Scholarships

About the Scholarships

AFO awards and administers scholarships for college students who are studying design and building professions in partnership with sponsors and donors. Annual scholarship applications open in November with February deadlines. Students are welcome to apply for as many AFO scholarships they are eligible for in a given year. Learn more about each scholarship, below.

Hatfield Architectural Award – $5,000 scholarship for undergraduate and graduate architecture, interior architecture, and landscape architecture students attending University of Oregon or Portland State University who express commitment to community service. Learn more.

Applications open in November with a February deadline.

William Hart Scholarship – $5,000 scholarship for Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color (BIPOC) undergraduate and graduate architecture students at University of Oregon or Portland State University. Learn more.

Applications open in November with a February deadline.

Tsagaglalal (She Who Watches) Scholarship – Renewable $10,000 scholarship for non-graduating Indigenous students of U.S. states and territories, pursuing a degree in art or architecture at Portland State University. Learn more.

Applications open in November with a February deadline.

Hermann Colas, Jr. Legacy Scholarship – $5,000 scholarship for Black and Latin(x) undergraduate students pursuing a 4-year degree in construction management, engineering, or architecture at an Oregon college or university. Learn more.

Applications open in November with a February deadline.

PAE Diversity in Engineering Scholarship – Renewable $5,000 scholarship for undergraduate students marginalized by ethnicity and/or gender, pursuing engineering with a passion for climate justice at an accredited 4-year university in the United States. Learn more.

Applications open in November with a February deadline.

PCC Architecture + Interior Design Scholarship – $5,000 scholarship for first-generation students enrolled in Portland Community College’s Architectural Design and Drafting or Interior Design degree program. Learn more.

Applications open November 1 with a February 1 deadline.

Scholarship recipients are asked to attend our annual Building Pathways showcase to receive their awards in the Spring. The event is attended by members of the architecture, engineering, construction, and design community from across the state and celebrates the hard work and accomplishments of our Scholars.

The criteria for AFO Scholarships includes a consideration for financial 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.

Meet Our Scholars

Join us in congratulating our current Hatfield, Hart, Tsagaglalal, Colas, PAE, and PCC Scholars!

Caroline Buecker (she/her), University of Oregon
2026 Hatfield Scholar

Caroline is a Master of Architecture student at the University of Oregon whose work is rooted in community service and mentorship. From an early age, she viewed service as an essential learning tool for building connections and strong communities. Her vision is to design spaces that reflect the diversity of our communities and bring people together.

Caroline’s leadership began with She Became, a mentorship program empowering young girls, where she later served as President and eventually returned as a design professional to support the next generation of mentors. Her passion for expanding access to the design field continued through her involvement with Professional Women in Construction and the ACE Mentorship Program in Chicago, where she helped guide high school students toward design and building careers.

Now based in Portland, Caroline volunteers with AFO Architects in Schools and Counterculture Church, continuing to offer mentorship and inspiration to students. “Community service has taught me that thoughtful design can do more than just shape buildings, it can shape how every one of us sees each other. Let us future designers make sure that the spaces we shape are ones that make every community member feel heard and welcomed.”

Anush Ilavarasan (he/him), University of Oregon
2026 Hart Scholar

Anush is a Bachelor of Architecture student at the University of Oregon whose passion for design is rooted in everyday experience. Growing up in his family’s childcare center, he observed how architecture shapes behavior, comfort, and routine. These early experiences gave him a practical understanding of how thoughtful design can positively influence people’s lives.

At the University of Oregon, Anush has developed a strong interest in housing and community-based projects, recognizing their impact on stability, health, and connection. Anush is especially interested in building performance and how thoughtful, sustainable design strategies can create more efficient and resilient spaces. He is motivated by opportunities to collaborate, learn, and contribute meaningfully within the field of architecture.

“I hope to work in a collaborative firm where I can continue learning and contribute to projects that serve communities. I want to focus on housing and community-based work and continue exploring building performance and sustainability as part of the design process.”

Kylie Speer (she/her), Portland State University
2026 Tsagaglalal Scholar

Kylie is an emerging architecture student and member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, whose work is grounded in culture, community, and belonging. Her creative journey began at her kitchen table, crafting regalia that taught her design is not only about beauty, but meaning, identity, and connection. This perspective now shapes her vision of architecture as a tool for storytelling, representation, and cultural preservation.

While raising four children, Kylie has pursued her education with determination, balancing family life and academic goals with resilience. She will be transferring to Portland State University from Chemeketa Community College in Fall 2026.

“Coming from a community that is underrepresented in architecture, I recognize how often decisions about housing and infrastructure are made without community voices. I am committed to becoming an architect who listens, collaborates, and designs with cultural awareness. Representation matters, not just in who designs spaces, but in whose experiences those spaces reflect.”

Lisa Ike-Lopez (she/her), Portland State University
2026 Tsagaglalal Scholar

Lisa’s path to architecture began not just with curiosity, but with a moment of clarity rooted in community. A member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Lisa carries both heritage and responsibility into her work.

She was initially drawn to architecture for its blend of technical precision and creative expression. Her interest quickly grew into a deeper passion once she realized the impact that architecture can have on communities. “I had a realization when visiting my community during the 2020 lockdowns that the infrastructure was not good. It sparked a passion in me to use architecture as a way to help design better standards of living.” During this trip, Lisa saw firsthand how the built environment shapes daily life.

Now transferring from Portland Community College to Portland State University in Fall 2026, Lisa is pursuing architecture with a vision grounded in culture. She hopes to build a future where communities like hers can thrive in spaces that reflect their needs, histories, and hopes.

Jesus Moreno Rangel (he/him), Oregon State University
2026 Colas Scholar

Jesus is a Construction Engineering Management student at Oregon State University driven by a deep commitment to impacting underserved communities here in Oregon. Inspired by his father, a construction worker, he developed a strong sense of perseverance and purpose at an early age. Growing up in a low-income neighborhood, Jesus witnessed firsthand the urgent need for safe infrastructure, accessible transportation, and equitable housing. These experiences continue to shape his career goals.

At OSU, Jesus has built a strong foundation through coursework and hands-on involvement, including competing on the Heavy Civil Team and volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. He is also the founder of Engineering Together, a bridge-building competition designed to introduce underrepresented high school students to careers in construction and engineering.

“Engineering Together served not only as a valuable career exploration opportunity for our students, but also as a powerful reminder that the future of our industry is found within the learning spaces of our communities. By introducing students to these careers early and helping them see themselves reflected in mentors and role models, we strengthen the long-term diversity and inclusivity of the built environment.”

David Castro-Andrade (he/him), Portland State University
2026 Colas Scholar

David is a Mechanical Engineering student at Portland State University whose path to engineering is deeply personal. At fourteen, he became his mother’s primary support during her lupus flares, stepping in by scheduling appointments, translating at doctor visits, and navigating systems that often fell short. Through these experiences, he saw how access to healthcare, housing, and infrastructure can shape a family’s well-being.

These moments continue to guide his work. David designed a low-cost air quality sensor inspired by his mother’s experience, aiming to make healthier living environments more accessible for underserved communities. He has since received grant funding from PSU and won two awards for his design.

“This project matters because it shifts the conversation from aesthetics to equity. A well-designed building is not just beautiful. It is healthy, it is responsive to its occupants, and sustainable. Its benefits should not be reserved for those who can afford premium living systems. While my project is a prototype, the principle is focused on enhancing the quality of life for everyone, not just those who can pay for it.”

Morgan Dawkins (she/her), Pennsylvania State University
2025 PAE Scholar

Morgan is an Architectural Engineering major with a specialization in construction at Penn State. She believes that engineering plays an important role in creating equitable solutions and is passionate about protecting marginalized communities through disaster-resilient infrastructure. “Growing up in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, I saw the vulnerability of communities like mine to natural disasters… The state’s vulnerability, particularly in flood-prone areas like Rocky Mount, really kickstarted my desire to specialize in resilient and sustainable building structures.”

“By focusing on inclusive and sustainable designs, I believe that engineers can tackle issues such as climate change, while also addressing the socio-economic disparities that often exacerbate the effects of environmental challenges. I plan to use my degree to design structures that not only address climate justice but also create opportunities for everyone to be successful in a sustainable and resilient future.”

Ana Biletskyy (she/her), Portland Community College
2025 PCC Scholar

Ana is working towards her Architectural Drafting degree at PCC. Her goals are to use her knowledge and experience to create homes built around families and their specific needs.

“A home should be designed around the way a family moves, not just what is efficient. Design should be taken advantage of more to create spaces for people to enjoy and to be convenient for their lives. I use this thinking as I create projects in school, and will continue as I grow my understanding of Architectural Design.”

Support AFO Scholarships

AFO Scholarships benefit high school and college students who are historically underrepresented in art, design, and building fields. Through our annual awards, we give financial support and mentorship opportunities to students pursuing a career in architecture, interior design, engineering, construction, art, and graphic design.  

AFO Scholarships are financially supported by Oregon design and building firms, non-profit organizations, and individual donors. Join our community of contributors who are passionate about the next generation of designers and builders by giving to the AFO Scholarship Fund. With your help, we can support more students along their design education journey. 

Give Today

Interested in donating to a specific scholarship? Contact candice@af-oregon.org to discuss possibilities.

Sponsors

Thank you to Penny Knight, the Dr. John Pinkerton Charitable Fund and the following sponsors for supporting our scholarship program.