Washington, D.C. -- The Architects Foundation recently announced the expansion of the 2018-2019 Diversity Advancement Scholarship program. Thanks to a $20,000 donation by the Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN), an additional scholar will be selected.

The scholarship provides assistance to individuals from a minority race, ethnicity, or those diversely-abled, pursuing a professional degree in architecture recognized by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Scholarships may be renewed for up to five years, up to a $20,000 award.

“By funding the scholarship, our goal is to help a student interested in custom residential architecture and put them on the track to successfully becoming a licensed architect,” said John Stewart, CRAN chair. “We are excited to welcome the scholar into our network.”

This is the very first pilot gift from the CRAN Legacy Committee, a committee that comprises all of knowledge community’s past chairs.

“The CRAN Legacy Committee’s goal is to evaluate and identify opportunities to give back to the profession,” said James Walbridge, CRAN Legacy committee member. “As chair of the Architects Foundation Scholarship Committee, I am honored that the CRAN Legacy Committee has chosen the Diversity Advancement Scholarship as its first investment.”

Through Jan. 17, 2018, applications are encouraged from qualified high school seniors planning to attend school for architecture, first-year college students currently enrolled in a NAAB-accredited architecture program, and students intending to transfer to a NAAB-accredited architecture program from a technical school or community college. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and will be required to provide two examples of their creative work, high school transcripts, a personal essay, and two letters of recommendation. Scholarship recipients will be notified in April 2018.

“The Custom Residential Architects Network has a robust network that, by sharing intellectual capital, encourages innovation in the field,” said Marci Reed, Architects Foundation executive director. “By sponsoring a scholar interested in custom residential architecture, the CRAN is taking the next step toward growing the community and supporting the evolution of the profession. We are grateful for their support.”

For more information, visit www.architectsfoundation.org.