DESCRIPTION
The Association for Women in Architecture Foundation, Inc. (AWAF) is a tax-exempt charitable 501(c)(3) organization based in Los Angeles, California, dedicated to fostering educational and professional leadership opportunities for women in architecture and related fields. Each year the AWAF celebrates some of the brightest emerging design talents by awarding scholarships to support these exceptional women in their continuing education. As AWAF begins our 27th year and AWA, our mother organization celebrates its Centennial, we are pleased to announce that with increased giving from our donors we have additional scholarship awards opportunities for 2024.
There will be up to eight (8) awards in the varying amounts ranging from $2,500 to $7,500. Winners also receive a one-year membership with our sister organization, AWA+D.
These cash awards are awarded to women students who are California residents and/or attending school in California, and who have completed at least 18 units in their major, by April of 2024, in a qualifying program granting a degree or certificate in a qualifying design major. Of special note is the Sarah Hays Social Impact Award, named in honor of late L.A. architect, designer, and community advocate Sarah Hays (1954-2020). Sarah was a Los Angeles architect and a powerful yet humble advocate for design, social justice, and the empowerment of young female designers. After earning a B.A. in history from Stanford and pursuing a degree in interiors at the Instituto Europeo di Design, she returned to Los Angeles where she received her architectural license. As her professional career in small architecture firms across Los Angeles progressed, she became increasingly involved as a volunteer with professional, environmental, and political organizations. Sarah was instrumental in the creation of the Expo Line’s Westwood Greenway and was recognized by the LA City Council for her leadership and dedication in the creation of the linear parkway.
Scholarship Award Winners will be recognized at a planned event in June of 2024.
To apply, please see below for eligibility and submittal requirements.
Please contact us with any questions or comments. Thank you very much.
Sincerely, Isa Mattia and Natasha Harkison, Awards Committee Co-chairs
Email: awards@awa-foundation.org
SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY
The AWAF offers cash awards to women students who have completed the required number of units in their major, in a program granting a degree or certificate in one of the following majors:
Architecture
Landscape Architecture
Urban and Land Planning
Interior Design
Environmental Design
Urban Design
Historic Preservation
Applicants MUST BE ENROLLED in one of the majors listed above for the 2023-2024 academic year, and completed at least 18 units in their major by April 2024.
EXCEPTION: Current community college students with a minimum number of 10 units are also eligible to apply
Applicants may include units earned at a previous school or applied to a previous degree, provided the units were completed as part of a qualifying major. Applicants in their final year of study are eligible, and prize money may be used for special projects or travel, or to offset expenses already incurred for study.
Applicants must be California residents OR attending a qualifying school in California.
PRESENTATION OF AWARD: Winners will be required to share their project and likeness on the AWAF website and invited to exhibit their work at the 2024 AWA+D Symposium and AWAF Awards event, typically held in late spring within the greater Los Angeles area. Award checks will be delivered through USPS mail.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Selection will be based on merit as evidenced by:
Grades / Transcript
Personal Statement
Letter of Recommendation
Quality of Student Work as demonstrated via Portfolio of 3-4 projects
Following the selection committee’s review of submitted application materials, a shortlist of candidates will be invited to participate in an interview as part of the final selection process. Interviews will be held via web conference in early to mid-May. The Awards Committee will review all applications for completeness first and then for quality of work. Incomplete applications cannot be considered and will not be evaluated.
ABOUT THE SPONSOR
The mission of AWAF, like that of AWA+D, is to advance and support women in the allied fields of architecture and design. Established in 1997 as the primary fundraising vehicle for the AWA+D, the Foundation raises funds to promote high levels of achievement by awarding scholarships and a mid-career fellowship.
