Architecture Department Scholarships & Awards
The Architecture Department has both need-based and merit-based scholarships. These scholarships and awards have varying criteria that may include financial need, or academic achievement, or exceptional promise in a range of areas related to the field of architecture.
For priority consideration, apply by April 30, 2022 for university scholarships and CAED/Architecture Department scholarships via the one-click Cal Poly Scholarships app on your My Cal Poly portal. (To qualify for need-based ARCH Scholarships, applicants must have filed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA.)
If you have any questions, please contact the Architecture Department at archscholarships@calpoly.edu, architecture@calpoly.edu, or the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@calpoly.edu.
Other Scholarship opportunities:
Diversity Scholarships
2022 HOK Diversity x Design Scholarship - $10,000
HOK believes that architects, engineers, and designers have the privilege of creating innovative built environments that profoundly influence the way individuals within our community engage one another. Through this work, HOK is shaping the trajectory and evolution of our society. Click here for full details on the 2022 scholarship recipients.
LPA Interdisciplinary Diversity Scholarship Program - $5000 each (up to 5 awards)
LPA, Inc. has established a scholarship program to champion the design professions among students from underrepresented demographics. We believe diversity and inclusion are essential to innovation, belonging, and representation. To that end, we aim to foster a culture where students feel that anything is possible regardless of their starting point. We want to grow, support, and mentor the recipients to attain their professional degree and advance the diversity of architecture and engineering disciplines that serve our communities and contribute to the built environment. Click here for full details on scholarship eligibility and how to apply. The next announcement will be in October 2022.
Architecture Department Scholarships
The following awards and scholarships are made available to students within the Architecture Department. These scholarships and awards consider financial need along with recognized promise and achievement in a broad range of activities related to architecture.
Graduate Scholarships (MS ARCH students)
George Agron Memorial Scholarship - $2,800 | 2022 recipient: TBD
The George Agron Scholarship is open to graduate students pursuing the Master of Science in Architecture degree at Cal Poly. Candidates are selected based on their special interests in architectural research related to their advanced professional studies in architecture. The selection criteria include academic excellence, commitment to architectural applied research and professional promise. Available to graduate students only, coordinated by the MS ARCH program.
Eligibility & Application Notes
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Major: Architecture
- Graduate student in their last year of study toward Master of Science in Architecture degree
Bachelor of Architecture (BARCH) Scholarships
Alfred B. Berghell & Joy G. Berghell Scholarship - $1,500 | 2022 recipient: TBD
This endowed scholarship was established in 1997 and is awarded to an Architecture student who exhibits outstanding scholastic achievement.
Eligibility & Application Notes
- Architecture Major
- 3rd, 4th, or 5th year standing in the upcoming academic year
- Minimum 3.1 cumulative GPA.
Alicia Daniels Uhlig Scholarship - $1,500 | 2022 recipient: TBD
Eligibility & Application Notes
- Architecture Major
- 4th year standing in the upcoming academic year
- Supports study abroad in Italy.
bfgc Architects Planners, Inc. Scholarship - 1 @ 2,800 or 2 @ $1,400 | 2022 recipient/s: TBD
The firm of bfgc Architects Planners awards this scholarship to an Architecture student who exhibits well-rounded professional and social skills as well as dedication to academic studies. Through student clubs, community activity, and other pursuits, successful applicants show the leadership skills necessary to an outstanding future in architecture.
Eligibility & Application Notes
- Architecture Major
- 3rd, 4th, or 5th year standing in the upcoming academic year
- Must exhibit well-rounded professional and social skills, exemplary dedication to their studies as shown by their all around design studio grades and have demonstrated through student clubs and/or community activity the leadership
skills prerequisite to outstanding future in the architecture profession.
Don & Caryl Koberg Architecture History Scholarship - $900 | recipient: TBD
Emeritus Professor Don Koberg and his wife Caryl established this endowment in 1992 to recognize academic excellence in architectural history coursework. The donor established this award to help impress upon students the importance of architectural history as a key component in undergraduate education.
Eligibility & Application Notes
- Architecture Major
- 3rd, 4th, or 5th year standing in the upcoming academic year
- Minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Student must exhibit academic excellence in architectural history coursework
Don Tanklage Scholarship - (not offered in 2022)
Don Tanklage established this scholarship to support highly qualified students with financial need in Architecture and Construction Management.
Eligibility & Application Notes
- Architecture or Construction Management Majors
- Donor supports 5 scholarships at $5000 each. They are split 3 to ARCH and 2 to CM.
- 3rd, 4th, or 5th year standing in the upcoming academic year
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Renewal eligibility, in addition to the above:
1. Good academic standing
2. Continuous full-time enrollment at Cal Poly
3. Completion of at least 36 units, applicable as normal progress toward a baccalaureate degree - Demonstrated financial need (per FAFSA)
Current recipient eligible for renewal consideration and 2 new students to be selected.
Doug and Joan Menzies Scholarship - $2,000 | 2022 recipient: TBD
Doug and Joan Menzies established this scholarship in 2016 to support 3rd year Architecture students with financial need.
Eligibility & Application Notes
- Junior standing in the upcoming academic year
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Demonstrated financial need (per FAFSA)
- Student must be enrolled full time
Douglas W. Butzbach Memorial Scholarship - $1,800 | 2022 recipient: TBD
Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Butzbach established this scholarship in memory of their son Douglas, a 1954 graduate in Architectural Engineering. This scholarship provides financial assistance to architecture students who show exceptional promise in the field of architecture.
Eligibility & Application Notes
- Open to all class levels
Duerk Technology Enhancement Award - 2 @ $800 | 2022 recipients: TBD
This award is given to an entering freshman with great financial need, and will purchase or license the required software and peripherals that the student will need in his/her first year of study. Students are invited by the Cal Poly Scholarship Office to apply based on need.
Emily N. Alstot Memorial Scholarship - $1,800 | 2022 recipient: TBD
In memory of Emily N. Alstot, this scholarship recognizes an Architecture student exhibiting a special combination of academic talent and personal skills. The student selected for this award has a friendly, helpful character and contributes to the learning process by demonstrating academic diligence, overall helpfulness to design lab peers, and generosity in sharing time, advice and materials.
Eligibility & Application Notes
- Architecture Major
- Projected year class level: 3 rd , 4 th or 5 th year, with preference to 3 rd year student with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Consideration should be given to students who have shown a major presence in the design lab’s “life” and atmosphere, display a friendly, helpful character, and demonstrate diligence and generosity with their time and
materials - Community service on or off campus, above and beyond expectations, may be considered
- A brief essay reflecting “c.” above, and two brief recommendations are required, one from a lab peer and one from
an instructor
Hilton Williams Architects - $1,200 | 2022 recipient: TBD
Eligibility & Application Notes
- 5th year standing in the upcoming academic year
- Minimum 3.2 GPA
- Demonstrated financial need (per FAFSA)
JACKSON/OLSEN Scholarship for Architectural Theory and Discourse - $1000 | 2022 recipient: TBD
This scholarship was established by Architecture Professors Doug Jackson and Clare Olsen in 2019 in recognition of demonstrated excellence in architectural theory and discourse.
Eligibility & Application Notes
- Current 4th year standing
- Recommended minimum GPA 3.0
- Selection shall be based on the merits of applicant's portfolio submission and demonstrated excellence in contemporary architectural theory and discourse
- Letter of recommendation from an Architecture faculty member
- submission to the essay competition required (click here to download full competition and award details)
Jared and Davie Hurley Memorial Scholarship - (not offered in 2022)
Santa Maria Breakfast Rotary Foundation established a scholarship in 2013 in memory of Jared and Davie Hurley. Jared was an alumnus of College of Architecture and Environmental Design and a founding member and past president of the Santa Maria Breakfast Rotary Club. He and his wife, Davie, were long time community supporters before their passings.
Eligibility & Application Notes
- 4th or 5th year standing in the upcoming academic year
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Preference to residents of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties
LA Metro Program Scholarship - (not offered in 2022)
Eligibility & Application Notes
- 4th year standing in the upcoming academic year
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Must be accepted to LA Metro Program
- Requires portfolio submission statement and faculty recommendation
MBH Architects Scholarship Endowment - $750 | 2022 recipient: TBD
This scholarship will support a well-rounded student enrolled in any class level within the Architecture program at Cal Poly. The ideal candidate will exhibit exceptional design sense and the leadership and critical thinking skills required for a distinguished future in architecture.
Eligibility & Application Notes
- Open to all class levels
- Demonstrated financial need (per FAFSA)
- Outstanding professional/social skills demonstrated through community
- Well rounded student must exhibit outstanding professional and social skills, and demonstrate through community activities and/or student clubs, the leadership skills required for a distinguished future in the architectural profession
- activities and/or student clubs leadership skills essential for a distinguished future in architecture (explain under Activities & Special Consideration)
- Requires portfolio submission (instructions provided upon receipt of application)
Michael Shannon Scholarship - $900 | 2022 recipient: TBD
This scholarship was established in honor of Michael Loren Newberry Shannon who received his B.S. in Design in 1993 and an M.S. in Architecture in 1998. Michael made his way through the undergraduate and graduate architecture curriculum in spite of having major mobility restrictions and being substantially hard of hearing since being hit by a drunk driver in 1987. This scholarship is to support Architecture students with physical disabilities.
Eligibility & Application Notes
- Major: Architecture
- Open to all class levels
- Minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA
- Recipient must have a physical disability
OLSEN/JACKSON Scholarship for Off-Campus Study - $1000 | 2022 recipient: TBD
This scholarship was established by Architecture Professors Clare Olsen and Doug Jackson in 2019 in recognition of students with demonstrated interests, motivation and objectives for off-campus study.
Eligibility & Application Notes
- 4th year standing in the upcoming academic year
- Recommended minimum GPA 3.0
- Demonstrated financial need (per FAFSA)
Oltmans Construction Company Scholarship for Design Excellence - $1,050 | 2022 recipient: TBD
Mr. and Mrs. Rob Roy established this scholarship in 1987 after their son Dennis graduated from Cal Poly’s Architecture Department. Impressed with the combined efforts that the department and college put into developing their son’s skills and architectural goals, the Roy's created this opportunity to recognize an Architecture student demonstrating excellence in design and professional promise. This award is offered to an architecture student who has completed or is in the process of completing fourth-year design and practice. Students are selected based on their distinction in architectural design, general scholastic excellence, professional promise, and portfolio review.
Eligibility & Application Notes
- Major: Architecture
- 5th year standing in the upcoming academic year
- Demonstrate distinction in architectural design, general scholastic excellence and professional promise
- Requires portfolio submission (instructions provided upon receipt of nomination)
- Nominations made by 4th year ARCH faculty
Peter Hoyt Berg Memorial Scholarship - $750 |2022 recipient: TBD
Peter Berg was a 1956 graduate of Cal Poly who has supported the College throughout his impressive and long career in architecture. Mr. Berg was a founding member of Gensler Associates. Peter and Ida Mae Berg's generous donations were celebrated in the naming of the College's largest gallery in 2005.
Eligibility & Application Notes
- Architecture Major
- Open to all class levels
- Minimum 3.0 GPA recommended
Richard Lee Fisher Memorial - $12,000 (4 @ $3,000) | 2022 recipients: TBD
Richard Fisher pictured in front row, second from left
The Fisher family established this scholarship in 1991. The scholarship assists Architecture majors selected to participate in the Danish International Studies (DIS) program in Copenhagen, Denmark. Richard's year at DIS was the highlight of his professional education, and the family would like to help offer this opportunity to other Architecture students.
NOTE: The scholarship amount is not always the same but must be $3,000 minimum and all awards must be equal if more than one is given.
Eligibility & Application Notes
- Major: Architecture
- Senior class level
- Student must demonstrate outstanding promise and,
- Be selected to participate in the Danish International Studies Program in Copenhagen, Denmark
Click HERE for In Memoriam, Mrs. Florence Fisher.
Riddle Scholarship - $1,500 | 2022 recipient: TBD
This scholarship was established in 2007 and is available on a rotating basis between Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Environmental Horticultural Science, and Business Administration majors.
Eligibility & Application Notes
- Major: ARCE/ARCH - 1 each
- Class level: sophomore or higher
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Student must show (through prior school records) desire and ambition to excel in their chosen field
R. L. Graves Jr. Scholarship - $1,050 | 2022 recipient: TBD
This scholarship was established in 2007 to provide financial support for an Architecture major participating in the Danish International Study Program (DIS). This scholarship is offered to recognize top design students and to encourage them to expand their horizons and interact with their international peers.
Eligibility & Application Notes
- Major open within CAED
- 3.0 GPA
- Must be participating in Danish International Study Program
- Financial need optional
- Recipient will be among top ranked applicants as determined by the architecture scholarship committee
Stephen O. Anderson Memorial Scholarship - 2 @ $1,000 | 2022 recipients: TBD
A competition will be held to design/construct/solve the requirements set by CAED faculty. The scholarship will be awarded to the best solution, chosen by the faculty judges.
Eligibility & Application Notes
- Architecture Major
- Minimum 3rd year standing in the upcoming academic year
- Competition is held to design/construct/solve the requirement (Responsible faculty in the CAED designates a problem or requirement related to the College’s disciplines)
- A panel of faculty judges submissions, the best solution recognized by award of the scholarship
- The subject of the design competition/problem solution and the results of the solution are to be forwarded to the
donor - Minimum 2.5 GPA
Thor and Juanita Gulbrand AIA Memorial - (not offered in 2022)
Eligibility & Application Notes
- Architecture Major
- 5th year senior in the upcoming academic year
- Demonstrated financial need (per FAFSA)
- Student must demonstrate design ability
William and Christine Brown Memorial Scholarship - (not offered in 2021)
This scholarship was established in 2015 by Rebecca Wyatt, in the memory of her parents William and Christine Brown. William "Bill" Brown, Professor Emeritus, taught at Cal Poly from 1957-1992. In addition to being a member of the faculty, he served as a Director for the then School of Architecture and Environmental Design between 1971-1979 under former Dean George Hasslein. Bill passed away on June 25, 2014, but his legacy will continue into the future through this generous gift in his name.
Eligibility & Application Notes
- 3rd or 4th year student with at least one more year until graduation in the upcoming academic year
- Recommended minimum 3.0 GPA
- Demonstrated financial need (per FAFSA)
Laursel Campbell Memorial Scholarship - $950 | 2022 recipient: TBD
Eligibility & Application Notes
- Architecture Major
- Transfer, re-entry student (for students entering higher ed later in life)
- Demonstrated financial need
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
D. Stewart Kerr - $600 | 2022 recipient: TBD
Eligibility & Application Notes
- Architecture Major
- Demonstrated financial need
- Class Level: open
Rodriguez-Trudell Family Scholarship - 1 @ $2000 | 2022 recipient: TBD
Eligibility & Application Notes
- Architecture Major
- First Generation college student
Faculty Nominated Awards
The following award is based on nominations provided by the faculty along with a competition, available to architecture students.
This award was established in memory of architecture alumnus Bob Odo by the architecture and planning firm of McLarand, Vasquez, and Partners. This award is available to a third- or fourth-year architecture student who shows outstanding ability in architecture design and overall academic performance.
Eligibility & Application Notes
- 3rd year or 4th year standing in the current academic year
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Students demonstrating a high level of design intelligence are nominated by faculty members to prepare a display to be judged by faculty as the winning submission (instructions provided upon receipt of nomination)
- Nominations open to all ARCH faculty
- Written statement why they deserve the scholarship
Larry H. Loh, Architect, Architecture Design Excellence - $600 | 2022 recipient: TBD
Emeritus Professor Larry H. Loh taught in the Architecture Department and in the City and Regional Planning Department at Cal Poly, SLO and Pomona for 25 years prior to retirement in 2001. He offers this scholarship to encourage and motivate students to excel in integration of architecture and site design.
Eligibility & Application Notes
- 4th or 5th year standing in the upcoming academic year
- Minimum 3.5 GPA
- Financial need is optional
- Requires a one-page statement describing financial need and educational plans, as well as professional interests and goals (statement form provided upon receipt of nomination)
- Nominations made by 3rd and 4th year ARCH faculty
Marmolejo - Montalba Sustainable Future - $4750 | 2022 recipient: TBD
Eligibility & Application Notes
- Architecture Major
- Class Level: 5th Year
- To support students in their thesis year
To be selected by the fifth year faculty through a competitive process during AY2022-23.
California Homebuilding Foundation Scholarships
The California Homebuilding Foundation (CHF) Scholarship program was founded on the belief that any motivated individual in need should have the opportunity to further his or her education. By removing some of the financial burdens associated with going to and graduating from college, the CHF scholarship program plays a vital role in increasing college access and success for many motivated yet underserved young adults interested in continuing their education in a building trades program.
A majority of the Foundation's scholarships were established by CHF Hall of Fame honorees. It’s an example of how established homebuilding professionals have reached out to offer opportunities to a new generation of individuals who are interested in a career in the homebuilding industry.
CHF awards scholarships to students enrolled in industry-related programs such as construction management or architecture. Our goal is to help students complete their degrees and find employment within the homebuilding industry.
Three scholarships established in 2018 are available to Architecture students:
Carl Lagoni Family Scholarship - 2 @ $1425 | 2022 recipients: TBD
Eligibility & Application Notes
- Open to all Architecture majors- all levels
- Minimum 2.7 GPA
- Demonstrated financial need (per FAFSA)
- Student has the intention of a forthcoming career withing the California home building industry
Frederick Peter Young Scholarship - 3 @ $2000 | 2022 recipients: TBD
Eligibility & Application Notes
- 4th year or above standing in the upcoming academic year
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Demonstrated financial need (per FAFSA)
- Student has interest in a career in the California home building industry
- Recipient must provide a bio or resume and college agrees, "to send a black and white photo of the scholarship presentation to the Foundation."
Jill & Joe Williams KTGY Group Scholarship - 3 @ $2100 | 2022 recipients: TBD
Eligibility & Application Notes
- Junior standing in the upcoming academic year
- Minimum 2.7 GPA
- Demonstrated financial need (per FAFSA)
- Student has the intention of a forthcoming career within the California home building industry
International Study Abroad Scholarships
These scholarships are coordinated through the Cal Poly International Center. Details can be found at the Study Abroad Financial Aid & Scholarships page.
Architecture Travel and Thesis Support Scholarships
Karen Lange Architecture Thesis Fund
Eligibility & Application Notes
- To be utilized exclusively to support 5th-yr ARCH students with expenses related to thesis, including class related field trips, other school related travel opportunities and materials. Application process to be announced at the beginning of each academic year.
Student Travel Fellowships
Eligibility & Application Notes
- To support ARCH students with travel expenses for those who would not otherwise be able to participate in class field trips. Application process to be announced at the beginning of each academic year. Visit this link for more information about the annual funding opportunity.
Updated 06.6.2022