AIA West Virginia Scholarship Program

AIA WV Scholarship Program

Since 1986, AIA West Virginia has proudly supported the next generation of architects through our annual scholarship program. With over $333,500 awarded to 144 students, we are committed to fostering excellence in architectural education and helping students reach their full potential.

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the AIA West Virginia Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Residency
Must be a resident of West Virginia, as defined by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s Rules and Policies.

Educational Requirements

Completed six or more semesters in a National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredited undergraduate Bachelor of Architecture program, or
Enrolled or accepted into a NAAB-accredited Master of Architecture program.
Students pursuing a pre-professional Bachelor of Arts or Science in Architecture are also eligible if their institution offers a NAAB-accredited Master of Architecture program, and they have completed six or more semesters of undergraduate studies.

Submission Period

Scholarship applications are open for submission from August 20,2025 to December 5, 2025. The Scholarship Committee will review all applications in December. Semi-finalists will be invited for an interview and portfolio presentation during the December holiday recess, with recipients announced the following week.

Award Criteria

Scholarships will be awarded based on the student’s architectural ability, passion for the profession, and potential for success. Additionally, applicants may be considered for the Floyd J. Clingenpeel Scholarship, which is specifically awarded to projects demonstrating innovative approaches to sustainability, alternative energy systems, or environmental technologies. This scholarship is generously funded by Harper Engineering. In addition AIA National has generously funded a component scholarship match which further enables our ability to support the future of the profession.

Honoring Recipients

Scholarship recipients will be honored at the AIA West Virginia Design Awards Gala Dinner.

Supporting Future Architects

The AIA West Virginia Scholarship Program is made possible through the generous support of our members and sponsors. Together, we are dedicated to investing in students who will lead the future of architecture and design.

Scholarship Eligibility Checklist:

Before you apply, please confirm that you meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

I am a resident of West Virginia, as defined by the WV Higher Education Policy Commission’s residency rules.

I have completed six or more semesters in an accredited undergraduate program in architecture OR I am currently enrolled/accepted in an accredited Master of Architecture program.

I will be able to provide an official transcript as of May 30.

I can provide a letter of recommendation from a faculty member.

I understand the application deadline is December 5, and incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.

Scholarship Application Checklist:

Before you begin your application, please make sure you have the following items ready to submit:

Completed Online Application Form: (complete through the link below)

Cover Letter: Introduce yourself, explain why you are applying, your professional goals, and why you feel you are deserving of the scholarship.

Résumé: Educational background, employment history, extracurricular activities, and relevant travel/professional experience.

Official Transcript: As of May 30 (Graduate students must also include undergraduate transcripts. New Master’s students must upload an acceptance letter.) Mailed to our PO Box by your institution.

Letter of Recommendation: From a faculty member (may mailed or sent separately by the faculty member to AIA WV via submit@aiawv.org).

Design Work Example: A link to your of your portfolio of architectural work

Important Notes:

All application materials must be submitted no later than December 5.

Additional materials beyond those listed above will not be reviewed.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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