Anthony Damon, AIA, Design Manager at DPR Construction, Chairman of ACE Mentor and previous Young Architect of the Year shares his thoughts on how sponsoring the Laura Shinn, Diversity in Architecture Scholarship continues her legacy in our community. DPR's philanthropic vision is building possibilities for the under-resourced. They implement this vision through financial donations and volunteer initiatives that harness the strength of our professional skills to help our non-profit partners move forward in their missions. One of their core community pillars is career and education guidance for youth and this scholarship certainly aligns with that initiative. Just as Laura championed climate action and equity and diversity in the profession, so too does DPR believe in Respecting the Individual and Changing the World. They aspire to have a workforce that represents the communities in which we work, serve, build, and live. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion creates more innovation and allows for better decisions as we build not only great things but great people and communities as well.

About the Scholarship

Our mission is to support, mentor, and engage aspiring students and young designers in San Diego, Tijuana & Baja California to pursue NAAB-accredited architecture degree programs. Our goal is to support pre-professionals who are currently underrepresented in our profession.

• At least one $5,000 Scholarship may be awarded each school year.

• Each student winner will receive a mentorship experience. The recipient must be available in the calendar year of the scholarship. The recipient will be contacted directly by DPR to coordinate.

• Each award recipient will be asked to speak at an AIA-hosted event with local schools to share their story and inspiration for pursuing architecture in order to educate students and spark interest in the profession.

Deadlines & Dates

Scholarship Open:

• TBD

Scholarship Closes:

• TBD

Committee Reviews Submissions

• TBD

Interviews with Finalists

• TBD

2027 Award Winner Announced

• At the 2027 Design Awards Ceremony

Scholarship Requirements

Applicants must:

•  Demonstrate proof of intent to enroll for the academic year scholarship is awarded, OR provide proof of enrollment if currently enrolled (high school, undergrad, grad or community college) at an NAAB accredited architecture program. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be enrolling or currently in a NAAB accredited program.

  > Find an accredited architecture program

• The scholarship is focused on the community of San Diego County so we ask that you either:

  • a) currently live in San Diego
    b) have family that lives in San Diego,
    c) have intent to register for a NAAB accredited program in San Diego OR
    d) are currently studying in San Diego and have intent to register to a NAAB accredited program elsewhere.

• Be a current AIA Student Allied member, OR have applied to become a member. Membership is free and can be completed prior to submission.

• OPTIONAL: Feel free to include one (1) single-sided 11x17 landscape PDF page of any other representative imagery photos, artwork, and inspiration that helps share your story.

A summary of questions we’ve received from students: