AIA Rochester High School & College Scholarship Program

2026

Architectural

Scholarships

AIA Rochester, in conjunction with AIA National, and the Rochester Architecture Foundation, announces the 2026 Scholarship Program.

Apply today!

All applications must be submitted by: April 6, 2026

Application: High School Seniors

Application: College Students

The scholarship program is open to:

High school seniors committed to an architecture program for the Fall 2026 term.
College students currently enrolled in an architecture program for the 2026 - 2027 academic year.
College students transferring into an architecture program for the 2026 - 2027 academic year.
High school senior residents of the City of Rochester pursuing a college program in architecture, a field related to architecture, or a technical construction trade program.
Students meeting the above criteria must have a permanent residence within the seven-county area of Monroe, Wayne, Livingston, Ontario, Yates, Allegany and Seneca counties, or Greater Rochester member-firm areas served by AIA Rochester.

Up to $30,000 in combined scholarships could be awarded

Over $230,000 has been awarded in the form of academic scholarships since 2009.

AIA Rochester has supported local students who dream of becoming an architect for well over 15 years. This endeavor has also been supported by the Rochester Architecture Foundation (RAF) as well as AIA National and local benefactors who sponsor named scholarships.

AIA Rochester is pleased to offer the following scholarships in 2026:

AIA Rochester Scholarships

AIA Rochester Scholarships are funded by the annual AIA Rochester Golf Tournament with contributions from AIA National and the RAF's “Visionary Architects of the 20th Century Fund”, which was established as an endowment to fund AIA Rochester Scholarships. This fund is populated from funds from the RAF, AIA Rochester, local firms and generous individual donors.

These scholarships are open to high school seniors accepted to and entering and college students already enrolled in an architecture program for fall 2026.

Emphasis for consideration is based upon the student’s written response, which should address the primary reasons driving the decision to enter the profession, and indicate what sparks a sense of passion and dedication to improving the built environment. Additional emphasis will be placed upon the applicant’s contributions to the community via civic, academic, social, and leadership activities, as well as the strength of the letter(s) of reference.

Myron E. Starks Scholarship

Administered by the RAF, this scholarship is established and funded by the family of architect Myron Starks, AIA. The Myron E. Starks Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Myron E. Starks (1922–2010), a distinguished Rochester architect, community leader, and mentor. The Myron E. Starks Scholarship carries forward his legacy by supporting students who demonstrate both academic promise and a strong dedication to civic responsibility. It celebrates individuals who aspire to use design, leadership, and service to make a meaningful impact—reflecting the values that defined Myron’s life and career.

Women in Architecture Scholarship

Administered by the RAF, this scholarship is created to support and recognize women currently enrolled in a college level architecture program who show exceptional promise as future leaders in the architectural profession and in their communities.

This scholarship honors students who demonstrate:

Leadership potential in academic, professional, or community settings
Devotion to the practice of architecture and a clear commitment to advancing in the field
A desire to positively impact their communities through design, service, or advocacy
Financial need, especially when economic barriers may limit their ability to continue or complete their education.

This award is dedicated to helping emerging women designers rise, lead, and shape the future of the built environment. Applications are open to candidates who embody these values and are ready to take the next step in their architectural journey.

RAF Urban Scholar Award

The Rochester Architecture Foundation is again offering an Urban Scholar Award. Established in 2025, this award seeks to support an underserved and underrepresented high school senior residing in and graduating from a high school within the City of Rochester who is pursuing a college program in architecture, a field related to architecture, or a technical construction trade program.

Recent Scholarship Recipients

2025 High School & College Scholarship Program Recipients

Selena Fullone

SUNY Alfred State College

$5,000

AIA Scholarship

Gil Merod

RIT

$3,000

AIA Rochester Scholarship

$2,000

Myron Starks Memorial Scholarship

Casey Hawk

Drexel University

$5,000

Urban Scholar Award

Casey is a senior at

RCSD School of the Arts

Elizabeth Tytler

Boston University

$5,000

AIA Scholarship

Elizabeth is a senior at

Irondequoit High School

Abigail Lepel

Pratt Institute

$3,000

AIA Rochester Scholarship

$2,000

Women in Architecture Scholarship

Marshall Yannello

SUNY University at Buffalo

$5,000

AIA Scholarship

The Rochester Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, as part of the global community, champions a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion within the profession of architecture to create a better environment for all. Achieving this vision has a direct impact on the relevance of our profession and the world’s prosperity, health, and future.

The Rochester Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Rochester) and the Rochester Architecture Foundation (RAF) have again partnered to help the next generation of architects pursue their training.

Six merit-based scholarships totaling $30,000 have been awarded to students to study architecture this fall courtesy of AIA Rochester and the RAF, with contributions from AIA National, Women in Architecture, and the Family of Myron Starks.

New this year is the RAF's Urban Scholar Award which was granted to a high school senior and resident of the City of Rochester pursuing a college program in architecture, a field related to architecture, or a technical construction trade program.

Also, for the first time the RAF was able to allocate $5,000 from the “Visionary Architects of the 20th Century Fund”, which was established as an endowment to fund AIA Rochester Scholarships. This fund was populated from funds from the RAF, AIA Rochester, local firms and generous individual donors. Visit the RAF webpage for more information and for information on contributing to the fund if you are so inclined.

Over $200,000 has been awarded in the form of 76 academic scholarships since 2009.

Information regarding the Scholarship Program will be available in January/February of each year - check our home page here at at aiaroc.org and follow AIA Rochester on social media to stay updated.

2024 High School & College Scholarship Program Recipients

Jack Christie

SUNY Alfred State College

$3,000

AIA Scholarship

$2,000

Myron Starks Memorial Scholarship

Lillian Brady

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

$2,500

AIA Rochester Scholarship

Lillian is a senior at

Honeoye Falls-Lima HS

Pallas Hoffmann

Syracuse University

$3,000

AIA Scholarship

$2,000

AIA Rochester Women in Architecture Scholarship

Ambrose Weidmann

University of Notre Dame

$5,000

AIA Scholarship

Ambrose is a senior at

McQuaid Jesuit High School

Savannah Swinter

SUNY University at Buffalo

$2,500

AIA Rochester Scholarship

The Rochester Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Rochester) and the Rochester Architecture Foundation (RAF, formerly AFGR) have again partnered to help the next generation of architects pursue their training.

Five merit-based scholarships totaling $20,000 have been awarded to students to study architecture this fall courtesy of AIA Rochester and the RAF, with contributions from AIA National, Women in Architecture, and the Family of Myron Starks.

Over $150,000 has been awarded in the form of 76 academic scholarships since 2009.

Information regarding the Scholarship Program will be available in January/February of each year - check our home page here at at aiaroc.org and follow AIA Rochester on social media to stay updated.