AIA24 Emerging Professionals Grant: Call for Applications  

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Architects Foundation are thrilled to offer a grant opportunity for recipients to attend the 2024 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. The 2024 AIA Conference on Architecture and Design is set to take place in Washington, D.C., June 5-8, 2024, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.   

Grant benefits

  • Free AIA24 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 AIA24 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

Eligibility requirements

  • 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.

Application process

The application deadline is March 24. Your application must include:

  • 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:

  • Associate AIA Members from local components in the DMV region (Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia), West Virginia, and Delaware
  • Those with a demonstrated need for financial assistance.
  • Those with a clear purpose and plan for AIA24 attendance.

Application & selection timeline

  • Applications open: February 28–March 24
  • Review period: March 29–April 21
  • Grant recipient selection: April 22–26
  • Grant recipients notified: April 29–30

Apply today! Applications are due by Sunday, March 24 at 11:59pm ET.

Questions? Email us.