The Gensler Rising Black Designers Scholarship awards underrepresented Black students, enrolled in U.S. not-for-profit architecture programs, with academic tuition scholarships, micro-scholarships for books and materials, and opportunities for summer internships. Black students enrolled at a U.S. not-for-profit educational institution who will begin their final year of a NAAB-accredited architecture program in the upcoming fall are eligible to apply.
Current employees and recent former employees, as well as their immediate families and those Gensler deems to present conflicts of interest, are ineligible to participate.
Besides providing basic information, applicants must complete an online application which also includes: a resume; a recommendation letter (from the dean or chair of the architecture program); the Design Challenge (see website for more information); and an advanced-level interior design project with written description (500 words and 10 pages, maximum [Work done with a single partner may be submitted, but it must include a description of the applicant’s specific contribution and a letter of support from the applicant’s collaborative partner.]).
Gensler will review submissions for the tuition scholarships and select several finalists to submit a digital video that introduces themselves to the jury and presents their work. Based on these videos, one or more winners will be awarded a Rising Black Designers academic scholarship. Winners and finalists may also be considered for a paid internship at a Gensler office, where they will be paired with a Gensler mentor who will serve as a resource during the internship and ensuing academic year. Applicants will be notified of their standing in April.
