Applications will open November 2024 with a February 2025 deadline. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated.

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 will provide 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 2025 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 2025-26 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 construction is important, and how you will use your degree to effect positive change within the built community.
Work sample: An opportunity to showcase your passions or a 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.
- PDF file (50 MB maximum)
- 3 pages maximum
- Include written narrative to explain your work sample
- If possible, include a project related to community impact or impact on the built environment
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, PO Box 40230, Portland, OR 97240. We will accept mailed applications postmarked by the deadline.

The criteria for AFO Scholarships includes a 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 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.

Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified when applications open in November.

Questions?

Contact:
Candice Agahan
Education Program Manager
candice@af-oregon.org
503-542-3823

Scholarship Workshops & Resources

During our 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. Workshops are free and open to eligible scholarship candidates.