A new scholarship, funded by the Wisconsin Architects Foundation (WAF), aims to increase the number of individuals from under-represented groups in the architecture profession in Wisconsin.
“With the ‘Dream Spaces: Diversity + Architecture Scholarship’ programme we seek to grow diversity in the architecture profession because those who lead the future of the built environment should represent the full spectrum of its inhabitants, and their array of life experiences,” said Jody Andres, AIA, WAF president.
The scholarship, which is renewable for up to four years, is valued at a minimum of $10,000 annually and covers in-state tuition. An advisory committee will select the recipient with first preference given to those who have encountered significant barriers to achieving higher education.
In addition to financial support, the WAF will offer the scholarship recipient a supportive professional network and mentorship opportunities.
According to research published by career search site Zippia, fewer than 10 per cent of architects in the United States are Latino and fewer than three percent are Black.
Mo Zell, interim dean of the UWM School of Architecture and Urban Planning, sees the scholarship as a way to strengthen the school’s commitment to providing opportunities to students from historically marginalised communities.
“To tackle issues of equity and social justice in our curriculum, research and creative practices at SARUP, we must simultaneously ensure that we are creating a learning environment where diverse voices are always part of the conversation,” Zell said.
The WAF Dream Space Scholarship is open to prospective undergraduate or graduate students who will begin their studies at UWM in fall 2023. The application deadline is January 31, 2023.