Barbara G. Laurie Scholarship 2026 | Eligibility and How to Apply

The Barbara G. Laurie Scholarship is a multi-year award that follows you from your freshman year all the way through your architecture degree. It was created by the Washington Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA|DC) and the Washington Architectural Foundation to make architecture education more accessible to D.C. residents.

What makes this scholarship truly special is not just the money. It is the consistency. Rather than a one-time grant that disappears after your first year, this award continues to support you every year for up to five years, as long as you stay in an architecture program and keep your grades up. That kind of sustained support can make an enormous difference to a student’s ability to focus on their studies without financial distraction.

This post covers everything you need to know about the 2026 Barbara G. Laurie Scholarship: who qualifies, what it covers, how to apply, and tips to help you put forward a strong application.

Scholarship Overview

About the Scholarship

The Barbara G. Laurie Scholarship was established in 1999 and renamed in 2013 to honour the memory of Barbara G. Laurie, an architect who dedicated her career to community, education, and design excellence in Washington D.C. Laurie was a partner at Devrouax + Purnell, one of D.C.’s prominent architecture firms. She was also a founding member of the Organization of Black Designers and a professor of architecture at Howard University.

Her legacy is one of access and excellence. The scholarship named after her continues that spirit by investing in young D.C. residents who want to build a future in architecture. It is jointly sponsored by AIA|DC and the Washington Architectural Foundation, two well-established organisations in the American architecture community.

The award is given once per year to a single recipient. That recipient receives $5,000 annually and can continue receiving the scholarship for the duration of their architecture program, up to a maximum of five years.

Eligibility

To be considered for the Barbara G. Laurie Scholarship, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• Citizenship or Residency: You must be a permanent resident of the District of Columbia. This is a firm requirement and is not negotiable.
• Academic Stage: You must fall into one of two categories. Either you are completing high school (in a public, charter, or private school in D.C. or the surrounding region) and will be entering a degree program at a school of architecture as a college freshman in Fall 2026, or you are a student at a technical school or community college who has already completed high school and will be transferring into an architecture program in Fall 2026.
• Programme Requirement: You must be entering or transferring into a formal architecture degree programme in the United States for the Fall 2026 term.
• Grade Point Average: To retain the scholarship in subsequent years, you must maintain a good grade point average and remain enrolled in an architecture programme.

Eligible Countries

This scholarship is exclusively for residents of the District of Columbia in the United States of America. International students or residents of other U.S. states are not eligible for this award.

If you are not based in D.C. and are looking for architecture scholarships open to a wider pool of applicants, search for scholarships by country to find opportunities that match your location.

Eligible Fields of Study

This scholarship is specifically for students entering a degree programme in architecture. It is not open to other fields of study.

You must be enrolling in or transferring into a recognised school of architecture anywhere in the United States. The programme must lead to a formal architecture degree.

Benefits

The Barbara G. Laurie Scholarship provides the following:

• Annual Award: $5,000 per year directed toward tuition costs.
• Duration: The scholarship continues each year for up to five years or until graduation, whichever comes first. This means you could receive a total of up to $25,000 across your full degree.
• Renewability: The scholarship is renewed each year provided you maintain a good grade point average and remain enrolled in an architecture programme.
• Living Allowance: The scholarship is described as going toward tuition. Additional living support is not mentioned.
• Visa Fees: Not applicable, as the scholarship is for U.S.-based D.C. residents.

Required Documents

The official listing does not specify every document required. Based on standard scholarship application practices and the selection criteria mentioned, you should prepare the following:

1. Proof of D.C. residency (e.g. a utility bill, lease agreement, or government-issued ID showing your D.C. address)
2. High school transcripts or community/technical college transcripts
3. High school diploma or proof of expected graduation
4. Letter of acceptance or proof of enrolment into an architecture programme (if already received)
5. Portfolio or evidence of drawing ability, as this is explicitly listed as a selection criterion
6. Personal statement or essay demonstrating interest in architecture
7. Proof of extracurricular activities or community involvement
8. Evidence of financial need (the selection process considers this)
9. Completed application form via the official application link

How to Apply

Follow these steps carefully to submit a strong application:

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility. Make sure you are a permanent D.C. resident and are entering or transferring into an architecture programme in Fall 2026. If you do not meet both conditions, you are not eligible.

Step 2: Visit the official application portal at https://cvent.me/1kdbkb. This is the link provided by AIA|DC and the Washington Architectural Foundation.

Step 3: Read all instructions on the application portal before filling out anything. Pay close attention to any specific prompts or questions about your background and goals.

Step 4: Gather your documents. Collect your transcripts, proof of residency, portfolio, personal statement, and any other supporting materials before you begin filling out the form.

Step 5: Prepare your portfolio or drawing samples. Since drawing ability is a listed selection criterion, ensure your samples are well-presented, clearly scanned or photographed, and represent your best work.

Step 6: Write your personal statement. This should address your interest in architecture, your academic background, and your future goals in the field. Be specific and honest.

Step 7: Request any required recommendation letters well in advance of the deadline. Give your recommenders enough time to write a thoughtful letter on your behalf.

Step 8: Review your full application before submitting. Check that all documents are attached, all questions are answered, and all information is accurate.

Step 9: Submit your application before 5:00 PM on May 1, 2026. Do not wait until the last day if you can avoid it.

Step 10: Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for your records.

Key Dates and Timeline

Application Deadline

The application deadline is May 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM (local Washington D.C. time, Eastern Time).

Applications submitted after this time will NOT be accepted.

Do not leave your application to the last minute. Technical issues, missing documents, and rushed submissions can all cost you this opportunity. Aim to submit at least 48 hours before the deadline.

Selection Criteria

The Washington Architectural Foundation has sole authority to select recipients. According to the official guidelines, the following factors are considered:

• Demonstrated Interest in Architecture: You need to show genuine passion for the field. This can come through your personal statement, portfolio, extracurricular activities, or prior experiences related to design or building.
• Academic Performance: Your grades matter. Strong transcripts from high school or community college will strengthen your application.
• Extracurricular Activities: Participation in school clubs, community projects, design competitions, or other activities outside of academics is taken into account.
• Drawing Ability: This is a unique and important criterion. You will need to demonstrate your capacity to draw or visualise space. This is not just about technical skill; it is about showing you think like an architect.
• Financial Need: The selection process considers financial need. Be prepared to provide honest information about your financial situation.

All decisions made by the Washington Architectural Foundation are final. All submitted application materials become the property of AIA|DC and the Washington Architectural Foundation.

Important Tips

1. Start your portfolio now. Drawing ability is explicitly listed as a selection criterion. Gather your best sketches, diagrams, or design projects and organise them in a clear, professional format before the deadline.
2. Be specific about why architecture. Generic answers like “I love buildings” will not stand out. Describe a moment, project, or experience that sparked your interest and where you want to take it.
3. Address financial need directly. If you qualify on financial grounds, do not shy away from explaining your situation clearly and honestly. It is part of the criteria and there is no benefit to understating it.
4. Contact your high school counsellor or college advisor early. They may be able to help with documentation, recommendations, and reviewing your application materials.
5. Get your recommendation letters sorted at least two weeks before the deadline. Give your recommenders a brief summary of the scholarship so they can tailor their letters to the selection criteria.
6. Do not wait for your acceptance letter from an architecture school. If you have applied but not yet received a formal offer, submit the rest of your application materials and note your status. Confirm the process on the application portal.
7. Use the personal statement to connect your story to Barbara G. Laurie’s values. She was committed to community, design, and opening doors for underrepresented designers. Showing alignment with those values can only help your application.
8. Double-check your proof of D.C. residency. This is the most fundamental requirement. Make sure your documentation clearly shows your current address in the District of Columbia.

Frequently Asked Questions

I live in the D.C. suburbs in Maryland or Virginia. Am I eligible?

No. The scholarship requires permanent residency in the District of Columbia specifically. Residents of Maryland or Virginia, even those in the greater D.C. area, are not eligible.

Can I apply if I have already started university in a non-architecture programme and want to transfer to architecture?

The eligibility states that community college and technical school students who completed high school can apply if they will transfer into an architecture programme in Fall 2026. Students already enrolled in a four-year university in a different field should verify eligibility directly with the Washington Architectural Foundation.

What happens if my GPA drops during my degree?

The scholarship is renewable only if you maintain a good grade point average and remain enrolled in an architecture programme. A drop in grades could result in the scholarship not being renewed. 

Can I use this scholarship at any architecture school in the country?

Yes. The scholarship follows you to any accredited school of architecture anywhere in the United States, not just schools in D.C.

Is this scholarship open to international students? 

No. The scholarship is limited to permanent residents of the District of Columbia. International students are not eligible unless they hold permanent D.C. residency.

How competitive is this scholarship?

Only one scholarship is awarded per year, which means competition is significant. A strong portfolio, clear writing, and well-rounded extracurricular involvement will make your application stand out.

Do I need to have already been accepted to an architecture school to apply?

The guidelines state you must be entering an architecture programme in Fall 2026. 

Can I reapply if I was not selected in a previous year?

Contact AIA|DC or the Washington Architectural Foundation for clarity on reapplication eligibility.

Official Application Link

Apply here: https://cvent.me/1kdbkb

For questions or additional information, contact the Washington Architectural Foundation or AIA|DC directly through their official website.