Meet Our 2024 Scholars
Learn More & Apply
Establish a Scholarship
Applications will open in November with a February 2023 deadline. Subscribe to the AFO newsletter to be notified of scholarship opportunities
Scholarships
Supporting Oregon Architecture Students
The Architecture Foundation of Oregon believes that our communities are stronger when more voices participate in the process of building our world. With the goal of encouraging and supporting future architects, designers, engineers and building professionals, AFO is working with the professional community to grow scholarship opportunities for a diverse range of students.
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.”
2023 Hart Scholar – Aracely Barajas-Silva, UO
2023 Hatfield Scholar – Nancy Pelayo-Colores, PSU
2023 Tsagaglalal Scholars – Athena Rilatos & Nanette Beyale, PSU
2023 Tsagaglalal Honorarium Recipients – Carter Silago, Bryan Pontanilla & Ambarish Krsnadas, PSU
2022 Hart Scholar – Regina Batiste, PSU
2022 Hatfield Scholars – Sharon Alitema, UO & Darrick Williams, PSU
2021 Hatfield Scholar – Josymar Rodriguez, UO
2020 Hatfield Scholar – Bethany Woods, UO
2019 Hatfield Scholars – Mohamed Fakhry, PSU & Zachary Sherrod, UO
2018 Hatfield Scholar – Lisa Patterson, PSU
2017 Hatfield Scholar – William Chandler, PSU
2015 Hatfield Scholars – Genevieve Wasser, PSU & Matthew Rusnac, PSU
2014 Hatfield Scholar – Kiara Galicinao, UO
2013 Hatfield Scholar – Laura Levenberg, UO
2012 Hatfield Scholar – Annie Ledbury, UO
2011 Hatfield Scholars – April Ng, PSU & Cameron Cole Carcelén, UO
2010 Hatfield Scholar – Amy Perenchio, UO
2008 Hatfield Scholar – Lorraine Jack, UO
2007 Hatfield Scholar – Adrienne Leverette, UO
2006 Hatfield Scholar– Matthew Brown, UO
2006 Hatfield Scholars – Merit Awards – Daniel Toole, UO & Emily Knudsen Leland, UO
2004 Hatfield Scholar – Matthew Brown, UO
2003 Hatfield Scholars – Richard Meakins, UO & Nate McCoy, UO
2002 Hatfield Scholar – Trevor Lewis, UO
2001 Hatfield Scholar – Eric Black, UO
2000 Hatfield Scholar – Benjamin Gates, UO
1999 Hatfield Scholar – John Lopez, UO
1998 Hatfield Scholar – Timothy Keil, UO
About the Scholarships
AFO awards and administers scholarships for college students who are studying design and building professions in the state of Oregon: the Hatfield Architectural Award, the William Hart Scholarship in partnership with Carleton Hart Architecture, and the Tsagaglalal (She Who Watches) Scholarship also available to art students. Learn more about each scholarship below.
In partnership with PCC Foundation, AFO also sponsors the PCC Architecture + Interior Design Scholarship for first generation students enrolled in PCC Architectural Design and Drafting or Interior Design programs. Apply directly through PCC Foundation, here.
Hatfield, Hart, and Tsagaglalal applications are evaluated by a committee of AFO board members and design professionals. 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 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.
Learn more about each scholarship, below.
$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
- 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.
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PDF file (50 MB maximum)
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Feature three projects (see intent above)
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Include images, graphics and written narrative to explain each project
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10 pages maximum
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Include at least one project completed individually (not a group project)
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If including group projects, describe your role in the project
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If applicable, please include a project illustrating an architectural design that responds to a community need or challenge
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- 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.
2024 Hatfield applications are now closed. Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified when applications open in November.
Watch our recorded Scholarship Workshop to learn more about how to prepare a successful application.
Please reach out to Candice Agahan, candice@af-oregon.org, 503-542-3823, with any and all questions.
$5,000 scholarship for BIPOC Graduate and Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) students entering their last year at University of Oregon or Portland State University (graduating in 2025)
The William Hart Scholarship was established in 2021 in partnership with Carleton Hart Architecture (CHA). Hart’s resume reflects his passion for community-oriented projects that are sensitive to historically under-represented and marginalized stakeholders, including multiple affordable housing developments and community centers across the Portland Metro Area and SW Washington. Hart stepped into a new role in March 2021 to found Hart Development – a real estate development firm focused on serving the African American community.
To honor Hart’s enduring legacy that lives on in CHA, the firm continues to push for equity in the profession and the communities they serve. The vision for this scholarship is to expand that work, remove barriers to entry into the profession, and support future architects.
This scholarship is also an opportunity for students to engage with CHA. Scholarship recipients will be invited to visit the CHA office and meet staff with the hope of forming an ongoing relationship with the firm. While optional, involvement with the firm is meant to offer support and professional mentorship to recipients of this award.
AFO and CHA encourage Oregon architecture students who identify as Black, Indigenous and/or a Person of Color to apply for the William Hart Scholarship. An essay and portfolio of work must represent the candidate’s career goals and desire to make a positive impact on the architecture profession.
Eligibility for 2024 award
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- Graduate or Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) students entering their final year (graduating in 2025), currently enrolled in University of Oregon or Portland State University architecture program
- Black, Indigenous, and/or Person of Color
- Demonstrated design ability
- Have specific career goals and desire to make a positive impact on the architecture profession
Application Requirements
Please submit the following through our AFO Scholarship application form:
- 500 word (maximum) essay: What drew you to the field of architecture and how would you like to apply your degree after graduation?
- 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 description 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 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.
2024 Hart applications are now closed. Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified when applications open in November.
Watch our recorded Scholarship Workshop to learn more about how to prepare a successful application.
Please reach out to Candice Agahan, candice@af-oregon.org, 503-542-3823, with any and all questions.
Renewable $10,000 scholarship for Native American, Alaskan Native, and Hawaiian Native non-graduating students pursuing a degree in Art or Architecture at Portland State University
The Tsagaglalal (She Who Watches) Scholarship was established in 2022 in honor of Lillian Pitt (Warm Springs/Wasco/Yakama), the Architecture Foundation of Oregon’s 2022 Honored Citizen who has helped shape our state through her work as an artist, mentor and advocate.
The Legend of Tsagaglalal tells of a female chief who was concerned over what would happen to her people when she became an ancestor. Coyote came to her and told her the world would change and that women would no longer be chiefs. Coyote then tricked her and turned her into a rock, saying “…now you shall stay here forever to watch over your people and the river…”
Through the Tsagaglalal Scholarship Fund, made possible by a generous donation from Penny Knight, Lillian assumes the personage of Tsagaglalal, watching over her people and providing opportunities for tribal youth to excel.
AFO encourages Native American, Alaskan Native and Hawaiian Native students pursuing a degree in Art or Architecture at Portland State University to apply for this renewable, multi-year award. AFO Scholarship recipients are expected to attend an event in Spring of their awarding year where they will be presented with their awards.
Eligibility for the 2024 award
- Identify as Native American, Alaskan Native and/or Hawaiian Native
- Undergraduate or graduate student currently enrolled at Portland State University; or must be starting at Portland State University by Fall 2024 (students graduating in 2024 are not eligible – the award is intended to assist students through the 2024-25 school year and beyond)
- Pursuing a degree through the School of Art + Design or the School of Architecture
- Enrollment status = Full-Time or 3/4 Time at Portland State University for the 2024-25 school year – Fall, Winter, and Spring terms (enrollment status info)
- No minimum GPA requirement – students with a GPA lower than 2.00 for undergraduate students and 3.00 for graduate students will be asked to participate in their school’s required workshops and academic coaching (see PSU’s protocol on academic standing)
Application Requirements
Please submit the following through our AFO Scholarship application form:
- 500-1,000-word Essay – What inspired you to choose Art or Architecture as your field of study? What are your aspirations with this degree?
- Copy of Transcript showing degree program and GPA (for current PSU students) or Acceptance Letter to Portland State University (for students starting Fall 2024)
- Work Samples (2 for undergraduate students, 3-4 for graduate students) – An opportunity to showcase your passions or a creative project that you are proud of in the form of images, photographs, graphics, video, audio, writing and/or other art/architecture projects, including work created during and/or outside of school (3 page, 50 MB maximum per work sample/project)
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.
2024 Tsagaglalal applications are now closed. Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified when applications open in November.
Watch our recorded Scholarship Workshop to learn more about how to prepare a successful application.
Please reach out to Candice Agahan, candice@af-oregon.org, 503-542-3823, with any and all questions.
$5,000 scholarship for first generation students enrolled in PCC Architectural Design and Drafting or Interior Design degree program
In partnership with PCC Foundation, AFO seeks to support first generation college students pursuing a degree through Portland Community College’s Architectural Design and Drafting or Interior Design programs.
This award was established to increase access to the architecture field for racially underrepresented and first generation college students. Scholarship funds are unrestricted.
Eligibility
- Be a first generation college student
- Enrolled in PCC Architectural Design and Drafting or Interior Design degree programs
- Have completed a minimum of 18 credits by the end of winter term
- Demonstrate financial need
- Preference for students with at least one year left in the program who are enrolled full-time
Application Process
- Applicants must apply directly through PCC Foundation
- Applications open annually November 1 with a February 1 deadline
- Applicants will be notified of the decision in June
2024 PCC applications are now closed. Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified when applications open in November.
Register for a Scholarship Workshop to learn more about the application process and tips for applying.
Please reach out to Candice Agahan, candice@af-oregon.org, 503-542-3823, with any and all questions.
Thank you to the following donors for making this scholarship possible:
Amy Winterowd and Alice Wiewel
PCC Scholarship Workshops
Head to the PCC website to register for a scholarship workshop.
Hatfield, Hart, and Tsagaglalal Scholarship Workshops
During these 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.
You are welcome to attend one or both workshops and don’t need to attend the first workshop to attend the second. Workshops are free and open to eligible scholarship candidates.
2025 workshop dates to be announced in the fall.
Watch the 2024 workshop recording to learn more about how to prepare a successful application.
2024 applications are now closed. Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified when applications open in November.
Support or Establish a Scholarship with AFO
Establish a scholarship in partnership with AFO for historically underserved and marginalized populations. AFO partners on scholarships that support high school or college students in Oregon, looking to pursue careers in architecture, engineering, construction, or related fields.
AFO will…
- Host and develop the application through AFO platforms
- Serve as the main contact for applicant questions and communication
- Host an info session for interested candidates
- Track application submissions
- Create promotional digital and print materials
- Conduct outreach to applicable institutions and eligible candidates
- Honor selected scholars at annual AFO Scholars Reception
- Connect scholars to our community of AEC professionals
You will…
- Fund the scholarship (5-year minimum)
- Pay administrative fees including a one-time start-up fee
- Partner with AFO to select annual scholars
- Gain free access to AFO cultural competency trainings
- Offer guidance to the selected scholars
- Receive speaking opportunity at annual AFO Scholars Reception
- Receive prime seating and reserved cocktail table at AFO Scholars Reception
Together we will… Give more Oregon students the opportunity to pursue their dreams!
Learn More
Contact candice@af-oregon.org to discuss possibilities!
Questions?
Contact:
Candice Agahan
Education Program Manager
candice@af-oregon.org
503-542-3823