Applications will open November 2024 with a February 2025 deadline. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated.
Tsagaglalal (She Who Watches) Scholarship
Renewable $10,000 scholarship for Native American, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian non-graduating 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 Native Hawaiian students pursuing a degree in Art or Architecture at Portland State University to apply for this renewable, multi-year award.
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility for 2025 Award
- Identify as Native American, Alaskan Native and/or Native Hawaiian
- Undergraduate or graduate student currently enrolled at Portland State University; or must be starting at Portland State University by Fall 2025 (students graduating in 2025 are not eligible – the award is intended to assist students through the 2025-26 school year and beyond)
- Pursuing a degree through the School of Art + Design or the School of Architecture
- Enrollment status = Full-Time or 3/4 Time at Portland State University for the 2025-26 school year – Fall, Winter, and Spring terms (enrollment status info)
- No minimum GPA requirement – students with a GPA lower than 2.00 for undergraduate students and 3.00 for graduate students will be asked to participate in their school’s required workshops and academic coaching (see PSU’s protocol on academic standing)
Application Requirements
Please submit the following through our AFO Scholarship application form:
- 500-1,000-word (maximum) Essay – What inspired you to choose Art or Architecture as your field of study? What are your aspirations with this degree?
- Copy of Transcript showing degree program and GPA (for current PSU students) or Acceptance Letter to Portland State University (for students starting Fall 2025)
- Work Samples (2 for undergraduate students, 3-4 for graduate students) – 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 (3 page, 50 MB maximum per work sample/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.
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.
Award Notification
Applications are evaluated by a committee of AFO 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.
If you are eligible for scholarship renewal, you will receive the renewal application and instructions via email in the Fall.
Deadline for 2025-26 Scholarship Renewal: Sunday, February 23, 2025, 11:59pm
Renewal Eligibility
- Remain in a degree program through the School of Art + Design or the School of Architecture at Portland State University (changes in a degree program are accepted if the new degree being pursued is within the School of Art + Design or the School of Architecture).
- Enrolled in at least one term during the upcoming school year including Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer terms (award amount will be adjusted, $3,333.33/term, if applicant is enrolled in less than three terms in the upcoming academic year).
- Maintain Full-Time or 3/4 Time enrollment status (enrollment status info).
- No minimum GPA requirement – students with a GPA lower than 2.00 for undergraduate students and 3.00 for graduate students will be asked to participate in PSU’s required workshops and academic coaching (see PSU’s protocol on academic standing).
Reporting Changes in Eligibility
If a scholar changes majors or ceases enrollment at PSU during an awarding year, they must notify Candice Agahan, candice@af-oregon.org, within one month. Scholars who cease enrollment or switch majors to a program not within the School of Art + Design or the School of Architecture will stop receiving scholarship funds at that time.
Requesting a Deferment
Deferment of scholarship funds is available for up to one academic year if a student plans to take a maximum year-long hiatus from school. If you would like to request a deferment, please do not fill out the renewal application. Contact Candice Agahan, candice@af-oregon.org for more information. Deferments will be granted by the Tsagaglalal Selection Committee on a case-by-case basis.
Renewal Application Requirements
- Copy of transcript showing degree program and GPA
- Write a short paragraph outlining your use of award funds over the past year. What impact did the funds have on your education journey?
- Optional Application Questions:
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- Are you interested in mentorship opportunities?
- (Graduate students) Are you interested in providing mentorship to undergraduate students?
- Aside from this scholarship, are there other ways AFO can support your academic career?
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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.
Award Notification
Renewal applications will be reviewed by AFO to verify that scholars meet the eligibility requirements. You will be notified of AFO’s decision in April.
If you meet eligibility requirements, scholarship funds will be disbursed via check at the beginning of each term you are enrolled in ($3,333.33 per term from Fall-Spring).
In the renewal application, please specify if you would like funds mailed directly to you or to Portland State University. Scholarship funds may be subject to taxes depending on how they are used. Visit the IRS website to learn more.
Questions? Contact AFO Education Program Manager, Candice Agahan, candice@af-oregon.org, 503-542-3823
Questions?
Contact:
Candice Agahan
Education Program Manager
candice@af-oregon.org
503-542-3823
Scholarship Workshops
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.
2025 workshop dates will be announced in the fall.
Additional Resources
2024 Virtual Workshop Recording
Scholar Spotlight
Genavieve, Yup’ik Alaskan Native and enrolled member of Pilot Station Traditional Village, is an Art Practice candidate at Portland State University. “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.”