SoFloNOMA ARE Scholarship

SCHOLARSHIP DESCRIPTION

While the population of America comprises of 42.2% non-white*, out of the almost 123,000 registered architects, only 29% represent racially diverse backgrounds. And with enrollment of approximately 30% from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups, Architecture schools across the nation still have a long way to having enrollment match that of the increasing diversity of the United States. 

Of the many barriers to the profession that minorities face, the high cost of architecture registration exams (ARE) is one impediment in the path to licensure of any aspiring architect. SoFloNOMA is committing to providing scholarships strategically focused on licensure, with the purposeful aim of providing financial help to facilitate an increase in the number of minority licensed architects, a forward step in closing the racial disparity gap within the profession. This financial support is for emerging professionals or students currently enrolled in the IPAL program in the tri-county area to assist in offsetting the high cost of exams and exam prep materials.

3 scholarships valued at up to $750 each will be awarded for the 2023 Spring semester. The number and value of awards may vary year-to-year based on applications and available funds.

 SCHEDULE

·       Open: September 12 th, 2023

·       Deadline: November 30 th, 2023, by 11:59 pm EST

·       Recipient Notification: December 5 th, 2023

·       Official Announcement:

·       SoFloNOMA End of Year Event in December (date TBD); complimentary ticket to the event will be provided.

·       SoFloNOMA website and social media accounts

ELEGIBILITY

The South Florida NOMA Scholarship is open to all registered NOMAS members at Architecture college/university programs in the tri-county area who meet the following criteria:

·       NOMA registered member

·       NOMAS registered member for IPAL students**

·       Resident of tri-county area

·       Active / Current NCARB status with ARE eligibility  

APPLICATION CRITERIA

Applicant must submit the following as one complete file in PDF format:

·       File name: LastName.FirstName.SoFloNOMAScholarship.pdf

·       Headshot

·       Proof of Active NACRB ARE eligibility.

·       Proof of Active enrollment in an IPAL program (letter of acceptance, unofficial copy of transcript) and actively taking exams***

·       Proof of current NOMAS registration

·       Proof of residence in the tri-county area.

·      Portfolio, 5 pages maximum

·       Resume

·       Two Letters of Recommendation from a teacher/professor, or someone in the architecture profession specific for this scholarship

·       Letter of Interest:

What does the scholarship committee need to know about you, and why should you be awarded funds? Include your unique and notable qualities, examples of your demonstrated leadership ability and involvement with NOMA and or other community programs, citing any contributions to the racial/ethnic diversity of the profession. Include a brief statement of how you plan to spend the scholarship funds – ARE exam costs, ARE seminars, ARE study materials, etc. – and how will funds help your career development. (500 word maximum)

Submit all applications to: https://form.jotform.com/222537669600156 

Scholarships are awarded based on recommendations of the selection committee, as appointed by the SoFloNOMA board.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2022 RECIPIENTS!

Kanisha Fowell, Kravit Architectural Associates

Tiffany Montañez, SB Architects

Xiao Wang, Perkins & Will

Jomarie Santiago, MCHarry Associates