Washington, D.C. – August 5, 2014 –The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is pleased to announce that two students have been selected to receive the 2014 AIA/F Diversity Advancement Scholarship.  The scholarship is awarded to high school graduates, college freshmen, and community college students from minority and/or financially disadvantaged backgrounds who intend to pursue a NAAB-accredited professional degree in architecture.  The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage diversity in the architecture profession.  This year’s award amount is $4,000, which is renewable for up to five years.

Funding for the scholarship, formerly called the Minority Disadvantaged Scholarship, transitioned from the American Architecture Foundation (AAF) to the AIA Foundation (AIAF) this year.  In December 2013, the AIA Board of Directors voted to place $1 million into the AIAF as an endowment dedicated to the scholarship.  The Diversity Advancement Scholarship is managed by AIA Diversity and Inclusion.

The scholarship committee, made up of dedicated teaching professionals and practitioners of the profession, was most impressed by the academic and personal achievements of the selected recipients:

Robert Moy was born in Elmhurst, IL, but grew up in Roselle, IL. He is a 3rd generation Chinese American.  He recently graduated high school with a perfect 5.0 GPA and will be attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign this fall to pursue his bachelor's degree in architecture. Moy’s fascination for architecture can be traced back to kindergarten, where he developed a love for art and drawing. At only 17, he began working as an architecture intern at DLA Architects, Ltd, a Chicagoland architecture firm. Born and raised in suburban Chicago, he feels the need to make suburban areas more attractive and sustainable for future development. As he starts architecture school, Moy is looking forward to taking the next step towards fulfilling his desire to develop and enhance communities in suburban areas.

Jalen M. Price is a graduate of Metro High School in his hometown of St. Louis, MO.  He will be attending Drury University as a student in the Hammons School of Architecture. Price’s interest in architecture began after he read a novel that included references to Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House; this piqued his curiosity and he began researching more about Wright and architecture.  Architecture wasn't a stretch for Price because he loved Legos and loved to draw. Over time, he discovered other loves such as music and history; however, after participating in the Alberti Youth Architecture Program at the Sam Fox School, Price decided that architecture was the career to pursue. He is excited about expanding his knowledge of the field and opportunities to study abroad; as a self-professed foodie, this should be a great adventure.

About AIA Foundation
The AIA Foundation preserves honors and advances excellence in design for the benefit of the public. As a nonprofit philanthropic extension of the American Institute of Architects, the AIA Foundation is the preeminent voice and advocate for architecture and design in America. The mission of the AIA Foundation is to unleashthe power of design to build a better world

About The American Institute of Architects
Founded in 1857, members of the American Institute of Architects consistently work to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public well being.  Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders, and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.

Contact:  Matt Tinder
202-626-7462
Email Contact
http://twitter.com/AIA_Media