Rising Black Architecture
Student Scholarships

AIA Connecticut, in conjunction with NOMA Connecticut,
 is pleased to offer this new 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.

All funds received will be fully distributed for the 2025 -2026 academic year.

  • 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. 
  • Scholarship awards will be announced by July 20, 2025.

2025 Applications Open

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

Due to the generous donations, 8 scholarships were given out for the 2024 -2025 academic year.  

  • Felix Aboagye, Yale School of Architecture
  • Samuel Boakye, Yale School of Architecture
  • Janiyah Hunter, Morgan State University
  • Jaden Lazaro, New York Institute of Technology
  • Johnathan Lyn, University of Hartford
  • Jose Martinez-Paulino, University of Hartford
  • Yossias Mulualem, Wentworth Institute of Technology
  • Ramona Williams, Howard University

Click here for the Press Release announcing the scholarship recipients.

Thank you 2024 Donors!

  • 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