The Architects Foundation announced today the expansion of the 2018-2019 Diversity Advancement Scholarship program. Thanks to a generous $20,000 donation by the Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN), an AIA Knowledge Community, an additional scholar will be selected.

The scholarship provides assistance to individuals from a minority race, ethnicity, or those diversely-abled, pursuing a professional degree in architecture recognized by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Scholarships may be renewed for up to five years, up to a $20,000 award.

“By funding the scholarship, our goal is to help a student interested in custom residential architecture and put them on the track to successfully becoming a licensed architect,” said CRAN Chair John Stewart, AIA. “We are excited to welcome the scholar into our network.”

This is the very first pilot gift from the CRAN Legacy Committee, a committee that comprises all of knowledge community’s past chairs.

“The CRAN Legacy Committee’s goal is to evaluate and identify opportunities to give back to the profession,” said James Walbridge, AIA, CRAN Legacy Committee Member. “As chair of the Architects Foundation Scholarship Committee, I am honored that the CRAN Legacy Committee has chosen the Diversity Advancement Scholarship as its first investment.”

Through Jan. 17, 2018, applications are encouraged from qualified high school seniors planning to attend school for architecture, first-year college students currently enrolled in a NAAB-accredited architecture program, and students intending to transfer to a NAAB-accredited architecture program from a technical school or community college. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and will be required to provide two examples of their creative work, high school transcripts, a personal essay, and two letters of recommendation, among other requirements. To apply, visit http://www.architectsfoundation.org/scholarships.

“The Custom Residential Architects Network has a robust network that, by sharing intellectual capital, encourages innovation in the field,” said Architects Foundation Executive Director Marci Reed, CFRE, MPA.  “By sponsoring a scholar interested in custom residential architecture, the CRAN is taking the next step toward growing the community and supporting the evolution of the profession. We are grateful for their support.”

Applications for the Diversity Advancement Scholarship are open until Jan. 17, 2018; scholarship winners will be notified in April 2018. To learn more about the Diversity Advancement Scholarship program and how to apply, please visit https://architectsfoundation.org/.