2024
RISING BLACK DESIGNERS
SCHOLARSHIPS
We believe diversity ignites innovation in design. These scholarships work to break down the barriers of entering the architectural profession for Black students.
Tuition Scholarship
Eligibility
Black students enrolled at a U.S. not-for-profit educational institution who will begin their final year of a NAAB-accredited architecture program in the Fall of 2024 are eligible to apply.*
Black students enrolled at a U.S. not-for-profit educational institution who will begin their final year of a NAAB-accredited architecture program in the Fall of 2024 are eligible to apply.*
Awards
(5) $10,000 Tuition Scholarships
(5) $10,000 Tuition Scholarships
Apply Online
Applicants for the Rising Black Designers scholarship must complete the following no later than 11:59 PM EST on March 1, 2024.
Applicants for the Rising Black Designers scholarship must complete the following no later than 11:59 PM EST on March 1, 2024.
*Current employees, recent former employees, and interns of Gensler, as well as their immediate families and those Gensler deems to present conflicts of interest, are ineligible to participate.
Submission Requirements for Tuition Scholarship
Complete an online application which includes:
Resume
A Letter of Recommendation from the dean or chair of the architecture program. The letter must confirm that the applicant meets the eligibility criteria and describe their professional excellence.
Complete the Design Challenge — see directions below.
One advanced-level architecture project with written description (500 words and 10 pages, maximum). Work done with a single partner may be submitted, but it must include a description of the applicant’s specific contribution and a letter of support from the applicant’s collaborative partner.
Finalists will be invited to submit a digital video that introduces themselves to the jury and presents their work — see directions below.
Design Challenge
Please Note: The Design Challenge is only required for the Tuition Scholarship applicants
Sketch
Answer one of the four prompts below with a sketch
Explain
Write a brief explanation to describe your sketch
Upload
Upload it, along with your resume, portfolio, and letter of recommendation
As Designers How Can We...
01
Reestablish trust in public safety?
We all want to get back to a more familiar life. And we want to be safe. How can we rethink everyday experiences to address our most pressing health concerns?
02
Rethink housing to address the homelessness crisis?
The housing crisis cuts at the very heart of what makes cities successful and vital. To change this course, we need to develop innovative and inclusive housing solutions.
03
Reimagine ways for designers to make a difference?
We’re looking for meaningful, creative, impactful, and bold ideas that are intentional in the ways they make a difference for all people.
04
Design for racial equality
and inclusiveness in our
practice, communities,
and cities?
This is our opportunity to explore
current issues facing minority
communities and how design can be
a catalyst for change.
Finalist Video Submission
Gensler will review submissions for the tuition scholarships and select several finalists to submit a digital video that introduces themselves to the jury and presents their work. Based on these videos, one or more winners will be awarded a Rising Black Designers academic scholarship. Winners and finalists may also be considered for a paid internship at a Gensler office, where they will be paired with a Gensler mentor who will serve as a resource during the internship and ensuing academic year. Applicants will be notified of their standing in April.
2024
MICRO
SCHOLARSHIP
Micro-Scholarship
Eligibility
Black students enrolled at a U.S. not-for-profit educational institution who will be in an architecture program in the Fall of 2024 are eligible to apply.*
Black students enrolled at a U.S. not-for-profit educational institution who will be in an architecture program in the Fall of 2024 are eligible to apply.*
Awards
(10) Micro-scholarships of various amounts ranging from $1,000 to $2,500
(10) Micro-scholarships of various amounts ranging from $1,000 to $2,500
Apply Online
Applicants for the scholarship must complete the following no later than 11:59 PM EST on March 1, 2024.
Applicants for the scholarship must complete the following no later than 11:59 PM EST on March 1, 2024.
*Current employees, recent former employees, and interns of Gensler, as well as their immediate families and those Gensler deems to present conflicts of interest, are ineligible to participate.
Submission Requirements for Micro-Scholarship
Complete an online application which includes:
Resume
A Letter of Recommendation from the dean or chair of the architecture program. The letter must confirm that the applicant meets the eligibility criteria and describe their professional excellence.
Essay Question, 500 words maximum
What do you see as the greatest value an architect can bring to their community or beyond?
How would you play a role in making this happen?
