Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship

Name: Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship

Award Amount: $10,000

Information And Eligibility:
The Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship is a prestigious architecture scholarship administered by the Architects Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). This award honors the legacy of Sho-Ping Chin, FAIA—a respected architect, mentor, and healthcare practice leader at Payette who was instrumental in shaping the national conversation on women in design and advancing equity within the architecture profession. The scholarship supports a woman enrolled in a NAAB-accredited professional architecture program, providing significant financial assistance and professional mentorship during the scholarship year.

Recipients are selected based on academic performance, commitment to the field of architecture, and the quality of their submitted materials. In addition to the monetary award, the scholarship emphasizes professional development: each recipient is paired with a senior mentor from Payette to help establish valuable industry contacts and gain insight into architectural practice and leadership. This combination of financial support and mentorship helps elevate the next generation of women architects poised to make impactful contributions to the built environment.

The scholarship typically opens for applications each fall and has a defined application period. In recent cycles, the application window has run from early November to early January, with selections and award announcements occurring later in the academic year.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must identify as a woman.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Must be a rising third- or fourth-year undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a NAAB-accredited architecture degree program (bachelor’s or master’s).
• Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Application Requirements:

• Completed online scholarship application.
• Comprehensive essay (approximately 1,200 words) discussing how architecture and architects can improve the human condition and quality of life.
• Professional resume outlining academic and relevant professional experience.
• Two letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s academic and professional potential.
• Portfolio of 5–15 works that reflect the applicant’s design experience and creative capabilities.

Deadline: January

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