AIA Eastern Pennsylvania Student Scholarship

The American Institute of Architects Eastern Pennsylvania Scholarship Fund has been founded to provide scholarship assistance to qualified applicants currently enrolled in an accredited architecture program, community college, or technical college who are serious about their long-term pursuit of licensure as a professional architect. AIA Eastern Pennsylvania, with the continued support of the American Institute of Architects Foundation, remains committed to cultivating future design professionals who embrace the AIA’s ongoing mission and objectives, Including the pursuit of design solutions that enhance the built environment. AIA Eastern Pennsylvania encourages students to live and practice their profession within the chapter boundaries upon their graduation. The scholarship is funded by member donations, proceeds from sponsored chapter meetings, and a matching grant from the AIA Foundation.

Scholarship Award – $1,000 award for two students in NAAB Accredited Architecture Schools (A below).

Scholarship Award – $500 award for two students in technical schools or community college programs in architecture or design (B below).

A. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY FOR THE $1,000 ARCHITECTURAL SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP:

  1. The candidate must maintain legal residence within one of the following AIA Eastern Pennsylvania counties:
    • Berks
    • Carbon
    • Lehigh
    • Monroe
    • Northampton
    • Schuylkill
  2. For the $1000 award, the candidate must be currently enrolled as a full time student and in good academic standing at an NAAB accredited architecture school with an accredited Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture program.
    • Alternatively, the candidate must have obtained a non-professional bachelors degree and is currently accepted into an accredited Masters of Architecture program.
    • An official transcript from your present or most recently attended high school, college or university.

Upload all documentation, portfolios, references, and essays as listed below:

  1. A personal statement in two (2) pages or less, (typed in 12-point with 1” margins) on “How do you plan to use your degree as a catalyst for change in our community?”
  2. Sample portfolio to be included in the electronic application. The architectural portfolio may include any architectural projects, design projects, or artistic work that reflect your abilities and interest in architecture.
  3. One (1) letter of recommendation from an instructor at your current school, architectural school, or previous school if pursuing a graduate degree or transferring from one accredited program to another

B. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY FOR THE $500 TECHNICAL OR COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIP:

  1. The candidate must maintain legal residence within one of the following AIA Eastern Pennsylvania counties:
  • Berks
  • Carbon
  • Lehigh
  • Monroe
  • Northampton
  • Schuylkill
  1. For the $500 award, the candidate must be currently enrolled in an architecture, drafting, or design program in a technical school or community college.
    1. An official transcript from your present or most recently attended high school, college or university.

Upload all documentation, portfolios, references, and essays as listed below:

  1. A personal statement in two (2) pages or less, (typed in 12-point with 1” margins) on “How do you plan to use your degree as a catalyst for change in our community?”
  2. Sample portfolio to be included in the electronic application. Technical and community college students may include any work that illustrates their creative abilities and interests.
  3. One (1) letter of recommendation from an instructor at your current school.

The Scholarship Application found here.  All required supporting materials must be sent to the email addresses below in one .pdf file. 

Scholarships are awarded on an annual basis and relative only to the upcoming/current academic cycle. Candidates may re-apply on an annual basis for similar scholarship awards; however, no guarantees are given for future consideration and/or award.

Please send Application and Supporting Material to the following addresses: ‘aiaepc@aiaeasternpa.org’ and ‘adm@mksdarchitects.com’

Please check back soon for information on our 2023 application.