8 Scholarships That Should Be on Every Architecture or Design Student's Radar
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It's no secret architects and interior designers have a direct hand in designing the future of our cities and homes. From the towering skyscrapers making up the most iconic cityscapes to the interiors of our own dwellings, designers play an integral role in ensuring the spaces we inhabit are functional, restorative, and beautiful.
Like many other professions, achieving this level of expertise a person requires years of formal education and practice at a certain cost. Luckily, professional organizations, foundations, and firms offer handsome scholarships and mentorship opportunities for those looking to further their education and pursue degrees in the design field. Here are eight scholarships that every burgeoning architect and design star should consider applying for.
MacKenzie-Childs Black Lives Matter Scholarship
Established by the vibrant home decor brand in 2020, the MacKenzie-Childs Black Lives Matter Scholarship aims to provide aid for Black students pursuing future careers and personal passions in the fields of art and design.
"The goal for the scholarship, which is perpetually endowed, is to support Black youth and encourage the pursuit of careers in the arts and design," says Rebecca Proctor, Chief Brand Officer and Creative Director at MacKenzie-Childs. "I’ve always felt it was part of our mission at MacKenzie-Childs to help unlock creative potential in others, and the launch of this scholarship is an important step in that direction. "
Earlier this year, in its inaugural phase, MacKenzie-Childs was able to award five scholarships to promising young students and is currently accepting applications for the 2021–22 academic year. Black students who are a high school senior or undergraduate– or graduate–level student passionate about design are encouraged to apply through writing an essay on where they find inspiration for their art and creativity and how they see that shaping their future.
Applications for the MacKenzie-Childs Black Lives Matter Scholarship are due by June 30, 2021.
ASID Foundation Legacy Scholarships
American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) offers a number of scholarships, fellowships, and grant opportunities to help interior design students expand their knowledge and research within the field. Open to all design students in their junior or senior years of undergraduate studies, the ASID Foundation Legacy Scholarships is awarded on the basis of academic accomplishment, creative achievement, and personal statement.
Applicants are asked to submit an 8- to 12-page design portfolio that showcases works and designs that positively impact one’s well-being along with a personal and portfolio statement. A jury of ASID members will evaluate each entry on academic record, presentation skills, design competency, and conceptual creativity.
Applications for ASID Foundation Legacy Scholarships are open between February 19 and April 14, 2021.
The Association for Women in Architecture Foundation Scholarship
The Association for Women in Architecture + Design is dedicated to supporting women in the design field through innovative programming, special events, and mentoring. Through their sister foundation, the AWA+D offers annual scholarships to women students studying architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, interior design, or environmental design based on merit.
Winners of the prize will receive $2,500, a one-year membership to the AWA+D, and recognition at a virtual event in May. Students must be California residents or attending school in California and have completed at least 18 units in their major.
Applications for the Association for Women in Architecture Foundation Scholarship are due by March 19, 2021.
The Chairish "Design Your Future" Scholarship
An online marketplace for vintage decor, Chairish aims to help college students achieve their dreams in design and engineering-related fields. The "Design Your Future" Scholarship offers financial support to two students from diverse backgrounds who are majoring in architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, or engineering fields. Applicants are asked to submit a 500-word essay designing their ideal future and how they will achieve these dreams.
Applications for the Chairish "Design Your Future" Scholarship are due by June 30, 2021.
Ruth Clark Furniture Design Scholarship
Available through the International Furnishings and Design Association Educational Foundation, the Ruth Clark Furniture Design Scholarship is named after one of the organization’s founding members. During her career, Clark designed upholstered furniture for several companies and mentored young professionals in the field.
Any students majoring in design with an emphasis on residential upholstered or wood furniture design are open to apply. Candidates must supply one design project example along with drawings and images and a supporting essay.
Applications for the Ruth Clark Furniture Design Scholarship are due by March 30, 2021.
Jim Boyce Memorial Scholarship
Named after a leading figure in the field of accessibility compliance, the Jim Boyce Memorial Scholarship is offered by the Accessibility Professionals Association. The scholarship encourages students to make accessibility a part of their professional development and create more equitable environments.
Students wishing to apply must be enrolled in a credited architecture, landscape architecture, civil engineering, interior design, or design program related to universal design. Applicants will be evaluated by the ADA’s scholarship committee based on academic merit, experience, and interest in universal design.
Applications for the Jim Boyce Memorial Scholarship are due by March 31, 2021.
The Mildred Colodny Diversity Scholarship
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is dedicated to protecting and highlighting the diverse history of our country. The Mildred Colodny Diversity Scholarship provides financial assistance and experiential learning opportunities for students pursuing degrees and careers in historic preservation in the United States.
The award covers up to $15,000 toward graduate school tuition, a paid summer internship with the National Trust, and admission to a National Preservation Conference. Students intending to enroll or who are already enrolled in a graduate program in historic preservation, history, architecture, or museum studies are eligible for this scholarship.
Applications for the Mildred Colodny Diversity Scholarship are due by February 28, 2021.
SmithGroup Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Scholarship Program
Global architecture firm SmithGroup started their Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Scholarship Program as a way to support and mentor students from historically underrepresented communities in architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and engineering. Since its inception in 2018, the scholarship program has awarded $90,000 in tuition aid to 15 recipients.
The program includes a one-time award of $6,000 and a paid summer internship at one of the SmithGroup offices in the United States. Interested candidates must submit an online portfolio and be a current undergraduate or graduate student in an accredited program in architecture, interior design, planning, landscape architecture, or engineering program.
Applications for the SmithGroup Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Scholarship Program will open in the fall.
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