Applications open November 2026 with a February 2027 deadline. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated.
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, design, or architecture at an Oregon public 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, design, or architecture at an Oregon public 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 2027 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
- Pursuing a degree in art, design, or architecture at an Oregon public university during the 2027-28 school year (see the list of eligible schools and programs)
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- Incoming freshman or transfer student accepted to an eligible school starting Fall 2027 or before
- Undergraduate or graduate student currently enrolled at an eligible school
- Students graduating before Fall 2027 are not eligible
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- Enrollment status = Full-Time or 3/4 Time for the 2027-28 school year – Fall, Winter, and Spring terms
Application Requirements
Please submit the following through our AFO Scholarship application form:
- 500-1,000-word Essay: What inspired you to choose art, design, or architecture as your field of study? How do you aspire to use your degree to support or connect with a community that is meaningful to you (such as your hometown, family, an Indigenous community, or a population or cause you hope to serve)?
- Work Samples (2-4 for undergraduate students, 3-5 for graduate students): Showcase creative projects in art, design, architecture or other fields that reflect your interests, skills, and passions. Work samples may include project images, graphics, video, and audio created inside or outside of school.
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- Submit each work sample as a PDF (maximum 20 MB and 3 pages per project).
- Process images, iterative sketches, and other evidence of design thinking are encouraged.
- For each work sample, provide a 3-5 sentence description in the application form. Explain your creative process, why the project is meaningful to you, and its context (i.e. class assignment, self-directed project, or group effort). For group projects, describe your role and contributions.
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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 Enrollment
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- Incoming freshman or transfer student: Acceptance letter to an eligible university for the 2027-28 school year
- Current university 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
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Applicants are highly encouraged to sign up for Office Hours or contact Candice Agahan (candice@af-oregon.org, 503-542-3823) with any questions about application requirements and expectations. Our staff is here to serve as a resource as you navigate the application process.
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 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 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 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.
Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified when applications open on November 1.
If you are eligible for scholarship renewal, you will receive the renewal application and instructions via email in December.
Deadline for 2026-27 Scholarship Renewal: Sunday, February 22, 2026, 11:59pm Pacific Time
Renewal Eligibility
- Remain in a degree program through the Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + 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 Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design or the School of Architecture).
- If you are an undergraduate student, support may continue into a graduate degree within the Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design or the School of Architecture. Proof of acceptance is required.
- Scholars who study abroad will remain eligible if they stay enrolled at PSU.
- 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 Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + 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. Scholars who would like to request a deferment should 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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- If you would like to share, please upload any project images and creations that you are proud of. We would love to see your work!
- 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 are approved for renewal, 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 Director of Community Engagement, Candice Agahan, candice@af-oregon.org, 503-542-3823
Questions?
Contact:
Candice Agahan
Director of Community Engagement
candice@af-oregon.org
503-542-3823
Workshops & Resources
Office Hours
Do you have questions about eligibility, application requirements, or something else? Would you like feedback on your application essay, portfolio, or work samples? We encourage you to book an Office Hour meeting with us! Office Hours are scheduled 30-minute video conference meetings with an AFO staff or committee member who will help answer your questions.
Architecture Portfolio Workshops
In partnership with NOMA PDX, we are hosting portfolio workshops for architecture students to seek feedback and tips. Missed the workshops? Subscribe to our newsletter to get updated on future opportunities.
- 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
What Makes a Successful Application?
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.”