Established in 2026, Belonging Architects was established through Howard County Public School System in partnership with the Howard County Office of Human Rights & Equity.
The program will launch during the summer of 2026 and bring together students from all HCPSS high schools during an in person summer institute. Throughout the year, students will meet monthly to learn, collaborate, and co-create belonging culture and communities.
Important Dates:
Monday, March 2, 2026 - *Applications Open *please note, you must be logged into your HCPSS Google Account in order to access the form.
Friday, May 8, 2026 - LAST day to apply
Friday, May 22, 2026 - Participants notified of acceptance into the program
July 14 - July 17, 2026 - Belonging Architects Summer Institute
Tuesday, July 14th 9:00AM - 3:00PM @ Oakland Mills HS
Wednesday, July 15th 9:00AM - 3:00PM @ Oakland Mills HS
Thursday, July 16th 9:00AM - 3:00PM @ Oakland Mills HS
Friday, July 17th 9:00AM - 3:00PM @ Atholton HS (participants will arrive at Atholton HS and will be between Freetown Farm, Atholton HS, and Harriet Tubman Cultural Center - a field trip form will be required for attendance)
Questions? Contact Us: danielle_dupuis@hcpss.org, shannon_keeny@hcpss.org
Vision Statement
The collaborative work of Belonging Architects shifts belonging from a concept to a measurable, concrete and sustainable reality.
Mission Statement
Belonging Architects co-create a community blueprint in which students drive outcomes through collaboration with peers and staff to ensure belonging spaces exist throughout HCPSS.
Outcomes:
Establish channels of collaboration with school administration to co-create cultures of belonging.
Provide access to professional training to level up student driven outcomes.
Expand student definition of leadership to encompass key concepts of equity through strategic HCPSS partners.