Meet Our 2023 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.
2023 Scholars
Join us in congratulating our 2023 Hatfield, Hart and Tsagaglalal Scholars and Honorarium recipients!
Nancy Pelayo-Colores (she/her), Portland State University
2023 Hatfield Scholar
Nancy is a Master of Architecture candidate at PSU and a first-generation college student, paving the way for students and professionals underrepresented in the field of architecture. “I am devoted to working with underrepresented communities toward creating equitable architectural spaces; this is why I became a co-founder of NOMA PDX, a non-profit organization for minority architects, working to uplift minority voices in architecture.” She founded NOMA PDX with two fellow students during the COVID-19 pandemic. In just a few years, the organization has grown to be a highly revered 60+ member effort impacting architects across Portland and beyond.
In addition to Nancy’s work establishing NOMA PDX and a NOMAS Student Chapter at PSU, she has dedicated time to serving Latino/a/x/e communities through the City of Hillsboro, where she led engagement sessions that informed the community-centered, cross-cultural designs for the M&M Marketplace.
“I truly aspire to help underserved communities through my work because I would’ve loved my community to have the same support.”
Aracely Barajas-Silva (she/her), University of Oregon
2023 Hart Scholar
Aracely is a Bachelor of Architecture candidate at UO and a first-generation college student who seeks to connect her passion for community service with her architecture practice. “I hope to use the skills I have and continue to learn to help build up low income communities and minorities and deconstruct disadvantages that many minorities undergo.”
Aracely’s passion for serving minority communities has been informed by her personal experience and her work in and out of school. At UO, Aracely has been engaged with several campus groups committed to equity including Latinx Academic Residential Community, UOMujeres, and the Center for Multicultural Academic Excellence. Outside of school, she worked for Bridging Cultures, a nonprofit providing services and community to people of color in her hometown of Canby, Oregon.
“One of the most important things I’ve learned while working at a nonprofit and in architecture school is that when designing for different communities, allowing for participation is important… I hope to one day be a positive impact to communities around me, both at a large urban scale and a small scale like the city of Canby, Oregon.”
Athena Rilatos (she/her), Portland State University
2023 Tsagaglalal Scholar
Athena is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz and a Master of Architecture candidate at PSU. With an undergraduate degree in Psychology, Athena first sought to gain an understanding of human and animal behavior. During her studies, she came to find the interconnectedness between behavior and the design of the built environment. “In that moment, a yearning for being the person behind a design that could change people’s lives for the better came over me.”
“I am dedicated to the pursuit in creating a world in which I want to live in. A built environment that uplifts and secures Indigenous culture. A place where I can gather my first foods and medicines and see buildings that have the character of the place they are situated in… As an Indigenous woman living in my homelands I understand how important it is to be a voice in the room where our cities are being shaped. And how important it is to change the narrative of who an architect is.”
Nanette Beyale (they/she), Portland State University
2023 Tsagaglalal Scholar
Nanette, a Hooghan Łání (Many Hogans Clan) born for Tł’ááshchí’í (The Red Bottom People) in Nataani Nez, Diné Nation (Shiprock, New Mexico, Navajo Nation), is a Bachelor of Science in Architecture candidate at PSU. They carry their Diné culture into their architecture practice by pursuing the centuries-long role as stewards of the land and through Hózhòogo Naasháa Doo (Walking in Beauty).
“To ‘Walk in Beauty’ is to find beauty in all that is around you and to incorporate balance where there are disparities.” Nanette seeks to address the disparity within their culture, the Navajo Nation, where an estimated 15,000 homes are without running water and electricity.
“I look forward to incorporating Indigenous knowledge into Architecture firms and in order to decolonize any position I’m a part of. I am committed to participating in this movement as an educated, informed professional who will work tirelessly to make the Earth greener, healthier, and full of Hózhó (holistic balance).”
2023 Tsagaglalal Honorarium Recipients
From left to right:
Carter Silago, Art History & Business Major, Portland State University
Bryan Pontanilla, Architecture Major, Portland State University
Ambarish Krsnadas, Architecture Major, Portland State University
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
2023 applications are now closed. Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified when applications open in the fall
About the Scholarships
AFO awards and administers scholarships for college students who are studying architecture 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.
Scholarship recipients are asked to attend our annual AFO Scholars Event to receive their awards. 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.
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 by April 1. 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 UO or PSU 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 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
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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.
2023 applications are now closed. Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified when applications open in the fall.
Watch the 2023 virtual Info Session to learn more about how to prepare a successful application.
$5,000 scholarship for BIPOC-identifying B.Arch and graduate architecture students entering their last year at UO or PSU (graduating in 2024)
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 2023 award
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- Graduate or B.Arch students entering their final year (graduating in 2024), 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
-
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.
2023 applications are now closed. Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified when applications open in the fall.
Watch the 2023 virtual Info Session to learn more about how to prepare a successful application.
$5,000 multi-year scholarship for Native American, Alaskan Native, and Hawaiian Native 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 2023 where they will be presented with their awards.
Eligibility
- 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 2023
- Pursuing a degree through the School of Art + Design or the School of Architecture
- (Students graduating during the current awarding year are not eligible)
Application Requirements
Please submit the following through our Tsagaglalal Scholarship application form:
- One-page (maximum) Essay – What inspired you to choose Art or Architecture as your field of study?
- Copy of Transcript (for current PSU students) or Acceptance Letter (for students starting at PSU in Spring, Summer or Fall 2023)
- 1-2 Work Samples – 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 (no more than two examples)
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.
2023 applications are now closed. Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified when applications open in the fall.
Please reach out to Candice Agahan, candice@af-oregon.org, 503-542-3823, with any and all questions.
$5,000 scholarship open to first generation students enrolled in PCC Architectural Design and Drafting or Interior Design 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: https://www.pcc.edu/scholarships
- Applications open annually November 1 with a February 1 deadline
- Applicants will be notified of the decision in June
2023 applications are now closed. Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified when applications open in the fall.
Register for a Virtual Workshop to learn more about the application process and tips for applying.
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 Scholarship Info Session
Watch the 2023 information session recording to learn more about how to prepare a successful application.
2023 Hatfield & Hart Application Deadline: Friday, February 24, 11:59pm PST
Scholar Spotlight
Bethany Woods
2020 Hatfield Scholar
University of Oregon
“I have chosen to focus my education and career on the use of architecture to address social issues. Architecture and the provision of shelter can transform lives, and I am excited to work alongside others to make a social impact in building stronger sustainable communities.”
Support or Develop 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 (five year minimum)
- Pay an annual $500 administrative fee and one-time $1,000 startup fee
- Partner with AFO to select annual scholars
- Gain free access to AFO cultural competency trainings
- Offer mentorship 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!
Contact candice@af-oregon.org to discuss possibilities!
Questions?
Contact:
Candice Agahan
Education Program Manager
candice@af-oregon.org
503-542-3823