Founded by AIA California’s Healthcare Facilities Forum Committee in memory of their colleague, the Robert J. Kain, this scholarship known as The Kain Scholarship, strives to encourage and support architecture students interested in pursuing a career in the design and delivery of hospitals and healing environments.
With forces that continually shift and improve healthcare delivery, this scholarship opportunity supports the importance of developing the next generation of architects to create the innovative design and delivery needs of tomorrow’s healthcare facilities.
PRIZE
$2,000 to help offset costs of higher education in architecture. Award can be used for qualified tuition and related expenses and/or to otherwise improve or enhance capacity, skill or talent in the field of healthcare architecture.
DEADLINE
Applications are due August 7, 2025 by 11:59pm PT
ELIGILIBITY
- Applicants must be enrolled in a NAAB accredited school of architecture in California.
- California Resident
- Proof of enrollment as a full-time student in an architecture program at a California College or University.
- Must be in an undergraduate or Masters program.
Please review the full submission guidelines to assist you with putting together the application package. Have questions? Visit our website to learn more.
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.
DEADLINE
Applications are due August 7, 2025 by 11:59pm PT
ELIGILIBITY
- 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