Scholarships

About the Scholarships

AFO awards and administers scholarships for college students who are studying design and building professions in the state of Oregon. Annual scholarship applications open in November with a February deadline. Learn more about each scholarship, below.

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

William Hart Scholarship – $5,000 scholarship for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Graduate and Bachelor of Architecture students entering their last year at University of Oregon or Portland State University. Learn more.

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.

Hermann Colas, Jr. 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.

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.

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.

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.”

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