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8 Tips for Making the Most of the Fall Semester

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Happy fall semester! As you settle into campus life, you might find yourself asking questions like “How can I make friends in my major?” or “How can I stay balanced?” Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
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Whether you’re finishing your first week or your first month, these tips will help you make the most of the semester ahead!

1. Get to Know Your Campus

You may have joined a campus tour during orientation week that provided a general lay of the land. Now that classes have started, take some time to become even more familiar with your new stomping grounds. Take the scenic route to get inspired by the beauty of your campus. Get to know your architecture building inside and out: this will come in handy once it’s time to lock in on your final projects. Try a different route to class one day—you might even find a shortcut!

2. Explore Student Activities

Many schools will host a college activity fair at the start of the semester. These are great ways to learn about the different clubs on campus and get some face time with their members. Keep an eye out for architecture-related organizations like the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) and the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS). Joining AIAS and/or NOMAS will connect you with people in your major and provide access to resources that will support you with your studies.

3. Learn About Available Resources

As a student, there are many resources available to you online and on campus. Visit your campus student center to learn more about their available services. This may include resources ranging from tutoring and career counseling to scholarships and professional development opportunities. If you’re looking for online resources, Study Architecture’s resource page includes podcasts, books, and guides that will be helpful throughout your architecture journey.

4. Time Management

From classes and jobs to extracurriculars and volunteering, you have quite a lot on your plate as a student. The best way to avoid burnout is to find a time management technique that works for you. Time management looks different for everyone: some people prefer to mark everything down in a planner, while others rely on time blocks or the Pomodoro Technique. Try out a few things to see what strategy aligns with your needs. If you find yourself struggling, don’t be afraid to ask a friend or mentor for suggestions.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Change Your Mind

Brainstorming is a very important step in the design process. While you might feel very passionate about the first idea you have for your project, it’s okay for your project to evolve as you go. From start to finish, you will find yourself thinking of different perspectives or solutions that will alter the final product—and that’s okay! Exploring different ideas is all a part of the journey.

6. Get to Know Your Professors

Getting to know your professors might seem intimidating at first, but it’s a great way to build your connection with them. Stop by their office hours to introduce yourself 1:1. Having an open line of communication with your professors will also allow you to ask for additional help or resources throughout the semester.

7. Connect with Upperclassmen

No one will have better advice than people who have been in your shoes. Connect with upperclassmen to learn more about their experiences and recommendations. They can support you in many ways, from sharing tips for a challenging class they took before to where to find the best cup of coffee on campus. Their wisdom and insights will be incredibly valuable!

8. Have Fun!

Most importantly, take the time to enjoy yourself this semester! You will make amazing friends and lifelong memories during your time in college. Don’t forget to reward yourself for all of your hard work by having fun.

We hope these tips inspire you to have an amazing semester. Looking for advice from students like yourself? We previously asked students, “What is the Biggest Lesson You Learned In Architecture School?” Visit the blog post to check out their answers!

#ModelMakers: Lindsay Miller

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Today’s #ModelMaker is Lindsay Miller, a second-year M.Arch student at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Read below for an inside look at what drives Lindsay’s creativity and how she spends her time on campus!

Name: Lindsay Miller

School: Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)

Degree Program: Master of Architecture, Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL)

Year in School: Second-year M.Arch student

Describe Your Design Style: I would describe my design style as practical, purposeful, and people-focused. I enjoy creative ideas, but I’m always thinking about how a design could actually be built, used, and experienced in the real world. I like designing things that have a purpose and meaning behind them, while still giving me room to be creative.

Share a Project You’re Proud of:

“Ornithis” is my undergraduate capstone project, an immersive educational center in the Cypress Wetlands of Port Royal, South Carolina. The project creates opportunities for hands-on learning and exploration through a combination of indoor and outdoor spaces, including elevated walkways, open-air classrooms, and viewing decks. The design protects the site’s natural hydrology and wildlife movement while creating a connection between the built and natural environments.

This project is especially meaningful to me because I worked on it during a time when I felt a little lost and was questioning whether I wanted to continue pursuing architecture. The project gave me confidence in my abilities and reminded me why I wanted to be an architect in the first place. It also helped me land my first job in architecture, which made the project feel like a turning point both personally and professionally. I’m proud of it not only because of the final design and the recognition it received, but because of what the process meant for me personally. “Ornithis” went on to receive four awards in 2025: Bronze in Commercial Architecture / Sustainable Commercial Architecture from the International Design Awards, the Project Excellence Award from the AIAS Honor Awards, an AIA Aspire Student Design Award, and the Sustainable Design Award Senior Project from the SCAD Architecture Department and Savannah USGBC.

What Inspires You? 
I’m inspired by learning, collaboration, and the idea of eventually giving back to the architecture community. Teaching has become an important part of how I see my future in architecture, and I’m always looking for opportunities to learn new things so that I can eventually share that knowledge with others. I also really enjoy working across disciplines and seeing what happens when people with different perspectives come together. Through my involvement with AIAS and the student organizations I’ve helped create at SCAD, I’ve seen how much can happen when people come together around a shared idea.
What’s Your Student Superpower?
Turning ideas into action. If I see an opportunity to make something better or create something that’s missing, I tend to figure out how to make it happen. That mindset has led me to serve as a past President of SCAD AIAS, currently serve as an AIAS South Quad Director, and start two student organizations centered around interdisciplinary collaboration. One of those organizations brings architecture and interior design students together, and seeing it grow into such a successful community has been one of my favorite parts of being a student.

You can find Lindsay on Instagram: @lindsay_j610


Interested in being featured? Email studyarchitecturedotcom@gmail.com for more details!

#ModelMakers: Dania Morelli

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Welcome back to #ModelMakers! Today, we’re highlighting Dania Morelli — a recent M.Arch graduate of the University of Colorado Denver College of Architecture and Planning. Learn more about Dania’s inspirations and her on-campus experience below!

Name: Dania Morelli

School: University of Colorado Denver – College of Architecture and Planning

Degree Program: Master of Architecture (M.Arch)

Year in School: Final Semester (Graduating May 2026)

Describe Your Design Style:

My design approach is rooted in human-centred thinking and spatial experience. I focus on how architecture performs, how it shapes movement, light, and emotion, rather than just form. My work often explores systems and layered spatial strategies that create continuity, connection, and a strong sense of place.


Dania presenting her Studio 5 project during Fall 2024 as a Master of Architecture Student at CU Denver.

Share a Project You’re Proud of: One of the most meaningful projects I’ve developed was Studio 5, where I designed a dual-purpose building that functions as an architecture school by day and an art gallery by night. This project became a turning point for me; it pushed me to reconsider what architecture means to me beyond form or aesthetics. I began focusing on how spaces feel, how they support interaction, creativity, and exchange. Through layered circulation and flexible environments, I explored architecture as a lived experience. More than the final outcome, the process helped me reconnect with my purpose in this field and strengthened my confidence in my voice as a designer. I ultimately brought the project together through a final video presentation that communicated the story, spatial experience, and overall vision behind the design.

What Inspires You? I’m inspired by architecture that creates impact in everyday life, projects that support communities, and meaningful human interaction. I’m also deeply inspired by mentorship and collaborative environments, which have shaped my growth and helped me define my voice as a designer.


What’s Your Student Superpower? Creating connections. Whether through leading AIAS, organizing events, or bridging students with professionals, I naturally bring people together and create opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.


You can find Dania on Instagram: @atharea.arch


Interested in being featured? Email studyarchitecturedotcom@gmail.com for more details!

Getting Involved: Student Volunteering at the 2025 World Architecture Festival (WAF)

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From coordinating career fairs to supporting logistics and student participation at world-renowned architecture festivals, M.Arch student Alejandra Mateus De La Torre is no stranger to volunteering. 

Today, she joins Study Architecture to share her experience volunteering at the World Architecture Festival (WAF) as a WAF Student Representative — connecting with students and designers from across the globe. Read on to hear her insights and get inspired!

1. What inspired you to get involved in WAF?

Alejandra: In February 2025, the USF School of Architecture & Community Design (SACD) hosted Joyce Owens, FAIA, RIBA, as a guest speaker for our Spring Lecture Series. As the SACD Events & Lectures Graduate Assistant, I worked closely with her to coordinate the logistics of the event and ensure the lecture ran smoothly. During that time, I had the opportunity to speak with her more personally, and after the lecture, Professor Josue Robles and I invited a group of students to join her for dinner so that more students could connect with the guest speaker in an informal setting.

During that conversation, Joyce shared exciting news about the World Architecture Festival (WAF), one of the most internationally recognized architecture events in the world. Each year, WAF brings together architects, designers, and students from across the globe to present and critique built and future projects, attend lectures and panels, and celebrate innovation in architecture and the built environment. For the first time in its history, the festival would be held in the United States, and the selected location was Miami, Florida. Coincidentally, a friend and I had recently come across an Instagram post about the festival, so hearing about it directly from Joyce made the opportunity feel even more exciting. During that conversation, she asked if I would be interested in serving as a student representative working with the WAF team to help encourage and coordinate student volunteers for the event.

It was an incredible opportunity to help connect students with an international architecture event happening so close to home, and I immediately accepted. I saw it as a chance to help students experience a global architectural conversation and gain exposure to practitioners and ideas from around the world.


2. What did planning look like?

Alejandra: Once I accepted the opportunity to serve as the WAF Student Representative, I began sharing information about the festival with students at the USF School of Architecture & Community Design and through the AIAS South Quad network, which connects architecture students across Florida. As AIAS USF Chapter President, I created an interest form to understand how many students were interested in volunteering and traveling to Miami for the event.

Our AIAS USF team also developed a flyer that summarized the information provided by the WAF team, including the responsibilities of student volunteers and the benefits of participating in the festival. Once the flyer was complete, we shared it with AIAS chapters across Florida to encourage students from other schools to participate.

After identifying how many students from the University of South Florida and Florida Southern College needed transportation, I worked with my school to help secure support for travel expenses, so students would not have to worry about driving individually. I then coordinated the travel logistics, including reserving a rental van, organizing departure and pickup times from the SACD building, and arranging shared housing in Miami so our group of students could stay together during the festival.

To further support student participation, I also asked our School Director to provide a letter of support, recognizing attendance at the World Architecture Festival as both an academic and professional learning opportunity. Since the festival took place during the academic semester, this letter helped students communicate with their professors and more easily request excused absences while participating in the event.

As the WAF Student Representative, I also worked with the WAF team to ensure that all volunteer shifts were filled and that students had the information they needed before arriving at the event. Since the festival team was managing a large international event, I helped answer questions from students and coordinate communication when needed. During the festival itself, I volunteered in multiple roles. I assisted with the main stage operations, helping maintain the setup during live lectures and Q&A sessions. I also volunteered in Crit Room 7, where I helped coordinate presentations in the Completed Buildings: Health category, ensuring that presentations ran smoothly and stayed on schedule.

Beyond volunteering, the event created meaningful opportunities for students to connect. I met in person for the first time a student from Eastern Florida State College, whom I had previously connected with online and encouraged to attend the festival. Our USF students also met students from Miami-Dade College, which led to new friendships and collaborations. In fact, some of the students we connected with at WAF later joined us at the 2026 AIA Florida Legislative Day, continuing the relationships that began during the Festival.



3. What type of students and professionals were in attendance?

Alejandra: The World Architecture Festival (WAF) brings together architects, designers, academics, and students from around the world. At the 2025 festival in Miami, professionals representing architecture firms, design studios, universities, and organizations from many different countries gathered to present and discuss projects shaping the future of the built environment.

Students attending the festival came from architecture programs across Florida and beyond, including universities, community colleges, and international schools. Through the volunteer program, students were able to assist with lectures, project presentations, and critique sessions while interacting with architects and designers from around the world. One of the most exciting opportunities for students at the festival was the student design charrette, where teams of students collaborate on a design challenge within a limited amount of time and present their ideas to a jury of international architects. The charrette encourages creative problem solving, teamwork, and exposure to different design perspectives, allowing students to engage directly with the global architectural conversation happening at the festival.

The festival also features architects presenting their projects in front of international juries as part of WAF’s design awards program, where built and future projects are critiqued and discussed in a public setting. For many students, this was a rare opportunity to observe how leading architects communicate their ideas, respond to critique, and engage in design dialogue at an international level.


What advice would you share with students preparing to attend their first World Architecture Festival?

Alejandra: The World Architecture Festival will return to the United States in 2026, taking place at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale from November 18–20. My first piece of advice for students is to save the date early and start planning ahead. Events like WAF bring together architects, designers, and students from around the world, and attending can be an incredibly valuable academic and professional experience. If possible, start conversations with your AIAS chapter, professors, or school leadership about organizing a group to attend. Schools or local AIA components may sometimes help sponsor transportation or other travel expenses, and collaborating with nearby AIAS chapters can help divide costs and make it easier for students from multiple schools to attend together.

Students should also consider applying to the WAF Student Charrette, which is one of the most exciting opportunities at the festival. The charrette brings together teams of students from different schools to work collaboratively on a design challenge within a limited amount of time and present their ideas to an international jury of architects. Applications for the charrette are typically announced on the World Architecture Festival website, and students can apply individually or through their schools, depending on the year’s format. Keep an eye on their website for more information.

Another great way to participate is through the WAF Student Volunteer Program. Volunteers help support the festival by assisting with lectures, presentations, and event coordination, while also gaining valuable exposure to the international architecture community. As student volunteers, participants do not have to pay the festival registration fee, which makes attending the event much more accessible for students.

Finally, I recommend speaking with your school director or faculty about providing a letter of support for student attendance. Since WAF is both an academic and professional experience, having institutional support can make it easier for students to participate while classes are in session.

Most importantly, take advantage of the opportunity to meet students and professionals from around the world. Events like WAF allow you to see how architects communicate their ideas, present their work, and engage in design conversations at a global level. Students who would like to see more about what the experience looked like can also view highlights from the 2025 festival that we shared on social media here. 


You can find Alejandra on Instagram: @allie.m.07

Have You Joined AIAS?

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Hi! My name is Mia Larkin and I am a rising senior at the University of Pittsburgh studying architecture with a minor in museum studies. I am also the social media chair of my university’s AIAS chapter. I joined AIAS to be closer to my classmates and to have a sense of community; learning from other students as they share their expertise in different software and applying what I learn to my projects and internship. 

The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is an international, independent, non-profit, and student-run organization committed to developing leadership, design, and service among students in architecture. AIAS plays a vital role in providing invaluable experiences in architecture education and professional development for architecture students across the world. AIAS chapters provide members with advocacy, education, and internship opportunities. (Check out if your university offers an AIAS chapter!)

 

Having an AIAS chapter present on college campuses allows students to meet people within their major. Outside of an academic setting, there are advantages that AIAS provides to students including interacting with professionals, networking with them, and visualizing what it means to be in the working field. “I think joining AIAS presents the unique opportunity for young people to engage pre-professionally in the world of architecture in a way that is with people of similar ages and interests,” says Kiran Nwakanma, a fellow student at the University of Pittsburgh. “It’s really a community-oriented approach to getting involved with the design field.” 

Emerging as a working individual, getting your foot in the door can feel scary. There is so much uncertainty when you are in college, figuring out what you want to do for the rest of your life, or if you are even on the right path. AIAS offers me experiences I wouldn’t have known about if I didn’t join. “[The] main benefits [are] to be able to gain valuable insight on how lessons in your undergraduate career will transfer to the workforce and to be able to gain mentorship through other students, alumni, professors, and practicing architects,” says Priya Sahu, a rising senior at the University of Pittsburgh. 

 

While you’re still in college, it is valuable to know what experiences you can take away from the classroom since they can transfer to your career. Personally, through AIAS, I have visited firms and heard professionals talk about their jobs. I believe the skills I have learned as a member of AIAS have taught me the skills that I am expected to do in my professional career. 

 

I joined AIAS during my sophomore year to connect with other students in architecture and possibly have a chance for a leadership position. At first, I attended events, firm crawls, and portfolio reviews and tried to get involved as much as I could. Junior year came and I decided to run for a board position. I chose to run for social media chair since it aligns with previous leadership positions I held on campus, and I won! Since it’s summertime, I haven’t got the chance to do my role but I have plans for what I want to do while on board. One of my ideas was to release the AIAS Pitt merch since we don’t have any, and it would be great to see hoodies and stickers around campus to distinguish people who are in AIAS and create a sense of community outside of AIAS. Another idea is to interact more with members through Instagram stories, posting on a consistent schedule, and possibly event planning with the AIAS board. Lastly, I want to listen to feedback from the community and what they would like to see me do.

AIAS promotes excellence in education by fostering community and creating a network between students, faculty, and professionals by hosting events, firm crawls, and connecting students with resources. Joining your AIAS chapter is also a great way to expand your leadership experience. To check out more information, visit the AIAS National website and social media! 

 

P.S. Click here to see if your university offers an AIAS chapter!

 

(All images are courtesy of the AIAS – University of Pittsburgh Chapter via Mia Larkin)

2023 List of Scholarships and Career Resources for Underrepresented Students

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In our pursuit of a more equitable profession, we are providing a list of resources for prospective students of color. It is our hope that the list of resources below will help students of color who aspire to become architects find networks and opportunities that help them to achieve their goals.

The following list is not all-inclusive, so if you would like for us to add others, please do not hesitate to contact us to add them.

Fellowships and Scholarships

 

American Indian Science and Engineering Society Scholarships

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) helps students move forward in their educational journeys by providing a wide range of programs and scholarship opportunities for American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and Indigenous peoples of Canada. To apply, you must be an AISES member.

Deadline to Apply:  Varies by Scholarship

AIA Chicago Foundation Diversity Scholarship

AIA Chicago Foundation Diversity Scholarship Initiative, managed by the AIA Chicago Foundation, is an opportunity to attract and retain diverse, talented young professionals in Chicago and recognizes the value of new and unique voices in the profession. One $10,000 graduate scholarship and one $10,000 undergraduate scholarship are awarded each year.

Applications accepted through May 12, 2023

American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)

AIAS has a great list of scholarships and fellowship opportunities for students.

Deadline to Apply:  Varies by Scholarship

American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Worldstudio Scholarships

AIGA Worldstudio Scholarships benefit minority and economically disadvantaged students who are studying photography, illustration, and design disciplines in colleges and universities in the United States. Scholarships are awarded annually to encourage social and environmental responsibility and cultural awareness in the next generation of artists and designers.

Deadline to Apply:  April 7, 2023

Association for Women in Architecture Scholarship

The Association for Women in Architecture Foundation offers annual cash awards to women students studying Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban and/or Land Planning, Interior Design, or Environmental Design leading to a college degree.

Applicants must be residents of California or attending a California school, and must be enrolled in one of the qualifying majors for the current school term. Applicants must have completed a minimum of 18 units in their major by the application due date.

Deadline to Apply: April 25, 2023

CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to African-American or Black students who are pursuing a degree in the visual arts. 

This award is for full-time African-American or Black students pursuing a degree in visual arts including, but not limited to, architecture, ceramics, drawing, fashion, graphic design, illustration, interior design, painting, photography, sketching, video production and other decorative arts.

Deadline to Apply: April 14, 2023

CINTAS Foundation Fellowship in Architecture & Design

Candidates in the fields of architectural design, interior design, urban design and urban planning may submit applications for the CINTAS Foundation Fellowship in Architecture. For the purpose of historical value and documentation, architectural award recipients are encouraged to submit architectural drawings (i.e., representative samples of their work) to be added to the CINTAS Fellows Collection after the grant period. To be eligible, applicants must have either Cuban citizenship or direct lineage. 

Eligibility for this fellowship: Creative artists of Cuban citizenship or direct lineage (having a Cuban parent or grandparent). Applicants engaged in research, students, or performing artists are not eligible to apply for CINTAS Fellowships. 

Deadline to Apply: May 1, 2023

College Raptor Scholarship

To help students take a thoughtful approach to the college decision process and pay for college, College Raptor is awarding a $2,500 scholarship.

For eligibility, applicants must:

  • Be legal residents of the United States, District of Columbia, or a U.S. Territory.
  • Be age 16 or older.
  • Be enrolled (or enroll no later than the fall of 2023) in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher learning (college, university or trade school).

Deadline to Apply: March 31, 2023

Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program

The Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program is open to underrepresented, low-income and first-generation college-bound students. Students must be pursuing an undergraduate degree full-time in transportation, math, science, engineering, architecture, environmental design, PreMed, psychology, Spanish language/literature. The applicant does not have to be a U.S. citizen but must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and proof of attending college beginning in the fall semester. Recommendation by a faculty member is optional but highly suggested.

Deadline to Apply: March 14, 2023

Hip Hop Architecture Scholarship Fund

Michael Ford’s $10,000 Hip Hop Architecture Scholarship awards $2,500 per year for four years, totaling $10,000 to a minority high school senior who accepted into a 4 year college or university to study architecture. Recipients will be contacted to reapply for the scholarship when entering graduate school.

Deadline to Apply: April 14, 2023

Houzz Scholarship Program

Houzz offers four different architecture scholarships—Women in Architecture, Residential Design, Sustainable Residential Design, and Residential Construction Management—each for $2,500. Scholarships are open to current undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in interior design, architecture, landscape architecture, architectural engineering, or construction management programs.

Deadline to Apply: March 31, 2023

SmithGroup Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Scholarship Program

We have created the SmithGroup Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Scholarship Program to support and mentor students from historically underrepresented demographics in architecture, interior design, planning, landscape architecture and engineering.  The program’s mission is to provide these students with the opportunity to attain their professional goals while advancing the architecture/engineering/construction (AEC) industry and improving the built environment.

Deadline to Apply: October 30, 2023

Networks and Organizations

400 FORWARD

Launched in 2017 when the 400th living African American woman achieved licensure, 400 Forward aims to boost the next generation of African American women architects—who currently make up only 0.2 percent of all licensed architects—through exposure to architecture, mentorship, and financial assistance

ArchiteXX

A non-profit organization for Gender Equity in architecture transforming the profession by bridging the academy and practice. We are a Cross-Generational group of academics and practitioners, and our organization is dedicated to the advancement of all women-identified, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and allied individuals.

Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation.

The Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation (BWAF) is an advocacy group committed to changing the culture of the building industry for women working in architecture, landscape, engineering, and construction—market sectors where only about 17 percent of the leaders are women. Founded in 2002 by Willis, a pioneering woman in the field, the New York-based nonprofit advances the recognition of women’s contributions to architecture through grants and research and supports current professionals and students through educational and social initiatives.

Black Females in Architecture

Black Females in Architecture (BFA) is a network and enterprise founded to increase the visibility of black and black mixed heritage females within the architectural industry and other built environment fields. In so doing, BFA actively addresses issues of inequality and diversity within the industry

BFA supports its growing membership through the provision of a support network within which members benefit from shared knowledge, advice, guidance, access to the personal networks of fellow members, job opportunities, and much more.

Black Interior Designers Network

The Black Interior Designers Network’s mission is to promote diversity and inclusion within the interior design industry by highlighting designers of color and supporting black designers with business development opportunities and resources to help Black designers thrive.

Female Design Council

With the mission of establishing a strong support network for female and female-identifying design professionals—through events, exhibitions, discussions, programming, business development opportunities, and community outreach with industry partners.

National Organization of Minority Architects

Founded in 1971 by 12 African-American architects, who met at the national AIA Convention in Detroit that year and recognized the need to help foster the development of minority architects, NOMA showcases the work of Black architects through its publications and conferences. This national group relies on the strength of its local chapters for advocacy, community outreach, and professional development.

Organization of Black Designers

The Organization of Black Designers is a national professional organization of interior, industrial/product, architectural, fashion, UX, UI and graphic designers dedicated to promoting the visibility, empowerment, education and interaction of its membership and the understanding and value that diverse design perspectives contribute to world culture and commerce.

The Designer’s Workshop

Associate interior designer at Rockwell Group Kamille Glenn founded the Designer’s Workshop as a collective to unite people of color in any 3D-design disciplines, including architecture and design, and to shine a light on this underrepresented population through connectivity and collaboration.

 

Resources 

Best Colleges
Many organizations and schools offer college scholarships for Black and African American students. Learn about the top scholarships for these learners.

Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Resources for African American Students

This resource is for African American Students, and it details information about different types of financial assistance available to African American students, including historically Black university scholarships, field-specific scholarships, and scholarships for women.

College Scholarships For Minorities

Student-Specific Scholarships support individual groups of college students like women and minorities.

45+ College Scholarships for Minority Students

Published by Purdue University Global, this resource shares 45+ financial aid scholarships for future and current students as well as potential graduate students to supplement the cost of education or professional development endeavors. Information on where to find scholarships and grants is supplied. Also highlighted within the resource are opportunities dedicated to specific demographics such as African Americans, Asian Americans, Latino Students, Native Americans, and much more. The featured scholarships are current and are provided by trusted organizations. The resource will constantly be updated to ensure students can apply to the most accurate scholarships available.

Contact us at info@acsa-arch.org to add your Scholarship, Organization, or Resource for Underrepresented students to this page. 

2022 List of Scholarships and Career Resources for Underrepresented Students

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In our pursuit of a more equitable profession, we are providing a list of resources for prospective students of color. It is our hope that the list of resources below will help students of color who aspire to become architects find networks and opportunities that help them to achieve their goals.

The following list is not all-inclusive, so if you would like for us to add others, please do not hesitate to contact us to add them.

Fellowships and Scholarships

 

American Indian Science and Engineering Society Scholarships

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) helps students move forward in their educational journeys by providing a wide range of programs and scholarship opportunities for American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and Indigenous peoples of Canada. To apply, you must be an AISES member.

Deadline to Apply:  Varies by Scholarship

AIA Chicago Foundation Diversity Scholarship

AIA Chicago Foundation Diversity Scholarship Initiative, managed by the AIA Chicago Foundation, is an opportunity to attract and retain diverse, talented young professionals in Chicago and recognizes the value of new and unique voices in the profession. One $10,000 graduate scholarship and one $10,000 undergraduate scholarship are awarded each year.

Applications accepted through May 3, 2022

American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)

AIAS has a great list of scholarships and fellowship opportunities for students.

Deadline to Apply:  Varies by Scholarship

American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Worldstudio Scholarships

AIGA Worldstudio Scholarships benefit minority and economically disadvantaged students who are studying photography, illustration, and design disciplines in colleges and universities in the United States. Scholarships are awarded annually to encourage social and environmental responsibility and cultural awareness in the next generation of artists and designers.

Deadline to Apply:  Varies by Scholarship

Architects Foundation – The Diversity Advancement Scholarship

This scholarship—$4,000 per year and up to $20,000 total—supports undergraduate minority students who are entering, enrolled in, or transferring into a NAAB-accredited undergraduate architecture program. Scholarships may be renewed every year until your degree is completed, for up to 5 years.

We’re looking for minority students whose imagination and design thinking will influence the future of the architecture profession and the built environment.

Applications for the 2023 awards will open in November 2022.

Association for Women in Architecture Scholarship

The Association for Women in Architecture Foundation offers annual cash awards to women students studying Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban and/or Land Planning, Interior Design, or Environmental Design leading to a college degree.

Applicants must be residents of California or attending a California school, and must be enrolled in one of the qualifying majors for the current school term. Applicants must have completed a minimum of 18 units in their major by the application due date.

Deadline to Apply: April 25, 2022

CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to African-American or Black students who are pursuing a degree in the visual arts. 

This award is for full-time African-American or Black students pursuing a degree in visual arts including, but not limited to, architecture, ceramics, drawing, fashion, graphic design, illustration, interior design, painting, photography, sketching, video production and other decorative arts.

Deadline to Apply: April 30, 2022

CINTAS Foundation Fellowship in Architecture & Design

Candidates in the fields of architectural design, interior design, urban design and urban planning may submit applications for the CINTAS Foundation Fellowship in Architecture. For the purpose of historical value and documentation, architectural award recipients are encouraged to submit architectural drawings (i.e., representative samples of their work) to be added to the CINTAS Fellows Collection after the grant period. To be eligible, applicants must have either Cuban citizenship or direct lineage. 

Eligibility for this fellowship: Creative artists of Cuban citizenship or direct lineage (having a Cuban parent or grandparent). Applicants engaged in research, students, or performing artists are not eligible to apply for CINTAS Fellowships. 

Deadline to Apply: May 1, 2022

College Raptor Scholarship

To help students take a thoughtful approach to the college decision process and pay for college, College Raptor is awarding a $2,500 scholarship.

For eligibility, applicants must:

  • Be legal residents of the United States, District of Columbia, or a U.S. Territory.
  • Be age 16 or older.
  • Be enrolled (or enroll no later than the fall of 2023) in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher learning (college, university or trade school).

Deadline to Apply: March 31, 2022

FORAship

At FORA we believe one of the most important contributions we can make to our profession is an equitable and diverse practice that promotes belonging. Improving representation in architecture won’t happen through passive means; underrepresented minority students deserve robust, active, and sustained support. We created the FORAship to do just that, by combining a substantial financial scholarship with a year-long internship program that may be renewed throughout a student’s academic journey.

Deadline to Apply: April 15, 2022

Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program

The Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program is open to underrepresented, low-income and first-generation college-bound students. Students must be pursuing an undergraduate degree full-time in transportation, math, science, engineering, architecture, environmental design, PreMed, psychology, Spanish language/literature. The applicant does not have to be a U.S. citizen but must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and proof of attending college beginning in the fall semester. Recommendation by a faculty member is optional but highly suggested.

Deadline to Apply: March 14, 2022

Gensler Diversity Scholarship

Gensler offers two U.S. scholarships annually, including the Diversity Scholarship, which awards African-American students enrolled in a U.S. not-for-profit educational institution beginning their final year of a NAAB-accredited architecture program. Recipients will win academic scholarships as well as summer internship opportunities.

The Scholarships open in October and close in January of the following year.

HEEF Architecture and Engineering Scholarship

The Orange County (OC) Hispanic Educational Endowment Fund (HEEF) serves US Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Dream Act/ AB 540 students who live in Orange County, California only. HEEF offers competitive academic scholarships for OC high school and community college transfers who qualify for need-based financial aid and who enroll at a 4-year college or university.

This scholarship is open to Orange County-based Latino/a high school students who have been accepted or are returning to an accredited post-secondary educational program majoring in architecture or engineering and who have a minimum 3.0 GPA. 

Deadline to Apply: The Scholarships Application is open from October through December each year.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

The HSF Scholarship is offered to students by the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. Founded in 1975, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund was created in order to empower Latino families with the information and resources that they need in order to earn a higher education. The HSF Scholarship does not require students to choose a particular major or graduate field to be eligible for the money, however, it does place emphasis on STEM majors.

Deadline to Apply:  Varies by Scholarship

Houzz Scholarship Program

Houzz offers four different architecture scholarships—Women in Architecture, Residential Design, Sustainable Residential Design, and Residential Construction Management—each for $2,500. Scholarships are open to current undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in interior design, architecture, landscape architecture, architectural engineering, or construction management programs.

Deadline to Apply: March 31, 2022

 IA Interior Architects Diversity in Design Scholarship

In partnership with the IIDA Foundation, the IA Interior Architects Diversity in Design Scholarship seeks to recognize that creating a diverse design community is paramount in making the world of design a more inclusive and innovative place. This scholarship is open to graduate and undergraduate students worldwide. There will be one $5,000 scholarship, one $3,000 scholarship and four $500 scholarships awarded.

Deadline to Apply: To Be Announced

John J. Nelson Sr. Legacy Scholarship

The John J. Nelson Sr. Legacy Scholarship Fund was created to benefit and further the study of interior design and architecture by students of African American descent. The scholarship fund is administered through the IIDA Foundation.

Deadline to Apply: To Be Announced

Landscape Architecture Foundation EDSA Minority Scholarship

The EDSA Minority Scholarship was established to help African American, Hispanic, Native American and minority students of other cultural and ethnic backgrounds continue their landscape architecture education. Eligible candidates are in their final two years of undergraduate study or pursuing a graduate degree in landscape architecture. Recipients are awarded $5,000.

Deadline to Apply: February 1, 2022

Mildred Colodny Diversity Scholarship

The Mildred Colodny Diversity Scholarship program provides financial assistance and experiential learning opportunities to individuals preparing for careers in historic preservation.  The purpose of the Colodny Scholarship is to increase the diversity of people pursuing degrees and careers in historic preservation in the United States.  The National Trust is seeking culturally diverse applicants whose commitment to historic preservation will be strengthened by obtaining a graduate degree in preservation, who will benefit from the internship and mentorship opportunities provided by the Trust, and who ultimately will contribute valuable, diverse perspectives to — and become leaders in — the field of preservation.

The National Trust defines diversity as inclusive, embracing people of all races, creeds, genders, ages, sexual orientations, religions, physical characteristics and abilities, veteran status, and economic or social backgrounds.  It also encompasses historic places, communities and geographical areas that represent the full range of unique characteristics, experiences, and cultures.

Awarded up to $15,000 towards graduate school tuition; a paid summer internship with the National Trust following the student’s first year of study; and support of the student’s attendance at a National Preservation Conference or other National Trust training opportunity. One scholarship package per year will be awarded.

Deadline to Apply: February 28, 2022.

National Action Council for Minority Engineers Scholarships

To be eligible to be named for any of the NACME administered scholarships students must either be a high school senior applying to an engineering or computer science program at a NACME Partner Institution, or be currently matriculating in an engineering or computer science program at a NACME Partner Institution, a US citizen or permanent resident, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. NACME’s mission is to increase the representation of Black/African American, Latinx/Hispanic-American, and Native/American Indian in the fields of engineering and computer science.

Deadline to Apply:  Varies by Scholarship

OHA Native Hawaiian Scholarships

The UH-OHA Hoʻonaʻauao Higher Education Scholarship Program helps fund tuition and fees for Native Hawaiian students pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational education certificate at any of the 10 campuses within the University of Hawaiʻi System. The program will provide scholarship recipients with advising and mentoring, professional and leadership development, and cultural-based workshops.

Deadline to Apply: March 1, 2022

Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship

The partners at Payette established this annual memorial scholarship to honor their friend, colleague and fellow partner, Sho-Ping Chin FAIA. This scholarship fund, developed in collaboration with the American Institute of Architects Foundation, will award a scholarship of $10,000 each year to a woman for the study of architecture.

Eligibility to third- and fourth-year women architecture students in a NAAB- accredited undergraduate degree program, as well as women in any level of graduate study in a NAAB-accredited program. 

Deadline to Apply:  Varies by Year

SmithGroup Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Scholarship Program

We have created the SmithGroup Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Scholarship Program to support and mentor students from historically underrepresented demographics in architecture, interior design, planning, landscape architecture and engineering.  The program’s mission is to provide these students with the opportunity to attain their professional goals while advancing the architecture/engineering/construction (AEC) industry and improving the built environment.

Deadline to Apply: October 30, 2022

Networks and Organizations

400 FORWARD

Launched in 2017 when the 400th living African American woman achieved licensure, 400 Forward aims to boost the next generation of African American women architects—who currently make up only 0.2 percent of all licensed architects—through exposure to architecture, mentorship, and financial assistance

ArchiteXX

A non-profit organization for Gender Equity in architecture transforming the profession by bridging the academy and practice. We are a Cross-Generational group of academics and practitioners, and our organization is dedicated to the advancement of all women-identified, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and allied individuals.

Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation.

The Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation (BWAF) is an advocacy group committed to changing the culture of the building industry for women working in architecture, landscape, engineering, and construction—market sectors where only about 17 percent of the leaders are women. Founded in 2002 by Willis, a pioneering woman in the field, the New York-based nonprofit advances the recognition of women’s contributions to architecture through grants and research and supports current professionals and students through educational and social initiatives.

Black Females in Architecture

Black Females in Architecture (BFA) is a network and enterprise founded to increase the visibility of black and black mixed heritage females within the architectural industry and other built environment fields. In so doing, BFA actively addresses issues of inequality and diversity within the industry

BFA supports its growing membership through the provision of a support network within which members benefit from shared knowledge, advice, guidance, access to the personal networks of fellow members, job opportunities, and much more.

Black Interior Designers Network

The Black Interior Designers Network’s mission is to promote diversity and inclusion within the interior design industry by highlighting designers of color and supporting black designers with business development opportunities and resources to help Black designers thrive.

Female Design Council

With the mission of establishing a strong support network for female and female-identifying design professionals—through events, exhibitions, discussions, programming, business development opportunities, and community outreach with industry partners.

National Organization of Minority Architects

Founded in 1971 by 12 African-American architects, who met at the national AIA Convention in Detroit that year and recognized the need to help foster the development of minority architects, NOMA showcases the work of Black architects through its publications and conferences. This national group relies on the strength of its local chapters for advocacy, community outreach, and professional development.

Organization of Black Designers

The Organization of Black Designers is a national professional organization of interior, industrial/product, architectural, fashion, UX, UI and graphic designers dedicated to promoting the visibility, empowerment, education and interaction of its membership and the understanding and value that diverse design perspectives contribute to world culture and commerce.

The Designer’s Workshop

Associate interior designer at Rockwell Group Kamille Glenn founded the Designer’s Workshop as a collective to unite people of color in any 3D-design disciplines, including architecture and design, and to shine a light on this underrepresented population through connectivity and collaboration.

 

Resources 

Best Colleges
Many organizations and schools offer college scholarships for Black and African American students. Learn about the top scholarships for these learners.

Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Resources for African American Students

This resource is for African American Students, and it details information about different types of financial assistance available to African American students, including historically Black university scholarships, field-specific scholarships, and scholarships for women.

College Scholarships For Minorities

Student-Specific Scholarships support individual groups of college students like women and minorities.

45+ College Scholarships for Minority Students

Published by Purdue University Global, this resource shares 45+ financial aid scholarships for future and current students as well as potential graduate students to supplement the cost of education or professional development endeavors. Information on where to find scholarships and grants is supplied. Also highlighted within the resource are opportunities dedicated to specific demographics such as African Americans, Asian Americans, Latino Students, Native Americans, and much more. The featured scholarships are current and are provided by trusted organizations. The resource will constantly be updated to ensure students can apply to the most accurate scholarships available.

Contact us at info@acsa-arch.org to add your Scholarship, Organization, or Resource for Underrepresented students to this page. 

2021 List of Scholarships and Career Resources for Underrepresented Students

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In our pursuit of a more equitable profession, we are providing a list of resources for prospective students of color. It is our hope that the list of resources below will help students of color who aspire to become architects find networks and opportunities that help them to achieve their goals.

The following list is not all-inclusive, so if you would like for us to add others, please do not hesitate to contact us to add them.

 

Fellowships and Scholarships

 

American Indian Science and Engineering Society Scholarships

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) helps students move forward in their educational journeys by providing a wide range of programs and scholarship opportunities for American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and Indigenous peoples of Canada. To apply, you must be an AISES member.

Deadline to Apply:  Varies by Scholarship

AIA Chicago Foundation Diversity Scholarship

AIA Chicago Foundation Diversity Scholarship Initiative, managed by the AIA Chicago Foundation, is an opportunity to attract and retain diverse, talented young professionals in Chicago and recognizes the value of new and unique voices in the profession. One $10,000 graduate scholarship and one $10,000 undergraduate scholarship are awarded each year.

Applications accepted beginning January 13 – April 9, 2021

American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)

AIAS has a great list of scholarships and fellowship opportunities for students.

Deadline to Apply:  Varies by Scholarship

American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Worldstudio Scholarships

AIGA Worldstudio Scholarships benefit minority and economically disadvantaged students who are studying photography, illustration, and design disciplines in colleges and universities in the United States. Scholarships are awarded annually to encourage social and environmental responsibility and cultural awareness in the next generation of artists and designers.

Deadline to Apply:  Varies by Scholarship

American Planning Association Scholarship

Open to women, people of color and indigenous descent, veterans, disabled persons, and members of the LGBTQ community who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate Planning Accreditation Board (PAB)-approved programs. Applicants must be APA members; membership for students is free.

This scholarship is awarded annually to students intending to pursue careers as practicing planners who will diversify the profession and who are able to demonstrate a genuine financial need.

Deadline to Apply: To Be Announced for 2021

American Society of Indian Engineers and Architects Scholarship Program

ASIE, a Houston, Texas-based nonprofit organization, established its scholarship program in 1998. ASIE awards financial aid to students of Indian descent who live in the Houston area or have a parent or grandparent who is a member of ASIE. The amount and number of annual scholarships awarded depend on donations from contributors as well as sponsors. Recipients in 2016 received up to $1,000 each.

Deadline to Apply: To Be Announced for 2021

Asian American Architects/Engineers Foundation Awards

The Asian American Architects/Engineers Association (AAa/e) (www.aaaesc.org) is committed to the empowerment of design professionals in personal growth, professional excellence, business development, and leadership in our communities. The Asian American Architects and Engineers Foundation (AAa/e Foundation) was created in 2004 as a branch of the AAa/e to better support the efforts of the AAa/e in seeking additional means of fundraising for scholarships. The AAa/e Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing opportunities and scholarships for students and other individuals in the profession of architecture, engineering, or construction. Applicants must be members of the AAa/e Association.

Deadline to Apply: May 28, 2021

Architects Foundation – The Diversity Advancement Scholarship

This scholarship—$4,000 per year and up to $20,000 total—supports undergraduate minority students who are entering, enrolled in, or transferring into a NAAB-accredited undergraduate architecture program. Scholarships may be renewed every year until your degree is completed, for up to 5 years.

We’re looking for minority students whose imagination and design thinking will influence the future of the architecture profession and the built environment.

Applications for the 2022 awards will open in November 2021.

Association for Women in Architecture Scholarship

The Association for Women in Architecture Foundation offers annual cash awards to women students studying Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban and/or Land Planning, Interior Design, or Environmental Design leading to a college degree.

Applicants must be residents of California or attending a California school, and must be enrolled in one of the qualifying majors for the current school term. Applicants must have completed a minimum of 18 units in their major by the application due date.

Deadline to Apply: April 25, 2021

CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to African-American or Black students who are pursuing a degree in the visual arts. 

This award is for full-time African-American or Black students pursuing a degree in visual arts including, but not limited to, architecture, ceramics, drawing, fashion, graphic design, illustration, interior design, painting, photography, sketching, video production and other decorative arts.

Deadline to Apply: April 30, 2021

CINTAS Foundation Fellowship in Architecture & Design

Candidates in the fields of architectural design, interior design, urban design and urban planning may submit applications for the CINTAS Foundation Fellowship in Architecture. For the purpose of historical value and documentation, architectural award recipients are encouraged to submit architectural drawings (i.e., representative samples of their work) to be added to the CINTAS Fellows Collection after the grant period. To be eligible, applicants must have either Cuban citizenship or direct lineage. 

Eligibility for this fellowship: Creative artists of Cuban citizenship or direct lineage (having a Cuban parent or grandparent). Applicants engaged in research, students, or performing artists are not eligible to apply for CINTAS Fellowships. 

Deadline to Apply: May 1, 2021

College Raptor Scholarship

To help students take a thoughtful approach to the college decision process and pay for college, College Raptor is awarding a $2,500 scholarship.

For eligibility, applicants must:

  • Be legal residents of the United States, District of Columbia, or a U.S. Territory.
  • Be age 16 or older.
  • Be enrolled (or enroll no later than the fall of 2022) in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher learning (college, university or trade school).

Deadline to Apply: June 30, 2021

Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program

The Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program is open to underrepresented, low-income and first-generation college-bound students. Students must be pursuing an undergraduate degree full-time in transportation, math, science, engineering, architecture, environmental design, PreMed, psychology, Spanish language/literature. The applicant does not have to be a U.S. citizen but must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and proof of attending college beginning in the fall semester. Recommendation by a faculty member is optional but highly suggested.

Deadline to Apply: March 14, 2021

Gensler Diversity Scholarship

Gensler offers two U.S. scholarships annually, including the Diversity Scholarship, which awards African-American students enrolled in a U.S. not-for-profit educational institution beginning their final year of a NAAB-accredited architecture program. Recipients will win academic scholarships as well as summer internship opportunities.

The Scholarships open in October and close in January of the following year.

HEEF Architecture and Engineering Scholarship

The Orange County (OC) Hispanic Educational Endowment Fund (HEEF) serves US Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Dream Act/ AB 540 students who live in Orange County, California only. HEEF offers competitive academic scholarships for OC high school and community college transfers who qualify for need-based financial aid and who enroll at a 4-year college or university.

This scholarship is open to Orange County-based Latino/a high school students who have been accepted or are returning to an accredited post-secondary educational program majoring in architecture or engineering and who have a minimum 3.0 GPA. 

Deadline to Apply: The Scholarships Application is open from October through December each year.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

The HSF Scholarship is offered to students by the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. Founded in 1975, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund was created in order to empower Latino families with the information and resources that they need in order to earn a higher education. The HSF Scholarship does not require students to choose a particular major or graduate field to be eligible for the money, however, it does place emphasis on STEM majors.

Deadline to Apply:  Varies by Scholarship

Houzz Scholarship Program

Houzz offers four different architecture scholarships—Women in Architecture, Residential Design, Sustainable Residential Design, and Residential Construction Management—each for $2,500. Scholarships are open to current undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in interior design, architecture, landscape architecture, architectural engineering, or construction management programs.

Deadline to Apply: March 31, 2021

 IA Interior Architects Diversity in Design Scholarship

In partnership with the IIDA Foundation, the IA Interior Architects Diversity in Design Scholarship seeks to recognize that creating a diverse design community is paramount in making the world of design a more inclusive and innovative place. This scholarship is open to graduate and undergraduate students worldwide. There will be one $5,000 scholarship, one $3,000 scholarship and four $500 scholarships awarded.

Deadline to Apply: To Be Announced

John J. Nelson Sr. Legacy Scholarship

The John J. Nelson Sr. Legacy Scholarship Fund was created to benefit and further the study of interior design and architecture by students of African American descent. The scholarship fund is administered through the IIDA Foundation.

Deadline to Apply: To Be Announced

Landscape Architecture Foundation EDSA Minority Scholarship

The EDSA Minority Scholarship was established to help African American, Hispanic, Native American and minority students of other cultural and ethnic backgrounds continue their landscape architecture education. Eligible candidates are in their final two years of undergraduate study or pursuing a graduate degree in landscape architecture. Recipients are awarded $5,000.

Deadline to Apply: February 1, 2021

Mildred Colodny Diversity Scholarship

The Mildred Colodny Diversity Scholarship program provides financial assistance and experiential learning opportunities to individuals preparing for careers in historic preservation.  The purpose of the Colodny Scholarship is to increase the diversity of people pursuing degrees and careers in historic preservation in the United States.  The National Trust is seeking culturally diverse applicants whose commitment to historic preservation will be strengthened by obtaining a graduate degree in preservation, who will benefit from the internship and mentorship opportunities provided by the Trust, and who ultimately will contribute valuable, diverse perspectives to — and become leaders in — the field of preservation.

The National Trust defines diversity as inclusive, embracing people of all races, creeds, genders, ages, sexual orientations, religions, physical characteristics and abilities, veteran status, and economic or social backgrounds.  It also encompasses historic places, communities and geographical areas that represent the full range of unique characteristics, experiences, and cultures.

Awarded up to $15,000 towards graduate school tuition; a paid summer internship with the National Trust following the student’s first year of study; and support of the student’s attendance at a National Preservation Conference or other National Trust training opportunity. One scholarship package per year will be awarded.

Deadline to Apply: February 28, 2021.

National Action Council for Minority Engineers Scholarships

To be eligible to be named for any of the NACME administered scholarships students must either be a high school senior applying to an engineering or computer science program at a NACME Partner Institution, or be currently matriculating in an engineering or computer science program at a NACME Partner Institution, a US citizen or permanent resident, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. NACME’s mission is to increase the representation of Black/African American, Latinx/Hispanic-American, and Native/American Indian in the fields of engineering and computer science.

Deadline to Apply:  Varies by Scholarship

National Park Service and Hispanic Access Foundation- Community Planning or Landscape Architecture Fellowship

The New Mexico National Park Service (NPS) Community Planning/Landscape Architect Fellowship is a unique opportunity for an exemplary Latino master’s graduate student or recent graduate.  The Fellowship is designed to provide practical experience with diverse communities that we serve including Native American and Latino. 

Deadline to Apply:  Varies by Year

National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Diversity Scholarship Program

This program helps members of underrepresented communities attend the National Trust’s annual conference, PastForward. Participants receive financial assistance, including complimentary registration and lodging at PastForward.

Deadline to Apply:  Varies by Scholarship

OHA Native Hawaiian Scholarships

The UH-OHA Hoʻonaʻauao Higher Education Scholarship Program helps fund tuition and fees for Native Hawaiian students pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational education certificate at any of the 10 campuses within the University of Hawaiʻi System. The program will provide scholarship recipients with advising and mentoring, professional and leadership development, and cultural-based workshops.

Deadline to Apply: March 1, 2021

Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship

The partners at Payette established this annual memorial scholarship to honor their friend, colleague and fellow partner, Sho-Ping Chin FAIA. This scholarship fund, developed in collaboration with the American Institute of Architects Foundation, will award a scholarship of $10,000 each year to a woman for the study of architecture.

Eligibility to third- and fourth-year women architecture students in a NAAB- accredited undergraduate degree program, as well as women in any level of graduate study in a NAAB-accredited program. 

Deadline to Apply:  Varies by Year

PepsiCo Cesar Chavez Latino Scholarship

The Cesar Chavez Foundation, in partnership with PepsiCo, invites students of Latino descent who are beginning or continuing their studies at higher educational institutions in Arizona and California’s Central Valley, to apply for the PepsiCo Cesar Chavez Latino Scholarship Fund. The Scholarship Fund provides $300,000 in scholarship awards to qualified Latino students in Arizona and California regardless of national origin or immigration status in an effort to promote their academic success. 

Deadline to Apply: To Be Announced

SmithGroup Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Scholarship Program

We have created the SmithGroup Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Scholarship Program to support and mentor students from historically underrepresented demographics in architecture, interior design, planning, landscape architecture and engineering.  The program’s mission is to provide these students with the opportunity to attain their professional goals while advancing the architecture/engineering/construction (AEC) industry and improving the built environment.

Deadline to Apply: October 30, 2020

Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Scholarship

Architecture firm ZGF, based in Portland, Oregon, awards a scholarship to one student in his or her final year at the graduate or undergraduate level in a NAAB-accredited architecture program. A summer internship with the firm is also offered to the scholarship recipient.

Deadline to Apply: February 1, 2021

 

Networks and Organizations

400 FORWARD

Launched in 2017 when the 400th living African American woman achieved licensure, 400 Forward aims to boost the next generation of African American women architects—who currently make up only 0.2 percent of all licensed architects—through exposure to architecture, mentorship, and financial assistance

ArchiteXX

A non-profit organization for Gender Equity in architecture transforming the profession by bridging the academy and practice. We are a Cross-Generational group of academics and practitioners, and our organization is dedicated to the advancement of all women-identified, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and allied individuals.

Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation.

The Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation (BWAF) is an advocacy group committed to changing the culture of the building industry for women working in architecture, landscape, engineering, and construction—market sectors where only about 17 percent of the leaders are women. Founded in 2002 by Willis, a pioneering woman in the field, the New York-based nonprofit advances the recognition of women’s contributions to architecture through grants and research and supports current professionals and students through educational and social initiatives.

Black Females in Architecture

Black Females in Architecture (BFA) is a network and enterprise founded to increase the visibility of black and black mixed heritage females within the architectural industry and other built environment fields. In so doing, BFA actively addresses issues of inequality and diversity within the industry

BFA supports its growing membership through the provision of a support network within which members benefit from shared knowledge, advice, guidance, access to the personal networks of fellow members, job opportunities, and much more.

Black Interior Designers Network

The Black Interior Designers Network’s mission is to promote diversity and inclusion within the interior design industry by highlighting designers of color and supporting black designers with business development opportunities and resources to help Black designers thrive.

Female Design Council

With the mission of establishing a strong support network for female and female-identifying design professionals—through events, exhibitions, discussions, programming, business development opportunities, and community outreach with industry partners.

National Organization of Minority Architects

Founded in 1971 by 12 African-American architects, who met at the national AIA Convention in Detroit that year and recognized the need to help foster the development of minority architects, NOMA showcases the work of Black architects through its publications and conferences. This national group relies on the strength of its local chapters for advocacy, community outreach, and professional development.

Organization of Black Designers

The Organization of Black Designers is a national professional organization of interior, industrial/product, architectural, fashion, UX, UI and graphic designers dedicated to promoting the visibility, empowerment, education and interaction of its membership and the understanding and value that diverse design perspectives contribute to world culture and commerce.

The Designer’s Workshop

Associate interior designer at Rockwell Group Kamille Glenn founded the Designer’s Workshop as a collective to unite people of color in any 3D-design disciplines, including architecture and design, and to shine a light on this underrepresented population through connectivity and collaboration.

 

Resources 

Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Resources for African American Students

This resource is for African American Students, and it details information about different types of financial assistance available to African American students, including historically Black university scholarships, field-specific scholarships, and scholarships for women.

College Scholarships For Minorities

Student-Specific Scholarships support individual groups of college students like women and minorities.

45+ College Scholarships for Minority Students

Published by Purdue University Global, this resource shares 45+ financial aid scholarships for future and current students as well as potential graduate students to supplement the cost of education or professional development endeavors. Information on where to find scholarships and grants is supplied. Also highlighted within the resource are opportunities dedicated to specific demographics such as African Americans, Asian Americans, Latino Students, Native Americans, and much more. The featured scholarships are current and are provided by trusted organizations. The resource will constantly be updated to ensure students can apply to the most accurate scholarships available.

Contact us at info@acsa-arch.org to add your Scholarship, Organization, or Resource for Underrepresented students to this page. 

Pt I: 5 Tips to Help You Prepare for Architecture School

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Interested in studying architecture and looking for ways to prepare? Study Architecture, in partnership with the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), has put together a series called “An Application Guide to Architecture Schools” where we will share tips and tricks from current and former architecture students. Over the next few months, look out for more posts as part of this ongoing series.

Tip #1: Research. Research. Research.

There are many paths to becoming a licensed architect. If that’s your goal, it’s important to know which schools offer degree programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Additionally, you should also assess what area of focus a school emphasizes. For example, some schools are art intensive, some are technology-focused and others are community-centered.

Tip #2: Take an art class.

It’s a common misconception that studying architecture will be extremely math-intensive. While every program has different requirements, art and/or design is a staple in most programs. Architecture is a blend of art and science and so cultivating those art skills early will definitely give you a leg up. As a student, you’ll discover that an architecture degree can lead to many careers.

Tip #3: Get social.

Social media is a great way to expose yourself to design content from around the world. Check out student work on Instagram @imadethat_, keep up with what’s happening at architecture schools on Instagram @studyarchitecture, and get a preview of what student leaders are doing with their design and service work on Instagram by following @aiasorg.

Tip #4: Explore some architectural sites.

This can often be done right where you live. Architecture is everywhere. From historic homes found in the south to skyscrapers lining city streets, each building found in your neighborhood contributes to the social, political and environmental story of your community.

Tip #5: Visit a few schools.

If time and money permits, it’s always best to visit the school’s campus so you can see the student work, take a tour of the school, and ask questions in person. See the next page for a shortlist of questions you can ask the admissions department. 

This post is part one of a series entitled An Application Guide to Architecture School. Download the guide as a PDF.

Written by Kendall Nicholson, Amanda Gann, Sarah Curry, and Adam Fogel. Special thanks to the AIAS Equity and Diversity Task Force for their contribution.

 

Scholarships and Career Resources for Students of Color

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(via Curbed)

In reporting last year on the state of race and architecture, we attempted to focus on rooting out ways to help foster a more inclusive, diverse, and creative profession. Consider this resource list a tool to find and create such opportunities, and to make connections that benefit both aspiring architects and working professionals.

The programs below, from student summer camps to professional seminars, address both the pipeline problem in architecture and the historic lack of leadership roles for architects of color. This list of scholarships, mentor programs, volunteer opportunities, and professional organizations will always be a work in progress, and we’re keen to add more—so please send any noteworthy additions to curbed@curbed.com or drop suggestions in the comments.

Student groups & youth programs

Project Pipeline

Sponsored and organized by the National Organization of Minority Architects, this summer camp gives minority youth insight and experience with architecture via workshops and activities led by professional volunteers. Those interested in attending can begin registration via email; camps are currently scheduled for New Orleans, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

The ACE (Architecture, Construction, Engineering) Mentor Program

The ACE Mentor Program provides pre-college students with real-world exposure to professionals, and has demonstrated great success in preparing minority students to study and practice architecture. The program is free of charge and offers scholarships to alumni.

In addition, the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture and the American Institute of Architecture Students both maintain exhaustive list of summer programs, many focused on high school students interested in the profession. Most programs offer some need-based scholarships and financial aid. For those considering higher education, the ACSA also hosts a Virtual Career Expo that links prospective students with university representatives.

Hip-Hop Architecture Camps

These one-week camps introduce youth to architecture, urban planning, creative place making, and economic development through the lens of hip-hop culture. Founder and instructor Mike Fordbelieves the hip-hop generation “will champion this new vernacular, and rely on our love for hip-hop coupled with our architectural knowledge, to build our communities and increase the number of minority practitioners.” Free and open to students ages 10-17 who complete the application process, the camps use hip-hop culture as an entryway to learn about S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) topics.

NAACP ACT-SO Initiative

ACT-SO—which stands for Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics—is a year-long achievement program put on by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. High school students work with mentors to develop projects in 29 competition areas, including architecture. Students can select up to three topics in which to compete. Competitions begin at a local level, with winners advancing to a national stage.

ArcPrep

The ArcPrep program at the University of Michigan’s Taubman College of Architecture is aimed at high school students interested in architecture from Detroit Public Schools. It is an intensive semester-long, college-level course that meets five days a week and introduces architecture, urbanism, and design-related fields through project-based work. The program also includes career exposure and counseling to help students prepare for college applications, portfolios, and post-college work.

Scholarships

AIA/Architects Foundation Diversity Advancement Scholarship

Established in 1969, this program seeks to provide educational funding to “not only to those youths in financial need, but to those who otherwise would not have other means to obtain a professional education.” More than 2,300 students from a minority race or ethnicity have taken advantage of this program since 1970, which awards a $4,000 renewable scholarship to at least three first- or second-year undergraduate students attending a NAAB program. The scholarship can be renewed for each year of the student’s program (up to five years).

ACE Mentor Program Scholarship

Registered ACE high school students are applicable for one of many scholarships and grants offered through this program. Local affiliate ACE programs have different scholarships and deadlines.

American Society of Indian Engineers and Architects Scholarship Program

ASIE, a Houston, Texas-based nonprofit organization, established their scholarship program in 1998. ASIE awards financial aid to students of Indian descent who live in the Houston area or have a parent or grandparent who is a member of ASIE. The amount and number of annual scholarships awarded depend on donations from contributors as well as sponsors. Recipients in 2016 received up to $1,000 each.

Asian American Architects/Engineers Foundation Awards

Nonprofit organization AAa/e Foundation offers scholarships in six categories: high school students scholarship, community college students scholarship, undergraduate students scholarship, postgraduate students scholarship, student loan support grant, and a university award. Applicants must be members of the AAa/e Association.

CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation awards $3,000 to students with majors in the visual arts, including architecture. Eligible applicants must be currently enrolled or planning to be enrolled in the upcoming academic year as a full-time undergraduate student and have a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Gensler Diversity Scholarship

Gensler offers two U.S. scholarships annually, including the Diversity Scholarship, which awards African-American students enrolled in a U.S. not-for-profit educational institution beginning their final year of a NAAB-accredited architecture program. Recipients will win academic scholarships as well as summer internship opportunities.

Gordon Stafford Scholarship in Architecture

A total of five scholarships worth $3,000—$1,500 to the student and $1,500 to the school’s financial aid office—are available to minority students with a permanent California address. Applicants must be first-year new or transfer students pursuing a bachelor of architecture degree or a five-year master of architecture program from an NAAB-accredited school or college.

HEEF Architecture and Engineering Scholarship

This $3,000 scholarship is open to Orange County-based Latino/a high school students who have been accepted into an accredited four- or five-year program in architecture or engineering and who have a minimum 3.5 GPA. Applicants also have to be first-generation college students and come from a family with an income limit of $45,000.

Houzz Scholarship Program

Houzz offers four different architecture scholarships—Women in Architecture, Residential Design, Sustainable Residential Design, and Residential Construction Management—each for $2,500. Scholarships are open to current undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in interior design, architecture, landscape architecture, architectural engineering, or construction management programs.

Judith McManus Price Scholarship (urban planning)

Women and minority students enrolled in an approved Planning Accreditation Board program and who intend to pursue careers in planning are able to apply for this scholarship, which ranges between $2,000 to $4,000.

Landscape Architecture Foundation EDSA Minority Scholarship

This scholarship was established for minority landscape architecture students in their final two years of undergraduate study or those pursuing a graduate degree. Recipients are awarded $5,000.

National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Diversity Scholarship Program

This program helps members of underrepresented communities attend the National Trust’s annual conference, PastForward. Participants receive financial assistance, including complimentary registration and lodging at PastForward.

Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Scholarship

Architecture firm ZGF, based in Portland, Oregon, awards $10,000 to one student in his or her final year at the graduate or undergraduate level in an NAAB-accredited architecture program. A summer internship with the firm is also offered to the scholarship recipient.

College & university organizations

American Institute of Architecture Students

A network of university-based groups promoting career opportunities, learning, and professional opportunities, AIAS hosts an annual conference and collaborates on the Freedom by Designcommunity-service project, which provides construction and design assistance to low-income neighborhoods, as well as Americans with disabilities.

Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture

A clearinghouse for information on architecture, education, and careers, including a job board, this group supports a number of publications, conferences, and events that help both students and faculty network and pursue career opportunities. It also provides data around salaries and diversity.

National Organization of Minority Architecture Students

The campus version of the National Organization of Minority Architects. Its parent organization, NOMA, also hosts an annual student design competition; this year’s event takes place in Houston in October. If your campus doesn’t have a chapter, NOMAS offers information on how to get one started.

Professional organizations

National Organization of Minority Architects

Founded by 12 African-American architects in Detroit in 1971 following an AIA convention, this organization, which now has 25 local chapters across the country, was founded with the goal of championing diversity within the design professions. In addition to a wide list of local chapters and resources, NOMA maintains a job board,

American Institute of Architects

The country’s largest professional organization for architects offers a number of initiatives and programs to promote diversity within the industry. The Diversity Recognition Program “seeks to recognize architects, components, and others for exemplary commitment and contributions to diversifying the profession of architecture” and gives out awards at its annual Grassroots Leadership Conference.

In January, the organization’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Commission released a report on diversifying the profession and issued 11 recommendations, including engaging young students; creating equity, diversity, and inclusion scores and reports; and factoring that data into their reports.

American Society of Landscape Architects

Since 2012, the group has convened an annual diversity summit to discuss ways in which the profession can better reflect the diversifying country. Plans discussed at the 2016 event include creating scholarships for minorities and producing and promoting more case studies featuring minority practitioners.

Asian American Architects/Engineers Association

This LA-based national group, which leans heavily towards the west coast, hosts a job board, sponsors local events, and publishes a semi-regular blueprints newsletter.

The Rafala Green Fellowship: An Artspace Program

This Artspace fellowship is open to people of color and indigenous people interested in working in the fields of the arts, real estate, and community development. Named in honor of Rafala Green, an African American artist, community activist, and former Artspace board member who helped the organization make bridges into the Twin Cities African American community during the ’90s, the two-year fellowship will be awarded two four fellows who will work full-time at the Artspace headquarters in Minneapolis, Minneapolis, and support current projects. Each fellow will receive a $50,000 annual salary during the length of the fellowship, as well as a comprehensive benefits package.

—With research and writing by Selina Cheah

(via Curbed)