The Future City & Housing Innovation Lab is a one-of-a-kind summer program where students explore these questions through real Bay Area housing projects. Instead of hypothetical classroom exercises, students work with real case studies, industry mentors, and original research to understand how cities are built—and how they can be improved. It is an opportunity for ambitious students to think deeply, create meaningful work, and stand out through intellectual curiosity and real-world insight.
What Students Will Learn
Students will explore three major pillars:
Urban Planning & Policy Students will: Study zoning, density, and housing regulations Analyze how public policy shapes neighborhoods Interview stakeholders and community voices Write a housing policy memo based on a real site
Architecture & Design Students will: Examine before-and-after floor plans Study architectural choices and design strategy Build design boards and critiques Learn from architects, designers, and engineers
Finance & Entrepreneurship Students will: Learn the basics of project budgeting and pro formas Understand costs, risk, timelines, and returns Explore real estate entrepreneurship Build a mini investment memo
Each student selects a focus area and creates a polished final project. Students present their work to a final panel of professionals in architecture, development, and policy.
Summer 2026 Pilot Details
Duration: 4 weeks Cohort Size: 8–12 students
Eligibility: Grades 8–12 Schedule: 2 sessions per week
Format: Hybrid (7EDU campus seminars + supervised Bay Area site visits)
Industry Speakers: 3–4 guest professionals
Final Event: Capstone showcase and presentation panel
This program is ideal for students interested in:
Business and entrepreneurship
Architecture and design
Economics and finance
Public policy and law
Sustainability and climate solutions
Cities, communities, and social impact
By the end of the program, students will leave with:
A sophisticated understanding of how the real world works
Original project work for portfolios and applications
Stronger communication and analytical skills
Exposure to industry leaders and career paths
A standout summer experience unlike typical internships or camps
Apply for the Summer 2026 Pilot Cohort Now
Seats are limited to maintain a highly personalized experience. We are seeking thoughtful, curious, motivated students who want to go beyond the classroom and engage with real challenges shaping the future. If you want to understand cities, housing, leadership, design, money, and impact, submit your application asap.
Application Window: Rolling Admissions
Program location and schedule details will be shared with students admitted to this program.
Application Process:
Apply through the 7EDU platform
Submit CV, school grades, and a cover letter
Accepted students complete registration and payment
