by: AIA New York
AIA New York is proud to announce that the chapter has awarded $10,000 to help six aspiring BIPOC architects pay off their student loans through the recently established 2030 Fund, which seeks to help build a more diverse and representative profession.
The 2030 Fund was created by AIANY 2021 President Kenneth A. Lewis, AIA, in collaboration with the New York Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (nycoba|NOMA) in recognition of the profession’s diversity problem and the unique challenges faced by young BIPOC professionals pursuing licensure. According to NCARB by the Numbers 2021, people of color remain critically underrepresented in the field, with BIPOC only accounting for 16 percent of architects nationwide. The fund also seeks to support NOMA’s 2030 Challenge, which aims to double the number of licensed Black architects by the end of the decade.
The 2030 Fund’s six inaugural awardees were selected from 28 applicants from across the United States. Beyond student loan support, the recipients will also receive free ARE prep courses organized by AIANY and an opportunity to meet quarterly with an architect mentor who will provide early career and licensure guidance. An additional six finalists will receive discounted rates for the chapter’s prep courses.
In order to be considered, BIPOC applicants had to have completed a bachelor’s and/or graduate degree, have outstanding student loan balances, and be able to demonstrate a plan to pursue architectural licensure. The fund’s first round of applicants identified as Black, Native American, and Latinx, as US citizens, DACA recipients, and people of other immigrant statuses.
“AIANY is committed to working to address the profession’s lack of diversity through multiple means,” said Kenneth A. Lewis. “The 2030 Fund is a fundamental component of this work and we look forward to continuing to support young BIPOC professionals as they navigate the path to licensure. Congratulations to our six awardees!”
Selection Committee
Kenneth A. Lewis, AIA
Gregory T. Switzer, AIA, NOMA, NCARB
Andrea Lamberti, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Allison Lane, AIA, ASID, NOMA
Matthew Bremer, AIA
Benjamin Prosky, Assoc. AIA