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AIA25 Emerging Professionals Grant

Complimentary conference registration | Applications are closed

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 culture, equity, leadership, design, technology and climate action. The 2025 AIA Conference on Architecture and Design is set to take place in Boston, MA, June 4-7, 2025, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. 

AIA25 is a career-changing experience.

  • Connect with the largest network of AIA Associate members and early career professionals.
  • Network with licensed architects for mentorship opportunities and advice.
  • Access curated learning for your chosen path through tracks, seminars, and more.
  • Earn CE credits that count toward AXP hours.
  • Get career coaching, portfolio advice, a free headshot, and much more at the NextGen Lounge at the AIA25 Expo

Applications are due by Sunday, March 23 at 11:59pm ET—apply today!

Important Notes

Receipt and use of a grant to attend the AIA Conference on Architecture & 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 at a reduced rate of $159. View details

Questions? Email us.

    • Free AIA25 registration (a $599 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 hold a volunteer position with AIA.
    • Must be willing to commit to a two-hour volunteer shift at the NextGen Lounge at AIA25.

    • The application deadline is March 23. Your application must include:
      • A statement stating applicant’s intent and interest in attending AIA25 and a demonstration of their financial need.
      • A statement (500 words max) describing path to licensure and/or career journey. Include personal background, career path, work and/or volunteer experience, service work, etc.
      • At least one letter of support from an AIA chapter leader, supervisor, former supervisor, colleague, or peer.
      • A professional resume

    • Applications open: February 26–March 23
    • Review period: March 31–April 20
    • Grant recipient selection: April 21–25
    • Grant recipients notified: April 30