ATTENTION!!
The 2026 Academic Scholarship Awards Submission date
has been extended 1 week to Friday, March 13, 2026
AIASMC is pleased to announce the 2026 Academic Scholarship Awards Program.
The awards program is intended to encourage and assist students graduating from high school as well as students already enrolled in college in their pursuit of a degree in architecture. This year we are excited to offer two scholarships, one for students enrolled at a college or university level in an accredited architecture program, and one for students that are enrolled in a technical school or community college architecture program. More than one candidate may be selected for each scholarship, depending on the quality of the submissions.
The 2026 AIA San Mateo County Accredited Architecture Scholarship is intended to be used for tuition assistance for a full-time student enrolled in an architectural degree program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT
Up to $2000
Eligibility
- Candidates must be a resident of San Mateo County OR a full-time student in a post-secondary San Mateo County school.
- Candidates must be currently enrolled as a full-time student and enrolled in a five-year professional degree program accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB)
The 2026 AIA San Mateo County Community College Architecture Scholarship is intended to be used for tuition assistance for a part-time/full-time student enrolled in a technical school or community college architecture program.
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT
Up to $1000
Eligibility
- Candidates must be a resident of San Mateo County OR a full-time student in a post-secondary San Mateo County school.
- Candidates must be currently enrolled in a technical school or community college architecture program.
Basis for Selection
- General Academic Performance (GPA)
- Creativity and Expression (portfolio/creative materials)
- Commitment and interest in the profession of architecture (written essay)
Application Schedule: Open/Deadline
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 – Friday, March 6, 2026
Application Submissions has been extended 1 week to Friday, March 13, 2026
Award Applicants Notified
Monday, March 16, 2026
Update: Award Applicants Notified Monday, March 23, 2026
APPLICATIONS
2026-AIA-AIASMC-Accredited-Architecture-Scholarship
2026 AIA-AIASMC Community College Architecture Scholarship
CLICK ON THE ABOVE APPLICATION WHICH APPLIES TO YOU
FUNDING THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The 2026 AIA San Mateo Scholarships are funded by:
- Our annual AIASMC Summer Social Fundraiser
- The AIA Component Grant program – as a local AIA component, AIASMC matches the additional grant support received from AIA National. AIA National supports state and local components, or their affiliated foundations, in their efforts to provide and develop scholarship programs with the AIA Component Matching Scholarship Grant Program. The grant is provided to augment existing component scholarship programs and reinforce the role AIA has in preparing the next generation of architects.
- Donations from AIASMC members and others interested in building the future of the architecture profession by helping deserving students complete their education.
Contact for Additional Information & Award Submissions (electronic form only)
Jackie Tanner, AIASMC Executive Director: [email protected]
AIASMC affirms its commitment to diversity and the rights of equal opportunity to all candidates. In that spirit, all applicants are welcomed and encouraged. The AIASMC does not discriminate with regard to age, disability, ethnic origin, race, color, creed, religion, sex or sexual orientation.
Noemi Avram, AIA
Director & Scholarship Committee Chair
Noemi received her Master of Architecture, with emphasis in Urban Design from the University of Toronto, Canada, as well as an Architectural Degree from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
She is a Licensed Architect, the Principal at Gumbinger Avram Architects, a Downtown San Mateo Architectural firm. In 2005 she served as President of the San Mateo County of the AIA.
Noemi is a member of the San Mateo Chamber of Commerce, a Leadership Graduate who has donated many hours of her time to local community and professional endeavors. She served as a DSMA Board Member, a Foster City Planning Commissioner for 17 years, and is a member of the Rotary Club of Foster City ( 2012-2013 President). Currently Noemi is a Founding member of the Leadership Council San Mateo County.
If you have any questions or concerns or would like to join the Scholarship Committee, please contact Noemi Avram [email protected] or Committee Member Tyler Moslander [email protected]
