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AIA25 Emerging Professionals Grant

Complimentary conference registration | Accepting applications: February 26, 2025 to March 23, 2025

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Architects Foundation are thrilled to offer a grant opportunity for recipients to attend the 2025 AIA Conference on Architecture and Design. This grant provides emerging professionals an opportunity to attend the annual conference and gain access to career resources, the latest trends in the building industry, networking opportunities, and potential employment opportunities.

AIA and the Architects Foundation seek applicants who are early-career professionals passionate about change in the architecture profession and bring critical perspectives to business, workplace health, technology, and climate action.

Important notes:  
  • Receipt and use of a grant to attend the Conference on Architecture and Design is one-time only. Grants will not be awarded to past grant winners.  
  • New AIA members who join between June 9, 2024, and June 7, 2025, will be able to register for the conference at a reduced rate of $159. View details 
What to expect at Conference:   

Gain access to critical leadership resources, 1:1 career coaching, networking, and rich learning opportunities.  

Serve as an ambassador for the emerging professional audience and the Next Gen Lounge at conference via social media channels (personal and/or AIA’s official channels).    

Gain access to attend select events, meet other leaders, and receive dedicated support to navigate the Conference.  

Questions? Email us.

    • Free AIA25 registration (a $799 value) with access to valuable leadership resources, unparalleled networking, and CE credits that count toward AXP hours

    • Access to select conference events

    • 1:1 career coaching

    • ARE support materials from Amber Book

    • Meet and greet with other grant winners and influential AIA leaders

    • Appointment as an ambassador for the AIA25 emerging professional audience and the NextGen Lounge

    • Social media posts highlighting ambassador role on personal and/or official AIA channels

    • Dedicated support to navigate the conference

    • Must be an Emerging Professional (EP). An Emerging Professional is defined by AIA as early career professionals who have completed their academic studies up to the point of licensure or up to 10 years after completion of their academic studies.

    • Must be an Associate AIA member in good standing.

    • Must not be a current AIA staff member or AIA volunteer who already receives financial assistance to attend.

    • A statement (500 words max) stating applicant’s intent and interest in attending AIA24 and a demonstration of their financial need. Please include information about your personal background, career journey, work and/or volunteer experience, and service work.

    • At least one letter of support from a supervisor, former supervisor, colleague, or peer.

    • Samples depicting work or leadership experience.

        • Images (PDF, JPEG, or PNG formats) and/or PDFs will be accepted.

        • Samples may include an additional letter of support acknowledging your involvement in a cause or organization, recognition such as certificates or awards for leadership or service, or photos that document your participation in leadership or service activities.

        • If needed, please provide context for your sample in your personal statement.

    • A professional resume.

    • A headshot.

Preference in scoring applications will be given to:

    • Those with a demonstrated need for financial assistance.

    • Those with a clear purpose and plan for AIA25 attendance.

    • Applications open: February – March 2025

    • Review period: March – April 2025

    • Grant recipient selection: April 2025

    • Grant recipients notified: April 2025

Apply today