Center for Architecture Design Scholarship

Purpose

Merit-based scholarships that support deserving students acquiring their first professional degree in architecture, design, engineering, planning, or a related discipline in a program within New York State.

Eligibility

Students seeking their first professional degree in architecture or related design discipline from an accredited school within New York State. The dean or chair of the architectural school or accredited design program shall invite up to two students from their respective college or university to apply based on their high level of academic performance and evidence of financial need. Financial need of the student shall be determined by the guidelines of the Financial Aid Officer of the school nominating the candidate.

Note: Students cannot be nominated for both the CFA Design and Allwork awards. Students in their final year of school are not eligible to apply. Students must be nominated by their dean or chair of their accredited program that they are currently studying in order to apply for this award.

Eligible Engineering Programs

Architectural, Civil, Electrical, Environmental, Mechanical, Structural

Eligible Design Programs

Architectural, Environmental, Furniture, Industrial, Interior, Landscape, Sustainable, Urban

Note: A graduate student is eligible if his or her undergraduate degree is in a field other than architecture.

FAQs

1. Do applications need to be post-marked by the deadline?

All applications must be submitted both electronically and in hardcopy and both versions of the complete application must be received March 15th by 5:00pm EST on the due date in order to be considered. No exceptions. Refer to the Submission Instructions section for further details.

2. Can I hand-deliver my application?

Applicants who are in the New York area may hand-deliver their complete application to the Center for Architecture. Hand-delivered submissions should be addressed in the following manner:

Center for Architecture Foundation
ATTN: CFA Design Application – Applicant's Last Name

3. Is it possible to extend the deadline based on personal extenuating circumstances?

All applications must be received by the due date in order to be reviewed. No exceptions.

4. Do letters of recommendation need to arrive by the deadline?

Yes.

5. Can letters of recommendation be sent separately from the application?

Applicants are strongly advised to mail complete applications (application, a portfolio and two letters of recommendation) in one package. Letter of recommendation may be sent separately, either electronically and in hardcopy. Refer to the Submissions Instructions section for further details.

6. Can the letters of recommendation be emailed?

Yes, letters of recommendation must be emailed. Refer to the Submissions Instructions for addressing instructions.

7. What is the schedule of notification?

Applicants will be notified by the end of May.

8. Is it possible to review the submissions of past recipients?

It is not possible to review the submissions of past recipients. It is possible to view the portfolios of Past Scholarship Recipients.

9. Does Center for Architecture sponsor individual students pursuing an architectural education in need of financial aid?

Center for Architecture supports students through our scholarship program. At this time it is not possible for the organization to give financial aid above and beyond this program.

10. I am a high school student seeking scholarships for an undergraduate degree in architecture. Am I eligible for the CFA Design Scholarship?

No, in order to be considered for the CFA Design Scholarship, applicants must be nominated by the Dean or Chair of the Architecture program they are currently attending.

11. I am applying to an architecture program at a school in New York State. Am I eligible for the CFA Design scholarship?

No, in order to be considered for the CFA Design Scholarship, an applicant must be nominated by the Dean or Chair of the Architecture program the applicant is currently attending.

12. I am a graduate architecture student, but my undergraduate degree is not in architecture. Am I eligible for the CFA Design scholarship?

Yes, graduate students are eligible as long as the applicant's undergraduate, professional degree is in a field other than their professional graduate degree. Applicants must be working towards their first professional degree in the field.

13. Do applicants need to submit documentation of financial need?

No, financial need is determined by the Dean or Chair who nominates you.

14. Does the Dean or Chair need to mention a student's financial need in the nomination letter?

The Dean or Chair is not required to address a student's financial need in the nomination letter. However, the Dean or Chair should only nominate students that have a demonstrated financial need. They should confer with the Financial Aid Office at their school if necessary.

15. Does the Dean or Chair need to write a letter of recommendation in addition to nominating each of the three students?

The Dean or Chair must write a letter of recommendation for each student he or she nominates. This letter of recommendation will be act as the formal nomination.

16. Can applicants submit an electronic portfolio that is more than 5 MB?

Applicants must submit a portfolio in PDF format that does not exceed on 5 MB. Applicants may choose to submit an additional version of their portfolio as a PDF that is larger than 5 MB. PDFs that exceed 5 MB must be zipped.

17. Are students in their final year of school eligible to apply?

No, students must have at least one year left of school.