Gensler Rising Black Designers Scholarship
“Gensler is proud to announce our new scholarship, Rising Black Designers, which champions diversity within the architecture and design industry by supporting deserving underrepresented architecture students in their studies at some of the nation’s top universities.
Our scholarships aim to break down the barriers for students to access architecture + design school.”
There are TWO separate categories of scholarships. The Micro-Scholarship is for Black students at any level of the program. The Tuition Scholarship is for Black students who will begin their final year of the program.
https://www.gensler.com/scholarships
Contact Info: diversity@gensler.com
Micro-Scholarship
The Micro-Scholarships are intended for studio materials, books, etc.
AWARDS: (10) Micro-scholarships of various amounts ranging from $1,000-$2,500
ELIGIBILITY: Black students enrolled at a U.S. not-for-profit educational institution who will be in an architecture program in the Fall of 2021 are eligible to apply.
APPLY ONLINE: Applicants for the scholarship must complete the following no later than 11:59 PM EST on January 15, 2021.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Complete an online application which includes
- Resume
- A Letter of Recommendation from a dean, chair, or faculty member in the program. The letter must confirm that the applicant meets the eligibility criteria and describe their professional excellence.
- Essay Question, 500 words max – 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?
TIMELINE: Winners notified via email in March 2021. Scholarship funds distributed in April 2021.
Tuition Scholarship
AWARDS: (5) $10,000 Tuition Scholarships
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 2021 are eligible to apply.
APPLY ONLINE: Applicants for the scholarship must complete the following no later than 11:59 PM EST on January 15, 2021.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Complete an online application which includes
- Resume
- A Letter of Recommendation from the dean or chair of the program. The letter must confirm that the applicant meets the eligibility criteria and describe their professional excellence.
- Design Challenge Sketch and explanation.
- 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.
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, we will select one or more winners to receive an academic scholarship paid directly to their college or university. 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.
TIMELINE: Finalists notified via email in February 2021. Finalists to submit videos for jury in March 2021. Winners notified via email in April 2021. Scholarship funds distributed in Summer 2021.
2021 Design Challenge
Please Note: The Design Challenge is only required for the Tuition Scholarship Applicants.
“We’re clearly in unprecedented times. From the global pandemic, to economic turbulence, to social inequality and civil unrest, 2020 has
delivered serious challenges that need serious solutions. Despite these challenges, we continue to find ways to support one another, come together as a profession, and use our voices for the betterment of society. If ever there was a moment for the power of design to elevate the human experience, this is it.”
THE RULES
- Answer one of the prompts with a sketch
- Write a brief explanation to describe your sketch
- Upload it, along with your resume, portfolio, and letter of recommendation
Prompt 1: As designers how can we 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?
Prompt 2: As designers how can we Reinvent the human experience post-pandemic?
This is our chance to create a new normal, one that’s safer, healthier, and infused with innovative possibilities for the human experience.
Prompt 3: As designers how can we Reimagine ways for designers to make a difference?
Meaningful, creative, impactful, and bold ideas that are intentional in the ways they make a difference for all people is what we’re looking for.
Prompt 4: As designers how can we 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.