THINK [about architecture] Scholarship enters 15th year

Since 1997, DLA Architects, Ltd. has rewarded graduating high school students who were interested in pursuing a career in architecture. To date, the Scholarship Program has helped 200 students pay for classes or books, and led to three recipients working at DLA as interns and architects. Many others have gone on to work in architecture, engineering, landscape design and construction management careers.

This year, the new DLA THINK [about architecture] Scholarship will award $250 to one student at each of 22 Illinois high schools. These cash awards can be applied to college tuition, books or materials. In addition, one student will receive a first place award of $1,000 and a runner-up will receive $500. All scholarship recipients will also be invited to the DLA offices to work with a project architect and observe a professional architecture work environment. 

Specialists in educational spaces, DLA Architects has worked with each of the participating high schools to plan and design student spaces, including auditoriums, science labs, fine arts centers, sports facilities, classrooms and common areas, as well as complete schools from the ground up. The THINK [about architecture] SCHOLARSHIP challenges students to consider how the built environment has helped them learn.

Students are invited to submit two-minute creative videos that illustrate how they interact with their school's design and what the space makes possible. Winners will be selected by the DLA scholarship committee, based on the creativity and relevance of their story, as well as views and ratings on YouTube.

For more information about the THINK [about architecture] SCHOLARSHIP, visit dlascholarship.com. BD+C