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Student Merit Awards (SMA)

Industrial Designers Society of America

Foundation Annual
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Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Closed

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Student Merit Awards (SMA)

Overview: IDSA recognizes exceptional student design talent annually through the Student Merit Awards program. This is one of IDSA's longest-running programs, held annually in each of IDSA's five North American Districts.

Geographic Scope: North America (five districts: West, South, Midwest, Central, Northeast)

Focus Areas: Highlights the very best creativity, problem solving, and design brilliance among emerging design talent in industrial design.

Eligibility:

  • Undergraduate students from North American schools with an active IDSA Student Chapter

  • Must hold current IDSA student membership ($50 annually)

  • Must maintain at least a "B" grade average in all course work

  • Selection process: Each participating school independently determines a single SMA Student Finalist

    • Award Benefits:

  • Online profile

  • Print feature in INNOVATION magazine

  • Celebration across IDSA's social media channels

  • Winners receive commemorative trophy

  • Special distinction at the annual International Design Conference

  • Media exposure through IDSA's extensive reach and high-level industry recognition

  • Many finalists and winners graduate with strong job prospects or secured employment

    • Program Timeline: 2026 program runs February 10 – April 10, 2026

    Contact: Industrial Designers Society of America, 1110 Herndon Pkwy, Suite 307, Herndon, VA 20170, 703.707.6000

    Website: idsa.org

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    School Finalist Selection (February 10 – March 22):
    1. Faculty Advisors at schools with active IDSA Student Chapters identify undergraduate candidates demonstrating quality design work
    2. On a selected date arranged by Faculty Advisor, students present their work (in-person or virtually) to an audience of peers and local professional designers
    3. Presentation length not to exceed 8 minutes
    4. Judges selected by Faculty Advisor review and score presentations
    5. Faculty Advisor submits the School Finalist using IDSA's online awards platform by March 22

    District Winner Selection (March 23 – April 10):
    1. SMA Finalists upload project work to IDSA's online awards platform
    2. Committee of design educators and professionals review all submissions
    3. Judging criteria:
    - Scope of work
    - Quality of work
    - Quality of thought
    - Visual presentation
    4. Student finalists evaluated against peers from other schools in their district
    5. One SMA Winner selected from each of five districts

    Required Materials:

  • Project work uploaded to IDSA's online awards platform

  • Evidence of "B" grade average or higher

  • Current IDSA student membership

    • Free to Enter: No entry fees

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