Diversity Scholarship Undergraduate Application 2025
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Application Deadline: Friday April 4, 2025; 11:59pm

The AIA Chicago Foundation Diversity Scholarship aims to attract and retain diverse, talented young professionals in Chicago by recognizing the value 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.

Throughout the two years, each awardee is paired with a mentor from the AIA Chicago membership to receive ongoing guidance throughout their educational tenure.

Up to two $10,000 scholarships will be awarded each year. Each $10,000 scholarship will be awarded over two years, $5,000 per year, per recipient for students attending the Illinois Institute of Technology, School of the Art Institute, and the University of Illinois Chicago.

 

In the fall of 2025, eligible student applicants must

  • be enrolling into the Bachelor of Architecture program at the Illinois Institute of Technology or the Bachelor of Science program at the University of Illinois Chicago.
  • be going into their 3rd or 4th year of a 5-year program

What you need to apply

  • Transcript of GPA (3.0 or higher). 
  • FAFSA form if eligible - if you are having issues with your FAFSA, please email Allison Garwood Freedland at afreedland@aiachicago.org
  • Up to 750 word statement that addresses fulfillment of the Diversity Scholarship requirements.
  • Three (3) portfolio images accompanied by brief descriptions.  If group project, identify your contribution. 
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation; one (1) must be from a professor or an employer related to the field.