Rising Black Architecture
Student Scholarships

AIA Connecticut, in conjunction with NOMA Connecticut,
 is pleased to offer a 2nd year of this innovative scholarship.

According to the 2020 census, nearly 11% of Connecticut’s population identify as Black/African American. Of the 4,641 licensed architects in the state, fewer than 20 are of Black or African American descent.

This scholarship was developed to provide diverse voices across the architectural, engineering, and construction industries.  It will also incentivize the recipient to begin their architectural career in Connecticut.

  • The number of scholarships and the total number of scholarships given out will be determined according to the annual funds raised.
  • Scholarships may be used towards tuition and/or books. Room and board are excluded.
  • The minimum awards are $1,000 per recipient. 

To qualify, applicants must:

  1. Self-identify as Black or of African American heritage
  2. Hold US citizenship or residency
  3. Be currently enrolled in or accepted to an architecture program (as a full-time student) at a university in CT, DC, DE, MA, ME, MD, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, and VT. There is no requirement for the program to be NAAB accredited.
  4. Accept an internship at a firm located in Connecticut in the summer of 2025
  1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  2. Professional headshot
  3. Letters of recommendation or acceptance (see below)
    1. Current college/university students: a recommendation letter from a professor on university letterhead
    2. Prospective students: an acceptance letter demonstrating enrollment in a US undergraduate architectural program
  4. Response to the following prompts (maximum 400 words total):
    1. In what ways can architects serve as agents of change within their communities?
    2. Explain the financial significance of receiving this scholarship.
    3. Describe how an internship opportunity will influence your architectural journey.
  5. A brief statement detailing financial need and outlining the intended utilization of the scholarship funds (maximum 100 words)
  6. Portfolio/Work samples (one of the following):
    1. Prospective students: initial submission required for university admission
    2. Current students:
      1. Architectural project accompanied by a written description (maximum 200 words and 3 pages), OR
      2. Group project highlighting the applicant’s specific contribution

The 2025 -2026 awardees:

  • Eden Edghill, Wentworth Institute of Technology
  • Jephte Labonte, University of Hartford
  • Johnathan Lyn, University of Hartford
  • Isaiah Solis, Pratt Institute School of Architecture

 

Click here for the Press release for the 2025-26 scholarship recipients.
 

Click here for the Press Release for the 2024 -2025  scholarship recipients.

Thank you 2024 Donors!

  • AIA Scholarship Grant
  • ALMPC, LLC dba 5 ONE CAPITAL
  • Cassandra & Drew Archer
  • Frederick W. & Ivy Thomas McKinney
  • Happy Haus Design
  • Kenneth & Wendy Anderson Brachfeld
  • Marc G. Andre Architects
  • MeKael Engineering & Consulting, LLC
  • Rockman Millwork Windows & Doors
  • Rohan Freeman – Freeman Companies
  • Stephen F.& Sarah S. Boccarossa
  • Studio Q Architecture, LLC
  • United Haitian American Society
  • Rockman Millwork Windows & Doors
  • Studio Q Architecture
  • Susan & Leonard Wyeth
  • Kojo Asiedu 
  • Angela Cahill
  • Kevin & Kathy Taylor
  • Omarys & Mikey Vasquez
  • Paolo Campos 
  • JP Franzen Assoc. Architects
  • Dominque Moore
  • Land Surveying Services, LLC
  • Corporate Design, LLC
  • Gina E. Calabro/Anthony J. Calabro

Donations for the 2025 -26 Academic year being accepted.
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Contact Gina Calabro at gcalabro@aiact.org