded and underserved by the city, and benefit immensely from every bit of sponsorship ULI can provide. Through increased member participation in the form of both financial and volunteer support, ULI hopes to bridge the financial gap next year, and make this program available to an even broader range of young people and educators.
"We recommend that companies contribute cash donations, and a little bit of their time – as much as one afternoon counseling a school group is enough to make a huge difference," said Rebecca Martinez, Co-Chair of UrbanPlan and Director of Marketing for Cuningham Group Architecture, P.A. "Even as little as $250 can help provide much-needed supplies." | |
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UrbanPlan reached into the academic lives of nearly 200 high school students this year – representing the program's largest participation to date. UrbanPlan also enjoyed a record year in terms of its sponsorships, volunteer involvement and school participation. The program, which offers high school students a simulated city RFP bid process, exposes young people to a variety of career possibilities in urban planning, real estate development, project management and architecture. 
Thursday June 15, 2006 the winning team was announced at an awards event held in honor of all participating students. Reseda High School's team, Visionaries, under the instruction of Chris Monaster, took first place for Best Overall concept and design. Each member of Reseda's team received a $1,000 scholarship toward college expenses. 
Law firm, Cox Castle & Nicholson recently made a sizeable donation, and other ULI members participated for the first time, making this a record year in the form of member participation and donations.