Are you a student enrolled in architecture school? Are you interested with assistance in making your architectural education more affordable? Would you like to be recognized for your academic efforts and your promise as a rising architectural professional? The AIA Grand Rapids 2025 Student Endowed Scholarship Program in partnership with the Michigan Architectural Foundation application period is now open!

The AIA Grand Rapids Scholarships are designated for undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a career in architecture, and are preferred to be a resident of the AIAGR Chapter region attending any college or university. Applicants may also be a non-resident attending a college or university in the AIAGR Chapter region.

AIA Grand Rapids Undergraduate Scholarship Applications are due via email by March 14, 2025.

AIA Grand Rapids Graduate Scholarship Applications are due via email by March 14, 2025.

All awards are made in the month of April. Scholarship winners will have an opportunity to meet with the donors on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at the offices of Albert Kahn Associates in the historic Fisher Building in Detroit.

Submit Applications to Jeff Hausman, FAIA.

More Information can be found on the Michigan Architectural Foundation Website HERE».

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

Eligibility:

All candidates must be:

1. For graduate scholarships, students who are completing or have completed their Bachelor’s Degree program and who have been accepted or are currently enrolled in an accredited professional program in architecture leading to a Master of Architecture degree.
2. Residents of the State of Michigan and/or enrolled in architecture programs attending the University of Michigan, University of Detroit/Mercy, Lawrence Technological University, Kendall College, Andrews University, or Ferris State University.
3. The Robinson Scholarship is designated for an undergraduate student completing the first year of architectural studies at the University of Michigan only.
4. The AIA Grand Rapids Undergraduate Scholarship is designated for an undergraduate student in architectural studies at a college or university in the AIA Grand Rapids area.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Entry Requirements:

Applications must be digital-only and submitted via email in PDF format. (see the page’s introduction for email address). File sizes should be no greater than 20MB. The files must be PC compatible with font size no smaller than 10 point. Photos and graphic material must be in .jpg or .pdf format.

The following data are required from each candidate:

1. A completed application form downloaded from the Michigan Architectural Foundation website

2. A transcript of all college records

3. A personal statement with the following:

• The candidate’s interest, experience and plans related to architecture
• A statement describing leadership, design, and or community accomplishments of the candidate
• An outline of the candidate’s extracurricular and public service activities

4. A PDF copy of the student’s design portfolio that was submitted for acceptance by the university to their graduate program, (the Robinson Scholarship and AIA Grand Rapids Undergraduate Scholarship portfolio requirements are different; please see the individual application forms)

5. Two reference letters from individuals familiar with your accomplishments. One of the reference letters must be by a faculty member of your university

6. School costs and personal financial information as requested on the application

Required Data for AIA Grand Rapids Graduate Scholarship

1. Graduate Scholarship Application Form downloaded from the Michigan Architectural Foundation website.

Required Data for the AIA Grand Rapids Undergraduate Scholarship

1. Undergraduate Scholarship Application Form downloaded from the Michigan Architectural Foundation website.

SELECTION PROCESS

1. The Michigan Architectural Foundation has the sole authority for granting the scholarship awards. The scholarship recipients are selected by a jury of AIA members and selected scholarship sponsors and donors. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic performance, design, community involvement, demonstrated leadership and financial need.
2. All selections are considered final. All applications and attachments become the property of the MAF.
3. Scholarship funds are for tuition and direct educational expenses only. Award funds will be sent directly to the university attended by all scholarship winners.
4. All scholarship awards will be announced late April of the award year.