Register for our Virtual Info Session (Jan. 27) and Portland Workshop (Feb. 19)
Application is open! Apply by Sunday, February 23, 2025, 11:59pm
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
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 Indigenous youth to excel.
AFO encourages Indigenous students of U.S. states and territories who are pursuing a degree in art or architecture at Portland State University to apply for this renewable, multi-year award. AFO Scholarship recipients are expected to attend an event in Spring of their awarding year where they will be presented with their awards.
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility for 2025 Award
- Ethnically identify as Indigenous of U.S. states and/or territories including Native American, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, and U.S. Territories including Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands
- Attending Portland State University during the 2025-26 school year (students graduating 2025 are not eligible)
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- Incoming freshman or transfer student accepted to Portland State University starting Fall 2025 or before
- Undergraduate or graduate student currently enrolled at Portland State University
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- 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)
Application Requirements
Please submit the following through our AFO Scholarship application form:
- 500-1,000-word Essay: What inspired you to choose art or architecture as your field of study? What are your aspirations with this degree?
- Work Samples (2-4 for undergraduate students, 3-5 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).
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- Please provide a 1-3 sentence description with each work sample that describes its context (i.e. school class, self-motivated, if including group projects please describe your role, etc.)
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- Verification of Indigenous Heritage – Provide one form of documentation OR if you have none, submit a 200-word (maximum) description of your Indigenous heritage. AFO asks for verification to ensure scholarship funds are benefiting our target demographics. Please contact candice@af-oregon.org with any questions or concerns about verification requirements.
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- Documentation examples
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- Tribal enrollment/membership card or documentation
- Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) document recognizing applicant as American Indian/Alaska Native
- Hawaiian ancestry verification such as birth certificate, OHA Hawaiian Registry, Department of Hawaiian Home Land lease (DHHL), or Kamehameha Schools Hoʻoulu Hawaiian Data Center Verification Letter
- Letter issued by a Tribe on Tribal letterhead
- Genealogical Records
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- Documentation examples
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- Proof of PSU Enrollment
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- Incoming freshman or transfer student: Acceptance Letter to Portland State University showing enrollment for 2025-26 school year
- Current PSU student: Copy of Transcript showing degree program and GPA
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- 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)
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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.
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 clear passion for art and/or architecture
- Candidate’s work samples show potential and demonstrate innovation
- Candidate expresses a desire to support marginalized communities
The criteria for AFO Scholarships include 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 board members, artists, and design professionals. 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, and design community from across the state and celebrates the hard work and accomplishments of the Scholars.
Apply Now
Application Deadline: Sunday, February 23, 2025, 11:59pm
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.
Awarding and Payment Process
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 & Resources
During our info sessions and 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. Info sessions and workshops are free and open to eligible scholarship candidates. Register now and find additional information, below.
Virtual Info Session
Monday, January 27, 5-6pm, Zoom
A chance to learn more about AFO scholarship offerings, the application process, and determine your eligibility to apply.
Portland Workshop
Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7pm, Carleton Hart Architecture, 630 SW 5th Ave #400, Portland, OR 97204
Learn how to prepare a successful application and receive tips and feedback on scholarship essays, portfolios/work samples, and more.
Register for the 2025 Virtual Info Session and Portland Workshop
2024 Virtual Workshop Recording
Additional Resources
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.”