The Architects Foundation has announced the recipients for four of its scholarship programs aimed at supporting future leaders in equity, diversity, and sustainability in the architecture profession. A philanthropic partner of the American Institute of Architects, the Architects Foundation has awarded the scholarships to 15 individuals during their architectural education to support their college tuition.

The 2021 Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship has been awarded to Brittney Sooksengdao, a student at Virginia Tech. Sooksengdao will receive a $10,000 scholarship intended to support the education of women in architecture and will also be mentored by an architect at Payette for the scholarship year.

The 2021 a/e ProNet David W. Lakamp AIA Scholarship has been awarded to Alexandra Gottlin from the University of Oregon and Schola Eburuoh from the Harvard Graduate School of Design. Each will receive $5,000 to be used towards tuition for demonstrating a strong interest in practice and risk management.

The 2021 Yann Weymouth Graduate Scholarship has been awarded to Josh Greene from Yale University. Greene will also receive $5,000 towards tuition for demonstrating an exemplary work focus on sustainability, resilience, wellness, and beauty.

In addition, the Architects Foundation has announced the 12 recipients of the 2021 Diversity Advancement Scholarship. The 12 students, all of whom are entering architecture school, will receive $4,000 per year towards tuition for the next five years, totaling $20,000 each. Those students are:

• Zuleika Baldeo (Curry Stone Foundation Scholar) – Windsor Mill, MD
• Naomi Charlesworth – Bloomington, IN
• Fionn Hui – Chicago, IL
• Kaleb Jenkins – St. Louis, MO
• Danielle Mitchell – Tenafly, NJ
• Joshua Patrick – Atlanta, GA
• Taylor Pinkney – Prosper, TX
• Laura Pisciotte – Hollywood, FL
• Olivia Salinas – Helotoes, TX
• Geremiah Tallas (Safdie Architects Scholar) – San Antonio, TX
• Lavinia Vete – Midvale, UT
• Rachell Wiggins – Missouri City, TX

The Architects Foundation’s scholarships are the latest in a series of recent announcements of fellowships and initiatives for architects at the beginning of their careers. In May, five architecture students were awarded the 2021 Kohn Pedersen Fox Traveling Fellowship, giving them access to a summer of travel and research. 

Also in May, the Beyer Blinder Belle Foundation announced the recipients of its $30,000 grant to support Howard University’s architecture students, with three students each receiving $10,000 to support their academic pursuits and professional development.