Inspiring Future Leaders Through Samueli Academy’s Urban Plan Project

Patricia Vining, Design Instructor at Samueli Academy, reflected on the remarkable success of the Urban Plan project and the impact it had on her students. She shared that the program embodied the school’s mission “to ignite the passion within all students to reach their greatest potential.” From the first planning meetings to teacher training and final presentations, the experience was described as first class. Students who were often hesitant to engage stepped up, embraced leadership roles, and took pride in their work as they built cities and presented their defenses with confidence comparable to graduate-level projects. Vining explained that the project not only strengthened knowledge but also cultivated confidence, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility. The Urban Plan project stands as a powerful roadmap to prepare students to become future leaders and engaged citizens of the world.