The CSLA College of Fellows KEEP Program aims to foster professional growth, knowledge exchange, and skill development among students, associates (interns), emerging practitioners, mid-career professionals and senior practitioners through an informal networking relationship. The initiative proposed here is NOT an internship, rather, it is meant to build networks across the country and engage the Fellows in sharing their wealth of knowledge and experience with the subsequent generations of landscape architects.
The benefits of such a program include:
- professional growth through personalized guidance;
- expanded professional networks;
- exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences;
- enhanced skills and knowledge through workshops and seminars.
The KEEP Program is designed to create a supportive and collaborative environment, fostering the development of the next generation of landscape architects and supporting mid-career professionals. Furthermore, it is intended to provide support for traditionally underserved communities and promote diversity in the profession. As such, this program is endorsed by the CSLA Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the Reconciliation Advisory Committee.
Are you a CSLA Fellow? Are you interested in participating in this program?
We are asking Fellows to register their names, areas of expertise, type of practice and geographic location. The CSLA will create a register of participating Fellows and post the information online to share the information with the membership. The CSLA will help coordinate the matches between the Fellow and the participant. To register, click here:
You will need to login or create an account, and then find the application by clicking the "Apply" tab at the top of the screen.
About the KEEP Program
Participant Selection
All Fellows and all categories of CSLA members will be eligible to participate in the program. Participants will pick their Fellows based on the Fellow’s profile and expression of participation and will reach out to the Fellow directly via the CSLA (note that the Fellow will give permission for their email address to be shared with participants who wish to contact them).
Time Commitment / Meetings
The approximate commitment is flexible, and meetings/points of contact could occur regularly, or as needed. Pairs will coordinate their meetings, including schedule and frequency, set goals, discuss progress, and address challenges. Meetings can cover a range of topics, including project management, design principles, communication, and career development. Fellows could provide constructive feedback on participants' portfolios, helping them refine their work and showcase their skills effectively. They could participate in field visits and site tours together or participate together in events to expand their professional network.
Topics
A wide range of topics could be covered to ensure comprehensive professional development. These topics can be adapted based on the specific needs and goals of the mentee, creating a customized and dynamic learning experience within the KEEP Program for landscape architects.