2026 ASLA Design Academy for Educators: Teaching Environmental Design through Landscape Architecture

Teaching Environmental Design through Landscape Architecture

Planning is underway for ASLA’s 2026 Design Academy for Educators, a national professional development program that equips K–12 teachers to bring sustainability, environmental humanities, and design thinking into their classrooms.

Building on the success of our 2025 inaugural program, the Academy has already exceeded expectations for 2026—with 36 educators from across the country confirmed to participate, surpassing our original goal. These teachers will engage in a four-day immersive experience in Washington, D.C., exploring how landscape architecture can be used to teach climate literacy, community resilience, and environmental stewardship.

Through site visits, hands-on learning, and collaboration with ASLA members, participants leave with classroom-ready lessons and a deeper understanding of landscape architecture as a powerful, interdisciplinary STEM career pathway. The impact extends far beyond the workshop: each educator brings these tools back to their students, creating a ripple effect that reaches thousands of young people nationwide.

To support this growing demand and ensure a high-quality experience for all participants, we are 

seeking philanthropic support for the 2026 program.

Your contribution will help:

• Support educator participation from diverse and underserved communities
• Provide materials, site experiences, and expert instruction
• Expand access to landscape architecture as a career pathway
• Strengthen a proven, scalable model for climate and sustainability education

Every gift directly supports the educators who are shaping the next generation of environmental leaders.

Donate today to help bring landscape architecture into classrooms across the country by choosing your level at the right. 

If you prefer, you can send a check, payable to ASLA Fund to:

ASLA Fund
636 I Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001-3735

Please email jmehlman@asla.org if you have any questions.

Thank you for your support.