Next Generation Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Architects Foundation

Overview

The Next Generation Scholars program supports students pursuing architecture by providing multiyear scholarships and a professional network. It is intended to increase diversity in the profession and help students complete accredited architecture degrees regardless of background. The program is administered by Architects Foundation and emphasizes imagination, commitment to excellence, and community engagement. Applicants who receive awards join a select cohort and gain financial and professional support as they progress through their studies.

Description: A competitive, multiyear scholarship program that funds students enrolled in or planning to enroll in NAAB-accredited architecture degree programs.

• Focuses on increasing diversity and strengthening the architectural profession.
• Supports students at multiple entry points into architecture education.
• Combines financial support with networking and professional development.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and meet one of several academic-entry conditions related to NAAB-accredited programs. The program accepts students at different stages: high school seniors entering a NAAB-accredited program, rising second-year students, community college or technical students intending to transfer, and students finishing a non-NAAB four-year degree who plan to enroll in a NAAB-accredited graduate degree. NAAB-accredited pathways include a five-year Bachelor of Architecture or a pre-professional bachelor’s degree followed by a Master of Architecture. Scholarships may be renewed if recipients continue to meet program requirements.

Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and fall into one of the program’s qualifying student categories.

• High school seniors planning to enroll in a NAAB-accredited architecture program.
• Rising second-year students in a NAAB-accredited architecture program.
• Technical or community college students who intend to transfer into a NAAB-accredited program.
• Students in the final year of a non-NAAB four-year degree planning to enter a NAAB-accredited graduate program.

Award Details

Scholarships are awarded as multiyear funding that can total up to $20,000 per recipient. Awards may be renewed for up to five years, subject to program terms and continued eligibility. Multiple scholarships are available each cycle, allowing the Foundation to support several students concurrently. The funding is intended to help recipients complete their accredited architecture education and participate in the program’s professional network.

Award Value: Multiyear scholarships totaling up to $20,000, renewable for up to five years, with multiple awards available.

• Maximum total award: up to $20,000 per recipient.
• Renewable for up to five years, contingent on eligibility and program rules.
• Multiple recipients selected each award cycle.

Application Process

The application requires a professional resume, two letters of recommendation, a portfolio of 3–5 creative works, and written responses to three short-answer prompts. Portfolio submissions need not be architecture-specific and should showcase creative work and thinking. Each short-answer response should be approximately 300 words and address the applicant’s influences, leadership or collaborative experience, and views on architecture’s role in community improvement. Applicants should prepare materials that demonstrate both potential and commitment to the field.

Application Requirements: Submit a resume, two recommendation letters, a 3–5 item portfolio, and three 300-word short answers addressing specified prompts.

• Required materials: resume, two letters of recommendation, portfolio (3–5 works).
• Three short-answer questions, ~300 words each:
• • What influenced you to become an architect?
• • Describe a situation where you positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time.
• • How do you view the potential of architecture to improve communities?

History of the Award

The scholarship program was established in 1970 with an initial grant from the Ford Foundation following Whitney Young Jr.’s 1968 challenge to architects to make the profession more socially responsible. The award was created to attract underrepresented perspectives into architecture and to support students with a passion for serving communities through the built environment. Over time, the program has emphasized diversity, professional development, and long-term investment in future architects. It remains part of Architects Foundation’s efforts to inspire and invest in the next generation of the profession.

History of the Award: Founded in 1970 after a call for greater responsibility in the field, initially funded by the Ford Foundation to broaden participation in architecture.

• Founded in 1970 with Ford Foundation support.
• Responded to Whitney Young Jr.’s 1968 call for a more responsible architectural profession.
• Designed to increase diversity and support community-focused architects.