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.
The Hermann Colas, Jr. Legacy Scholarship was established in 2023 in partnership with the National Association of Minority Contractors, Oregon chapter (NAMC-Oregon). The annual award honors the legacy of Hermann Colas, Jr., founder of Colas Construction (COLAS), a general contracting firm headquartered in Portland.
Hermann, a Haitian-born distinguished scholar, civic, and business leader, has dedicated his life’s work to strengthening communities. He founded COLAS with a vision to address the underinvestment in housing for communities of color residing in North and Northeast Portland. Today, COLAS is nationally and locally recognized for delivering excellence in construction for a diverse scope of housing, education, civic, and healthcare projects.
Inspired by Hermann’s leadership and legacy, this scholarship provides underrepresented students in pursuit of undergraduate degrees in construction management, engineering, or architecture, with financial support that leads to increased diversity in the local build community. Strong candidates include those wanting to positively impact communities through building and design professions, furthering Hermann’s legacy.
Awardees are invited to build relationships with NAMC-Oregon and AFO’s community of building and design professionals and will receive opportunities for career support and mentorship.
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility for 2026 Award
-
- Identify as Black and/or Latin(x)
- Incoming freshman or current undergraduate student pursuing a 4-year degree, enrolled in an Oregon community college or university for the 2026-27 school year
- Pursuing a degree in construction management, engineering, or architecture
- Desire to make a positive impact within the built community
Application Requirements
Please submit the following through our AFO Scholarship application form:
- 500-word (maximum) essay: Describe why equity and inclusion in design and construction is important to you, and how you aspire to use your degree to effect positive change within the built community.
- Work sample: Select a construction, engineering, or architecture related project that you are proud of in the form of images, photographs, graphics, video, audio, writing, and/or other art/building projects, including work created during and/or outside of school. If possible, include a project related to community impact on the built environment.
- PDF file (20 MB maximum)
- 3 pages maximum
- Include a written narrative to explain your work sample. What is being expressed and what is the significance of your project to the wider design and building industry? Specify if the project was created individually or in a group. If it’s a group project, please describe your role.
- FAFSA Submission Summary including your Student Aid Index (SAI). How to access your FAFSA Submission Summary.
- What is your estimated cost of attendance per school year?
- Are you paying for in-state or out-of-state tuition?
- Please list any scholarships or financial assistance you expect to receive during the 2026-27 school year (outside of your financial aid package) including the award amount and the date you will receive the support.
- If you are selected as a finalist, you will be asked to schedule an in-person or virtual interview with NAMC-Oregon and COLAS leaders.
If you are not able to submit your application electronically, please print and mail it to AFO, Attn: Candice Agahan, PO Box 40230, Portland, OR 97240. We will accept mailed applications postmarked by the deadline.
Selection Criteria
Join AFO at a Scholarship Workshop to learn more about how to prepare a successful application. See more information below.
- Candidate weaves their story and aspirations throughout their entire application
- Candidate expresses a compelling present or future aspiration/vision
- Candidate expresses a desire to make a positive impact within the built community
- Candidate shows commitment to equity and inclusion in construction and design
- Candidate aligns with NAMC-Oregon and COLAS‘s values and hopes for the future of the profession
The criteria for AFO Scholarships include consideration for need, although need is not a prerequisite. Previous applicants who have not received an award are welcomed and encouraged to reapply.
Award Notification
Applications are evaluated by a committee of AFO and NAMC-Oregon representatives. Applicants will be notified of the selection committee’s decision in April.
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.
APPLY NOW
Application Deadline: Sunday, February 22, 2026, 11:59pm Pacific Time
Questions?
Contact:
Candice Agahan
Director of Community Engagement
candice@af-oregon.org
503-542-3823
Workshops & Resources
Architecture Portfolio Workshops
In partnership with NOMA PDX, we are hosting portfolio workshops for architecture students to seek feedback and tips. Save the dates and subscribe to our newsletter to get notified when registration opens.
- Tuesday, January 20, 5:00-6:30pm, virtual
- Tuesday, January 27, 5:00-7:00, Scott Edwards Architecture, 2525 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
2025 Virtual Info Session Recording
Additional Resources
Sponsors
