2026 SWA Summer Student Program

2026 SWA Summer Student Program: From Airport to Great Park

Envisioning The Future For Santa Monica Airport

Occupying 227 acres at the southeastern edge of the City of Santa Monica Santa Monica Airport is the largest public parcel within the Citys 2014 the voters approved Measure LC which limited new development on the Airport land and prioritized parks public open spaces and public recreational facilities. Although the airport is currently operating at limited capacity its full closure is expected after December 31 2028. In the past two years the City has undertaken a robust public outreach process garnering the communitys input to develop a vision centered on a Great Park. Following the guiding principles set forth by the community and adopted City policy Start with Nature Inspire Wonder Balance Economics Amplify Versatility and Celebrate Place these concepts will be used as a foundation in creating a sustainable and economically realistic framework for a great park serving the current and future generations.

For the past 50 years SWAs Summer Student Program has gathered emerging designers from a wide range of backgrounds to explore critical questions influencing the design industry at largemany of whom have become leaders within the firm and discipline.

Each year we invite full-time upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in landscape architecture urban planning urban design and architecture to apply. Applicants must be returning to their academic program in the following school year meaning recent graduates are ineligible. Program locations and subject matter vary by year but include a stipend and housing for the full duration of eight weeks. The program is an in-person commitment including site visits lectures discussions and critiques.

Important dates
Submission deadline: March 7 2026
Notification: Mid-March 2026
Internship: June 1July 31 2026

Selected applicants will receive a stipend and housing for the eight-week duration of the summer student program.

Submission requirements
1 minute introductory video
Letter of interest
Resume
Contact information for 23 references
Portfolio (max. 10 pages)

Electronic submissions only