Diversity Advancement Scholarship

A multiyear scholarship supporting high school and undergraduate minority students entering, enrolled in, or transferring into a National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)-accredited undergraduate architecture program.

Award Amount: $4,000 per year for up to five years ($20,000 total toward tuition and fees)

Geographic Scope: National (United States)

Focus Areas: Support for minority students in architecture education

Eligibility:

• High school seniors planning to attend architecture school
• Transfer students planning to attend architecture school
• First-year college students currently enrolled in a NAAB-accredited architecture program
• Must be a minority student

Program Details:

• Scholarships may be renewed every year until degree is completed
• In 2018-2019, the Foundation awarded 20 scholarships with $1 million investment from the AIA
• Benjamin Moore & Co. Foundation has provided additional funding, with top two recipients receiving additional $1,000/year
• AIA Custom Residential Architects Network endowed a scholarship in 2019 with $150,000 gift to support minority students interested in residential architecture in perpetuity
• Recipients may be invited to attend AIA Conference on Architecture

Required Materials:

• Two examples of creative work
• High school transcript
• Personal essay
• Two letters of recommendation
• Other requirements as specified

Application Process

1. Application Period: Applications typically open in fall and are due mid-January (specific deadlines vary by year)
2. Required Materials:
   • Two examples of creative work
   • High school transcript
   • Personal essay
   • Two letters of recommendation
   • Additional materials as specified on application
3. Submission: Submit through Architects Foundation website
4. Selection: Jury review and selection based on creativity, academic achievement, and commitment to diversity in architecture