The Blue Ridge AIGA Design Continuum Fund Scholarship

Name: The Blue Ridge AIGA Design Continuum Fund Scholarship

Award Amount: $1,000–$3,000

Information And Eligibility:
The Blue Ridge AIGA Design Continuum Fund Scholarship is a need-based scholarship created to support students from underrepresented, marginalized, and economically disadvantaged backgrounds who are pursuing careers in graphic design, visual communication, or related creative disciplines. Administered by the Blue Ridge chapter of AIGA (the professional association for design), this scholarship is rooted in AIGA’s broader mission to advance equity, access, and inclusion within the design profession.

The Design Continuum Fund was established to address long-standing barriers that prevent talented students from entering and thriving in the design industry. Many aspiring designers face financial, social, or systemic obstacles that limit access to education, professional networks, and career-building opportunities. This scholarship is intended to help remove those barriers by providing direct financial support, visibility, and encouragement to students who demonstrate creative promise and a commitment to design as a career path.

Applicants are evaluated holistically. While academic performance is considered, the scholarship places greater emphasis on creativity, motivation, lived experience, and demonstrated need. Students do not need to be enrolled in a prestigious design school to qualify—community colleges, state universities, private institutions, and accredited design programs are all eligible. The fund recognizes that talent exists everywhere and that meaningful support can have a transformative impact on a student’s educational journey.

In addition to financial assistance, recipients often gain increased exposure to the professional design community through AIGA programming. This may include opportunities to attend design events, connect with working designers, and build early professional relationships. For students who lack access to industry mentors or networks, this aspect of the scholarship can be just as valuable as the monetary award.

The Blue Ridge AIGA Design Continuum Fund Scholarship is especially well-suited for students who see design not only as a profession, but as a tool for communication, social impact, and cultural expression. Applicants are encouraged to articulate how their background, perspective, and creative voice contribute to the future of design and how receiving the scholarship would support their growth and persistence in the field.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited college, university, or design program.
• Must be pursuing a degree or coursework in graphic design, visual communication, UX/UI design, digital media, or a closely related field.
• Must demonstrate financial need.
• Must identify as part of an underrepresented or marginalized group within the design profession.
• Must show a clear commitment to a career in design.

Application Requirements:

• Completed scholarship application.
• A portfolio or samples of original design work (student projects are acceptable).
• A written personal statement describing your background, creative goals, and how the scholarship would impact your education.
• Proof of enrollment or acceptance at an eligible institution.

Additional Details:

• Portfolio submissions may include branding, typography, illustration, digital design, UX/UI projects, or other visual work.
• Applicants are encouraged to focus on storytelling—both visually and in writing—when explaining their design journey.
• Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, books, software, equipment, or other education-related expenses.
• AIGA membership is not always required at the time of application but may be encouraged.

Deadline: April

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