Diversity Scholarship Preview Questions

The AIA Chicago Foundation Diversity* Scholarship supports students who will become talented young professionals in a more diverse Chicago community.  The scholarship recognizes the value of new and unique voices in the profession. Each awardee will also receive guidance and ongoing mentorship from AIA Chicago throughout their educational tenure.  Up to two $10,000 scholarships are awarded each year. 

Graduate Applications

In the fall of 2023, you must...

  • be enrolling at a NAAB accredited architecture master's degree program at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois Institute of Technology, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.  
  • be going into their 1st year of a 2 or 3 year program OR the 2nd year of a 3 year program 

Graduate questions 

  1. Name, Address, Phone Number, Email Address.
  2. School I am currently enrolled in. 
  3. School I am planning on enrolling in. 
  4. Current year of study. 
  5. Anticipated graduation date. 
  6. I am a US citizen or US permanent resident. 
  7. Race/Ethnicity (check all that apply). 
  8. Are you an independent or dependent for tax purposes?  And are you eligible for and have filled out the FAFSA (Federal Student Aid Form). 
  9. If an independent, you will enter your financial information. 
  10. If you are a dependent, you will enter your parents’ financial information. 
  11. Enter your adjusted gross income as listed on your personal W2, tax return, or other government issued document if not from the US. 
  12. Enter your personal estimated financial contribution. 
  13. Enter full cost of attendance (COA) for a SINGLE year.  This includes tuition, room & board, books, supplies, etc. 
  14. Enter your adjusted gross income as reported on your FAFSA. 
  15. Enter your personal Estimated Contribution. 
  16. Enter your parents adjusted gross income as listed on your personal W2, tax return, or other government issued document if not from the US (if dependent). 
  17. Enter your Estimated Family Contribution. (if dependent). 
  18. How did you hear about the scholarship (check all that apply). 
  19. AIA Chicago Foundation reserves the right to adjust scholarship guidelines, timelines, or process at any time for any reason.  Final awarding of the scholarship is at the sole discretion of the AIA Chicago Foundation. 

Upload Package 

  • Portfolio. 
  • One page resume. 
  • 500-1000 word statement that addresses the fulfillment of the diversity requirements. 
  • 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 Applications 

In the fall of 2023, you must... 

  • be going into their third (3rd) or fourth (4th) year of a 5 year program and enrolling into the B.Arch program at the Illinois Institute of Architecture or the BS program in Architecture at the University of Illinois at Chicago. 

Undergraduate Questions 

  1. Name, Address, Phone Number, Email Address.
  2. School I am currently enrolled in. 
  3. Are you a transfer student? 
  4. What school are you transferring from? 
  5. School I am planning on enrolling in 
  6. Current year of study. 
  7. Anticipated graduation date. 
  8. I am a US citizen or US permanent resident. 
  9. Race/Ethnicity (check all that apply). 
  10. Cumulative GPS is 3.0 or higher. 
  11. Undergraduate. I am eligible to receive state and federal aid and will file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Proof required.  
  12. Enter your parents adjusted gross income (as reported on the FAFSA or other financial document.) 
  13. Enter your Estimated Family Contributions (EFC). 
  14. Enter Full Cost of Attendance (COA) for a single year.  This includes tuition, room & board, books, supplies, etc. 
  15. How did you hear about the scholarship (check all that apply). 
  16. AIA Chicago Foundation reserves the right to adjust scholarship guidelines, timelines, or process at any time for any reason.  Final awarding of the scholarship is at the sole discretion of the AIA Chicago Foundation. 

Upload Package 

  • Transcript of GPA (3.0 or higher). 
  • FAFSA form if eligible. 
  • One page statement which addresses fulfillment of the diversity 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. 

*The American Institute of Architects recognizes that diversity enhances our membership, our profession, and the quality of life in our communities. Our programs and initiatives shall reflect the society that we serve, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, physical abilities, or religious practices. AIA strives to ensure equal access to professional degrees in architecture for those who are underrepresented in our profession.