Grants and scholarships – Future Architects Opportunity Grant

The Future Architects Opportunity Grant is a pilot program designed to test providing minimal financial support to under-represented students in need. This support is intended to give these students the opportunity to attend architectural conferences, research and competition support, study abroad or internship programs, and so much more. This academic year will test this project at four Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with accredited architecture degrees:

• Howard University
• University of the District of Columbia
• Hampton University
• Morgan State University

Students receiving the award must:

• provide the AIA with a 200-500 word reflection paper and photo from the conference/event/activity. This may be used in subsequent releases and/or papers on this project
• share their experience with peers in the form of a class or club presentation or paper upon their return
• be responsible for any taxes associated with this award
• agree to provide completed W-9 and any receipts, if requested

Awardees will receive the full award as a check or automatic deposit prior to or following the event or activity. If provided in advance, the student must reimburse AIA should they ultimately not attend the event, activity, etc.

Award amounts:

Students may apply for funds to partially defray the costs of registration, travel, or miscellaneous supplies. The maximum amounts awarded are typically within the following ranges:

• up to $500 for regional conferences, events, research, etc
• up to $700 for national conferences, research, etc
• up to $1,000 for longer term studies, such as internships, study abroad, etc

When to apply:

Online applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. The period allowing students to complete their application, including receipt of faculty support letter, is February 1 – May 31, 2020.

Decisions will be made by a jury and are final. Funds are limited and this pilot program will end as funds are exhausted.

Requirements and Restrictions

• Applicants must be full-time students pursuing an architecture degree and must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.
• Applicants must be attending a NAAB-accredited program in their last three years (BArch) or last two years (BS, BA, MArch) of the program.
• Applicants must demonstrate need for this funding in their request.
• A confidential one-page (250 words max.) letter of recommendation from a faculty sponsor is required for a complete application. Once you have submitted your application, we will send an email to your selected faculty sponsor. You should let them know the deadline and to expect a request for a letter of recommendation and encourage a swift response. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Funding cannot be granted for travel and presentations after officially graduating from the university.
• If applying for internship or study abroad, the student must be registered for classes in the following semester.
• Only one award can be received per academic year.
• Funds will be paid directly to the applicant and they will be responsible for any taxes associated with the award.
• All students who receive an award are required to submit a photo taken at the event to document their attendance and emailed to highereducation@aia.org within two weeks of the conclusion of their travel.
• All students who receive an award are required to submit a reflection paper within two weeks of the event/trip conclusion. The (200-500 word) paper should address the learning outcomes and impact of the event, to reflect the value gained from this trip. All are encouraged to share their experiences with their peers in or outside the classroom.
• Only complete application packages will be considered, which requires a faculty recommendation letter, also received by the deadline.

When will I know if I received the award?

It generally takes about 4 weeks for the entire review process following submission. You will receive an email of the decision.