Next Generation Scholarship 2027

The Architects Foundation, the philanthropic partner of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), is accepting applications for the Next Generation Scholarship for the 2027 cycle. The main undergraduate award offers up to $20,000 in multiyear support to students beginning or continuing a NAAB-accredited architecture degree and can be renewed for up to four years. A graduate tier offers up to $10,000, renewable for up to three years. Applications opened at noon ET on 6 November 2026 and close on 15 January 2027.

About the scholarship

The programme dates back to 1970, when it started with an initial grant from the Ford Foundation after Whitney Young Jr. challenged architects in 1968 to build a more responsible profession. Its guiding idea, in the foundation’s words, is that “talent should decide who becomes an architect.” Recipients join a network of Next Generation Scholars, and the foundation stresses that different viewpoints and cultures make the profession stronger. The 2027 awards are supported by Fireclay Tile, Jacobs, Material Bank and Sherwin-Williams.

Two award levels

• Next Generation Undergraduate Scholarship: up to $20,000 in multiyear support, renewable for up to four years.
• Next Generation Graduate Scholarship: up to $10,000 in multiyear support, renewable for up to three years, for students heading into NAAB-accredited architecture study.

Both applications ask the same questions. In the application portal, applicants pick the version that matches their student status for fall 2027, and they may apply under one status only.

Who can apply

All applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents. For the undergraduate award, applicants must be either a high school senior planning to enrol in a NAAB-accredited architecture degree or a rising second-year student already in one. For the graduate award, applicants must be in the final year of a four-year B.A. or B.S. outside a NAAB programme and plan to enter a NAAB-accredited graduate architecture programme, or be a technical school or community college student who has finished high school or its equivalent and intends to transfer to a NAAB-accredited architecture programme.

What to submit

• A professional resume
• Two letters of recommendation; the FAQ advises referees to explain what makes the applicant suited to this specific award, as generic letters are not well received
• A portfolio of three to five creative works, which do not have to be architecture
• Three short answers of 300 words each: what influenced you to become an architect; a time you positively influenced others, helped resolve a dispute or contributed to a group effort over time; and how you see architecture’s potential to improve communities

Unofficial transcripts are accepted at the application stage, with official ones needed for verification after an award. The FAQ adds that the foundation’s tuition awards are paid through the school’s financial aid office rather than to the student directly.

Key dates

• Applications open: 6 November 2026, noon ET
• Deadline: 15 January 2027
• Jury review: March to April 2027, followed by a selection meeting in April
• Recipients notified: April 2027
• First disbursement: August 2027

Questions can be sent to [email protected].