Register for our Virtual Info Session (Jan. 27) and Portland Workshop (Feb. 19)

Application is open! Apply by Sunday, February 23, 2025, 11:59pm

Hatfield Architectural Award

Senator Mark O. Hatfield
Senator Mark O. Hatfield
$5,000 scholarship for undergraduate and graduate architecture students attending University of Oregon or Portland State University who express commitment to community service.

AFO’s 1998 Honored Citizen, Senator Mark O. Hatfield, remains one of Oregon’s most respected and admired statesmen. His contributions to Oregon and the country are many, including funding for dozens of important public buildings throughout Oregon. Senator Hatfield passed away in 2011.

In honor of the late Senator’s own interest in architectural design and commitment to service, AFO’s Senator Mark O. Hatfield Architectural Award was established in 1998 to annually recognize an Oregon architecture student for their design promise and community service.

AFO encourages Oregon architecture students with a passion for serving their community through thoughtful, collaborative, community centered design to apply for the Hatfield Architectural Award. An essay and portfolio of work must represent the candidate’s commitment to community service and design excellence.

Eligibility & Requirements

Eligibility
  • Undergraduate or graduate student currently enrolled in University of Oregon or Portland State University architecture program (students graduating this school year are eligible to apply)
  • Commitment to community service outside of school and relative to applicant’s community
  • Demonstrated ability for quality architectural design
Application Requirements

Please submit the following through our AFO Scholarship application form:

  • 500-word (maximum) essay: Outline your experience with community service and how you aspire to use architecture and design to address a challenge facing either your specific community or Oregonians in general. How does your experience and aspirations support the mission of AFO?
  • Design portfolio: Your portfolio is an opportunity to showcase your passions and projects that you are proud of, including work created during and/or outside of school. Portfolio shall feature architecture projects and can feature creative arts, building and community focused projects. Process images and work that expresses design thinking is encouraged.
    • PDF file (50 MB maximum)
    • Feature three projects (see intent above)
    • Include images, graphics, and written narrative to explain each project
    • 10 pages maximum
    • Include at least one project completed individually (not a group project)
    • If including group projects, describe your role in the project
    • If applicable, please include a project illustrating an architectural design that responds to a community need or challenge
  • Two letters of recommendation addressing your achievements, potential in design and commitment to community service – letters must not exceed one page and must be emailed directly by the recommender to candice@af-oregon.org. Letters should not be from a direct peer or friend.
    • One letter from a community member
    • Second letter can be from architectural faculty or another person of your choice

If you are not able to submit your application electronically, please print and mail it to AFO, PO Box 40230, Portland, OR 97240. We will accept mailed applications postmarked by the deadline.

Selection Criteria

Join AFO at a Scholarship Workshop to learn more about how to prepare a successful application. See more information below.

  • Candidate weaves their story and aspirations throughout their entire application
  • Candidate shows sustained dedication to community service outside of required school activities and classes
  • Candidate demonstrates design ability, passion, and innovation; and shows their thinking behind their design process
  • Candidate expresses specific career goals and potential future impact on an Oregon community
  • Candidate aligns with AFO’s mission and shows commitment to equity and community service through design

The criteria for AFO Scholarships includes a consideration for need, although need is not a prerequisite. Undergraduate and graduate students are evaluated based on the merits of their experience. Previous applicants who have not received an award are welcomed and encouraged to reapply.

Award Notification

Applications are evaluated by a committee of AFO representatives. Applicants will be notified of the selection committee’s decision in April.

Scholarship recipients are asked to attend our annual AFO Scholars Reception to receive their awards in the Spring. The event is attended by members of the architecture, engineering, construction, and design community from across the state and celebrates the hard work and accomplishments of the Scholars.

Apply Now

Application Deadline: Sunday, February 23, 2025, 11:59pm

Questions?

Contact:
Candice Agahan
Education Program Manager
candice@af-oregon.org
503-542-3823

Scholarship Workshops & Resources

During our info sessions and workshops we cover eligibility, the application process, and how to prepare a successful application. Attendees will receive tips and feedback on scholarship essays, portfolios/work samples, and more. Info sessions and workshops are free and open to eligible scholarship candidates. Register now and find additional information, below.

Virtual Info Session
Monday, January 27, 5-6pm, Zoom

A chance to learn more about AFO scholarship offerings, the application process, and determine your eligibility to apply.

Portland Workshop
Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7pm, Carleton Hart Architecture, 630 SW 5th Ave #400, Portland, OR 97204

Learn how to prepare a successful application and receive tips and feedback on scholarship essays, portfolios/work samples, and more.

Register for the 2025 Virtual Info Session and Portland Workshop

 

2024 Virtual Workshop Recording

Additional Resources

What Makes a Successful Application?

Scholar Spotlight

Nancy Pelayo-Colores
2023 Hatfield Scholar, Portland State University

“I am devoted to working with underrepresented communities toward creating equitable architectural spaces; this is why I became a co-founder of NOMA PDX, a non-profit organization for minority architects, working to uplift minority voices in architecture.”

Sponsors

Thank you to the Dr. John Pinkerton Charitable Fund for making this scholarship possible.

Explore more AFO Scholarships