MADE is inviting architecture firms to offer bursaries for the forthcoming International Urban Design Summer School to aspiring young designers.

The initiative is aimed at inspiring the next generation of architects by underwriting their attendance at the high profile event, which is to be held in Birmingham from 19th to 22nd June.

Last year, 33 young people from across the UK took part in the event through the Architecture for Everyone campaign, a partnership with the Stephen Lawrence Trust. The nationwide programme encourages young people from Britain’s inner-cities to consider a career in architecture and the built environment.

Assim, a Year 11 student from Birmingham, attended last year’s Summer School. He described the experience as “Amazing and very beneficial to me, although I had fun I was learning at the same time.”

Now finishing his GSCEs and planning his ‘A’Levels, he says, “This summer school has made me realise that buildings won’t be buildings without fantastic architects. I look at building in a different way - I just don’t see bricks anymore, I see foundations, frame work, design, appearance, thought and effort gone into every building. Through this summer school I have made some lifelong friends and it has given me the confidence to get involved in projects with architecture. It would be fantastic for this project to make other people’s dreams come true to see how it is to become an architect.”

David Tittle, interim chief executive at MADE, said: “Offering a bursary is a simple way for the profession to inspire the next generation of architects, planners, landscape and urban designers.

“It is also an excellent way of meeting corporate social responsibility obligations, allowing firms to follow a young person’s progress and engage with them as they develop their career. The feedback we had last year from the young people involved through the Architecture for Everyone campaign was fantastic, and we would like to build on that.”

The cost of a bursary is £500 (non-residential) or £750 (residential). For more information email David Tittle or call 0121 363 0064

The Summer School involves four days of intensive learning on how to create high-quality sustainable places. Work on a live urban design project is supplemented by city walks, skills workshops, speaker presentations and site visits to the pick of the city’s top developments.

Top international keynote speakers have been lined-up including Peter Head CBE, named one of Time magazine’s top 30 global eco-heroes, and author and architect Carolyn Steel.

MADE has taken over responsibility for running the international urban design summer school from CABE. The event has attracted more than 750 people since its launch in 2004. Delegates include architects, planners, engineers, housing and regeneration professionals, community leaders and councillors.

Full details of the 2011 urban design summer school including the programme are available at www.udss.org.uk