Apply now for 2025 scholarships!

About the Scholarships

AFO awards and administers scholarships for college students who are studying design and building professions in the state of Oregon. Annual scholarship applications open in November with a February deadline. Students are welcome to apply for as many AFO scholarships they are eligible for in a given year. Learn more about each scholarship, below.

Hatfield Architectural Award – $5,000 scholarship for undergraduate and graduate architecture students attending University of Oregon or Portland State University who express commitment to community service. Learn more.

Application is open! Apply by February 23, 2025.

William Hart Scholarship – $5,000 scholarship for Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color (BIPOC) Master and Bachelor of Architecture students entering their last year at University of Oregon or Portland State University. Learn more.

Application is open! Apply by February 23, 2025.

Tsagaglalal (She Who Watches) Scholarship – Renewable $10,000 scholarship for non-graduating Indigenous students of U.S. states and territories, pursuing a degree in art or architecture at Portland State University. Learn more.

Application is open! Apply by February 23, 2025.

Hermann Colas, Jr. Scholarship – $5,000 scholarship for Black and Latin(x) undergraduate students pursuing a 4-year degree in construction management, engineering, or architecture at an Oregon college or university. Learn more.

Application is open! Apply by February 23, 2025.

PAE Diversity in Engineering Scholarship -$5,000 scholarship for undergraduate students marginalized by ethnicity and/or gender, pursuing engineering with a passion for climate justice at an accredited 4-year university in the United States. Learn more.

Application is open! Apply by February 23, 2025.

PCC Architecture + Interior Design Scholarship – $5,000 scholarship for first-generation students enrolled in Portland Community College’s Architectural Design and Drafting or Interior Design degree program. Learn more.

Application is open! Apply by February 1, 2025.

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.

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.

Meet Our 2024 Scholars

Join us in congratulating our 2024 Hatfield, Hart, and Tsagaglalal Scholars!

Melanie Guyer (she/her), University of Oregon
2024 Hatfield Scholar

Melanie is a Master of Architecture (Interior Architecture Specialization) candidate at UO, “committed to using architecture and design as tools to forge a more sustainable future for the next generation of Oregonians.” She is a parent of 5 young children and has immersed herself in community work, with a specific focus on creating safe spaces where youth can thrive.

Over the past decade, Melanie served as a community youth leader and volunteered at a local childcare facility designing and building playground equipment. She is currently the co-chair of a committee, creating programming that will use the construction process to teach 150 teenagers skills such as safe tool use, teamwork, and patience.

“I have enjoyed creating a hands-on educational experience that demonstrates the power of the spaces we inhabit and the importance of each person’s contribution to the design and construction process. If each child recognizes their unique value, regardless of background, it positions them to be engaged, contributing leaders and thinkers in their future communities.”

Allyssa Corpuz (she/her), University of Oregon
2024 Hart Scholar

Allyssa is a Bachelor of Architecture candidate at UO who is fueled by her life challenges and experiences that have “instilled me with empathy and a profound understanding of the role architecture can play in uplifting communities.”

“After growing up in a town that lacked connection between the built environment and the people, it fueled my curiosity to explore the transformative power of architecture.” After graduation, Allyssa plans to obtain licensure and focus her architectural career on the “development of more housing solutions for those who are low income and/or experiencing homelessness,” while addressing issues of climate change.

“Together, we can create a future where architecture is a force for good, and every individual, regardless of their background and struggle, has the opportunity to experience architecture and all of its beauty.”

Genavieve Beans (she/her), Portland State University
2024 Tsagaglalal Scholar

Genavieve, Yup’ik Alaskan Native and enrolled member of Pilot Station Traditional Village, is an Art Practice candidate at Portland State University.

Genavieve seeks to contribute to a world where art inspires and invigorates common environments. “My career goals range from showcasing my art at local festivals and coffee shops to exhibiting in galleries, museums, and public spaces… I want my art to stimulate thought, spark conversation, and challenge societal norms in everyday surroundings within the reach of everyday people.”

Genavieve enjoys exploring all different kinds of art mediums, from painting, to building paper mâché masks inspired by her Yup’ik heritage. “I plan to continue my exploration of mediums… I want to learn how to draw from perspective, utilize texture and contrast, and also to carve wood and weld metal. Learning and expanding these skills will set me on the right track toward becoming a professional artist.”

Rylah Pasicaran (she/her), Portland State University
2024 Tsagaglalal Scholar

Rylah is a Graphic Design candidate at Portland State University, rooted and inspired by her Native Hawaiian heritage.

“I love myths and legends from my culture and I specifically love telling them to others. Our kupuna (elders) tell us stories that their kupunas told them and what I want most is to become an illustrator and give the myths life so more of the younger generations can also eagerly learn about Hawaiian culture and mythology.”

Studying graphic design has molded her love for drawing and storytelling into one. “To draw and make something out of feelings or stories in my head is one of my best therapies. One of the things I want to see the most is a story about Hawai’I from a Hawaiian perspective… One day I want to make my own storybooks with illustrations.”

Cyrilla (Cy) Rides Horse (they/she), Portland State University
2024 Tsagaglalal Scholar

Cy, Apsáalooke and enrolled member of the Crow Tribe, is an Art & Design candidate at Portland State University.

Since Cy was young, art has served as a conduit for them to embrace their Indigenous identity and culture, often finding inspiration from their late father and four siblings. “My adolescence taught me just how powerful art can be, not only as a personal expression, but as a way to connect people through the shared human experience.”

Cy’s aspirations go beyond becoming an artist. They see their journey leading to mentorship and the creation of more pathways for Indigenous people to pursue art as a profession. “I want to nurture a community of Indigenous individuals in Portland so that we can share our ideas about art and how it can continue to be used to bring the beauty of our cultures to everyday life… Through art I can create a life that my family and I can be proud of, one that I hope will help to preserve our history and create a better future for generations to come.”

Support AFO Scholarships

AFO Scholarships benefit high school and college students who are historically underrepresented in art, design, and building fields. Through our annual awards, we give financial support and mentorship opportunities to students pursuing a career in architecture, interior design, engineering, construction, or art.  

AFO Scholarships are financially supported by Oregon design and building firms, non-profit organizations, and individual donors. Join our community of contributors who are passionate about the next generation of designers and builders by giving to the AFO Scholarship Fund. With your help, we can support more students along their design education journey. 

Give Today

Interested in donating to a specific scholarship? Contact candice@af-oregon.org to discuss possibilities!

Sponsors

Thank you to Penny Knight, the Dr. John Pinkerton Charitable Fund and the following sponsors for supporting our scholarship program.