Diversity Advancement Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Architects Foundation

Architecture plays a crucial role in enhancing human experiences by designing structures that contribute to and fortify communities. Since its inception in 1970, the Diversity Advancement Scholarship has been instrumental in fostering a diverse group of architects, ensuring the profession mirrors the varied communities it serves.

The Architects Foundation is committed to attracting, inspiring, and investing in the future generation of architects. We offer financial assistance for your college education through a multiyear scholarship that can amount to as much as $20,000. Additionally, we provide opportunities to shape your career path through our extensive network of alumni, mentors, and scholars.

$20,000 scholarship

Those chosen as Diversity Advancement Scholars will become part of an exclusive group of students who, through creativity, dedication to excellence, and engagement in a supportive network, have the potential to reshape the profession and the future of the built environment. To be eligible, students must be a US citizen or permanent resident and either:

• a high school student intending to enroll in a NAAB-accredited architecture degree program;
• a second-year college student in a NAAB-accredited architecture degree program; or,
• a technical school or community college student who has completed high school or its equivalent and plans to transfer to a NAAB-accredited architecture program
• a student in the final year of a non-NAAB four-year program (B.A. or B.S.) and planning to enroll in a NAAB-accredited graduate degree program

NAAB-accredited degree programs may be a five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree, or a four-year pre-professional bachelor degree followed by a Master of Architecture degree. Scholarships can be renewed for up to 5 years (up to a $20,000 total award—multiple scholarships are available).

The Diversity Advancement Scholarship was established in 1970 with an initial grant from the Ford Foundation, following civil rights leader Whitney Young Jr.'s 1968 call to architects to foster a more accountable and equitable profession. You can read the program report here.

The Diversity Advancement Scholarship recognizes the importance of diverse perspectives and cultures in architecture. It provides students with a passion for studying architecture, regardless of their ethnic background or origin, the opportunity to successfully complete their studies.

Application process

Applicants are required to submit:

• An in-depth essay discussing your vision of architecture's potential to enhance communities, how this shapes your desire to become an architect, and examples of your current or past involvement. Discuss how you envision your future contributions to society through architecture. (1,200 words)
• Examples: Zuleika Baldeo Essay and Taylor Pinkney Essay
• A professional resume
  • Two letters of recommendation
• A portfolio (3-5 creative works, not necessarily architecture-specific)