The Mel Ferris Scholarship provides financial assistance to university-level architectural students enrolled in accredited schools of architecture in California who have demonstrated financial need and exemplary academic and design achievements.

This scholarship is awarded in three tiers:

• First Place: $5,000
• Second Place: $4,000
• Third Place: $3,000

Additionally, each California NAAB accredited school of architecture will receive $500 to support student scholarship.

Applications are due August 7, 2025 by 11:59pm PT

• Applicants must be enrolled in a NAAB accredited school of architecture in California.
• Applicants must demonstrate financial need.
• Diversity and inclusion are encouraged, but identification as a member of a minority group is not required to be considered for an award.
• Must have completed the FASFA.
• Must be a student in the 2025-2026 academic year.

A transcript (official or unofficial) must be uploaded as well as the FASFA Student Aid Index (SAI) cover page.

Questions? Please contact Ashley Taylor, Awards Program Coordinator: ataylor@aiacalifornia.org