Next Generation Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Architects Foundation
Introduction and history Architecture shapes human experience by producing buildings and places that reflect, serve, and strengthen communities. In response to Whitney Young Jr.’s 1968 call for architects to embrace greater social responsibility, this scholarship was established in 1970 with an initial grant from the Ford Foundation. It was created to support students who bring diverse perspectives and backgrounds to the profession and to help them complete their architectural education. Purpose and award The Architects Foundation aims to attract, inspire, and invest in the next generation of architects. Through a multiyear scholarship program, the foundation can provide awards totaling up to $20,000 per recipient. Recipients named Next Generation Scholars become part of a select cohort that, through creativity, dedication to excellence, and engagement in a supportive network, can influence the future of the built environment and the architecture profession. Multiple scholarships are awarded. Eligibility Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and meet one of the following criteria: - A high school senior planning to enroll in a NAAB-accredited architecture degree program. - A rising second-year college student enrolled in a NAAB-accredited architecture degree program. - A student at a technical school or community college who has completed high school or its equivalent and intends to transfer into a NAAB-accredited architecture program. - A student in the final year of a non-NAAB four-year program (B.A. or B.S.) who plans to enroll in a NAAB-accredited graduate architecture program. NAAB-accredited programs include a five-year Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) or a four-year pre-professional bachelor’s degree followed by a Master of Architecture (M.Arch). Scholarships may be renewed for up to five years, with a total award of up to $20,000. Application requirements Applicants must submit the following materials: - A professional résumé - Two letters of recommendation - A portfolio of 3–5 creative works (these do not need to be architecture-specific) - Responses to three short-answer prompts, each limited to 300 words: 1) What influenced you to pursue architecture? 2) Describe a time when you positively influenced others, helped resolve conflicts, or contributed to sustained group efforts. 3) How do you believe architecture can improve communities? Notes - Multiple scholarships are available each year. - Renewal is possible for up to five years, subject to the program’s terms.
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