The Yale School of Architecture has just announced a new scholarship named after 2022 Pritzker Prize winner Francis Kéré in the interest of supporting African students at the school as they complete their journey to a career in architecture.

“There are so many aspiring African architects, and with a Yale education, they will be able to excel,” Kéré said. “I am the first African architect to be recognized with a Pritzker, and, thanks to the Francis Kéré Scholarship, I hope there will be many more to come.”

Kéré taught at Yale as a William B. and Charlotte Shepherd Davenport Visiting Professor in 2019 and, more recently, as the prestigious Louis I. Kahn Visiting Professor in 2022. He has remained active in the school’s academic community, which he referred to as “welcoming and vibrant”  and also a “place to be.”

SoA Dean Deborah Berke added: “It is especially meaningful to be able to nurture new voices and new talents in the field of architecture. This gift ensures that anyone with the drive and the skills will be able to pursue the career they want. Our goal here at the Yale School of Architecture is to educate architects, scholars, teachers, and leaders who will shape the future through design; this scholarship will empower future generations of leaders.”

The scholarship is being funded thanks to a gift from the Sidney E. Frank Foundation. Kéré will also join Walter Hood and Do Ho Suh for the 2023 commencement ceremonies at RISD, where they will both receive honorary degrees.