Diversity Scholarship

Diversity Scholarship is a grant from the AIA Chicago Foundation that funds the next generation of diverse designers and architectural leaders who will shape Chicago's future. The scholarship honors individuals who exemplify the qualities of an architectural changemaker — someone driving progress through design excellence, social justice, technical innovation, or energizing the field.

Each year, up to two $10,000 scholarships are awarded, with each distributed over two years at $5,000 per year per recipient. Throughout the two-year period, each awardee is paired with a mentor from the AIA Chicago membership for ongoing guidance and professional development.

Eligible applicants are diverse architecture students and emerging professionals who demonstrate architectural leadership potential and a commitment to advancing equity in the profession.

Diversity Scholarship - AIA Chicago The AIA Chicago Foundation Diversity Scholarship empowers the next generation of diverse designers and leaders who will shape Chicago’s future. It celebrates the importance of new and unique voices in the profession.

This scholarship honors individuals who exemplify the qualities of an architectural changemaker—someone who drives progress in the profession by championing design excellence, advancing social justice, pioneering technical innovation, or energizing the field in meaningful ways. Each year, up to two $10,000 scholarships are awarded, with each scholarship distributed over two years at $5,000 per year per recipient.

Throughout the two years, each awardee is paired with a mentor from the AIA Chicago membership to receive ongoing guidance throughout their educational tenure. Scholarships are available to students attending Illinois Institute of Technology, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and University of Illinois Chicago.

2025 Diversity Scholarship Recipients First-Year Student in 2025 University of Illinois Chicago Fourth-Year Student in 2025 Illinois Institute of Technology Awards: Up to two recipients. Each receive $10,000 over two years.

Funding: Corporate and individual donations Applications open: Week of March 2, 2026 Applications close: Friday, April 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM central Undergraduate Application Donate to the Diversity Scholarship Eligibility Undergraduate: Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) at the Illinois Institute of Technology Bachelor of Science in Architecture at the University of Illinois Chicago Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio – Architecture Pathway (BFA) at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago Entering your third (3rd) or fourth (4th) year of a BArch program at the Illi nois Institute of Technology or your third (3rd) year BS of Architecture at University of Illinois Chicago or the Architecture Pathway BFA program of the School of the Art Institute Chicago Two years remaining in school Master of Architecture (MArch) programs at the Illinois Institute of Technology, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and the University of Illinois Chicago.

Two years remaining in school Graduate Student Submission Requirements Up to a 750-word statement that addresses how you will bring a diverse or unique voice to the profession, and in particular, Chicago. Two (2) letters of recommendation: one (1) must be from a professor or an employer from a design related firm. Financial information (FAFSA, if eligible, W2, tax return, or other financial proof if not from the US).

Undergraduate Student Submission Requirements Three (3) project images accompanied by brief descriptions. If a group project, identify your contribution. Transcript of GPA (3.

0 or higher). Up to a 750-word statement that addresses how you will bring a diverse or unique voice to the profession, and in particular, Chicago. Two (2) letters of recommendation; one (1) must be from a professor or an employer related to the field.

Financial information (FAFSA, if eligible, W2, tax return, or other financial proof if not from the US). Jury Process and Evaluation All proposals will be evaluated by a five-member jury. The jury includes three (3) members of the AIA Chicago Foundation Board of Trustees and two (2) practicing architecture professionals who are not members of the Board.

The Jury evaluates candidates based on: Strength of the applicant’s personal statement and their impact on Chicago Demonstration of creative potential, as reflected in the portfolio and submitted images Quality of reference letters, including the depth of insight into the applicant’s work and potential as an architect Strength of the applicant’s resume (Graduate only) Transcription (Undergraduate only) Rules and Regulations All proposals will be evaluated by a five-member jury.

The jury includes three (3) members of the AIA Chicago Foundation Board of Trustees and two (2) practicing architecture professionals who are not members of the Board.

The Jury evaluates candidates based on: Strength of the applicant’s personal statement and their impact on Chicago Strength of the applicant’s resume Demonstration of creative potential, as reflected in the portfolio and submitted images Quality of reference letters, including the depth of insight into the applicant’s work and potential as an architect Frequently Asked Questions How do I upload my application?

Applications must be submitted through the Reviewr portal. Do I need to create an account? Yes, you must create a Reviewr account to access and submit your application.

What schools and programs in Chicago are eligible?

Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) at the Illinois Institute of Technology Bachelor of Science in Architecture at the University of Illinois Chicago Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio – Architecture Pathway (BFA) at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago Master of Architecture (MArch) programs at the Illinois Institute of Technology, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and the University of Illinois Chicago.

When am I eligible to apply for the undergraduate scholarship? Entering your third (3rd) or fourth (4th) year of a BArch program at the Illi nois Institute of Technology or your third (3rd) year of a BS in Architecture at University of Illinois Chicago or the Architecture Pathway BFA program of the School of the Art Institute Chicago When am I eligible to apply for the graduate scholarship?

You must be entering the first (1st) year of a two-year MArch program or the first (1st) or second (2nd) year of a three-year MArch program. Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to apply? No, U.S. citizenship is not required.

Can I apply during my final year of school? No. Applicants must have at least two years remaining in their program, as the scholarship is distributed over two years. How much is the scholarship award?

The total award is $10,000. How are the funds distributed? Recipients receive $5,000 per year for two years.

Funds are paid directly to the school and applied to the student’s account for the fall semesters. Are letters of recommendation required? Yes, at least two letters of recommendation are required.

Please allow your references sufficient time to prepare strong letters. How are letters of recommendation submitted? Letters are submitted confidentially through the Reviewr portal.

Applicants should follow up with their references to confirm submission. How should letters of recommendation be addressed? Letters should be addressed to: Jury Chair for the Diversity Scholarship.

Is financial information required? Yes, this is a need-based scholarship, and financial information is required. What financial documents are required for the application?

Financial information provided through the FAFSA will address the financial questions in the application. If I am not a U.S. citizen and am not eligible for FAFSA, what financial documents can I submit? You may submit alternative documentation demonstrating financial need, such as bank statements, a declaration and certification of finances form, or letters confirming organizational or individual sponsorship.

Recipient is recognized on AIA Chicago's communication channels Recipient is recognized in Chicago Architect magazine with an article Recipient is acknowledged at Designight Recipient is acknowledged at Award Ceremony Past Diversity Scholarship Recipients 2025 Aliya Perez, University of Illinois Chicago, Graduate; Le Thuc Ny Phan, Illinois Institute of Technology, Undergraduate 2024 Ivan Gonzalez-Vazquez, Illinois Institute of Technology, Graduate; Alisha Gonzalez, Illinois Institute of Technology, Undergraduate 2023 Jocelyn Hernandez, University of Illinois Chicago, Graduate; Jamia Smith, University of Illinois Chicago, Graduate 2022 Mistika Jimenez, Illinois Institute of Technology, Undergraduate 2021 Hsu Myat Aung, Illinois Institute of Technology, Graduate; William Manzanilla, Illinois Institute of Technology, Undergraduate 2020 Asiye M.

Yukselen, Illinois Institute of Technology, Undergraduate; Edwin Casas, University of Illinois Chicago, Graduate; Roberto Quiroz, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Graduate 2019 Amandeep Panach, Illinois Institute of Technology, Graduate; Maria Hidalgo, Illinois Institute of Technology, Undergraduate Chicago Architect Magazine Chapter & Foundation Staff AIA Chicago is the local Chicago chapter of The American Institute of Architects.