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.
General Information
- Undergraduate: I attest that during the 2026-2027 academic year I will be enrolled as a 3rd or 4th year undergraduate student of a 5-year program in the B.Arch program at IIT or the BS program at UIC
- Graduate: I attest that during the 2026-2027 academic year, I will be a graduate student enrolled in the MArch program in a NAAB accredited institution based in Chicago and will have at least two years remaining in my studies.
- Name.
- Full Address (number, city, state, zip code).
- Phone number.
- School Email address.
- Personal Email address.
- School currently attending.
- Graduate or undergraduate.
- Year in school.
- What grade will you be entering in the 2026/27 academic year?.
- Degree program.
- Expected graduation date.
- Are you a US citizen or US permanent resident?
- Current cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) (Undergraduate only).
Financial Need Information
- Are you an independent or dependent for tax purposes.
- I attest that am eligible to receive state and federal aid and will file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Proof of submission required.
- If you are an international student not eligible for the FAFSA, please submit documentation that demonstrates your financial status such as bank statements, the declaration and certification of finance form, and if you have an organization or individual sponsorship, please include letters stating as such.
- If independent:
- Enter your personal adjusted gross income.
- Enter your personal Estimated Contributions.
- Enter full cost of attendance (COA) for a SINGLE year.
- If dependent:
- Enter your parents adjusted gross income.
- Enter your Estimated Family Contributions (EFC).
- Enter full cost of attendance (COA) for a SINGLE year.
About You
- Personal Statement (750 words).
- Resume (Graduate only).
- Portfolio (Graduate only).
- Three (3) project images accompanied by brief descriptions. If a group project, identify your contribution (Undergraduate only).
- List any academic honors, scholarships, other awards or recognitions received.
- Have you participated in any K-12 architecture education programs with the following organizations?
Letters of Reference
- The letters should summarize the academic merit and notable achievements of the nominee and why they should receive the Diversity Scholarship.
- At least two 2 letters of recommendation: One (1) must be from a professor or an employer related to the field.
- Letters should be addressed to: "Diversity Scholarship Jury"
Marketing
- How did you hear about this scholarship?
Notification
The Chair of the Jury will notify winners via telephone following the final jury deliberations. Non-winners will be notified by email. Winners are kindly asked not to make their own announcements prior to AIA Chicago’s announcement.
Statement from the Applicant
- By checking this box, I affirm that this entry meets the requirements as stated in the Call for Entries. I verify that the entry is entirely the work of those listed in this form.
- Electronic Signatures & Release Forms.
Indemnification
AIA Chicago is not able to independently verify the information and claims made by entrants in their submittal and thus, AIA Chicago assumes all applicants will follow the national AIA Code of Ethics and Professional Standards. As such, entrants shall indemnify AIA Chicago from any liability for erroneous information or content within the submittal. As noted above, entrants shall assume sole responsibility for design and photo credits and copyrights that allow the Chapter to award, represent and promote projects and designers selected by the juries.