Introducing Our 2026 Scholars!

Introducing Our 2026 Scholars

April 13, 2026

Please join us in congratulating our 2026 AFO Scholarship recipients!

Our six $5,000-10,000 specialized scholarships support higher education students who are historically underrepresented in design and building fields. Through our annual awards, we give financial support and mentorship to students pursuing a career in architecture, interior design, engineering, construction, art, and design.

Join us at Building Pathways on April 16 to explore a showcase of innovative student projects created by our Scholars and Formation Mentees, and connect with the next generation of talented designers and builders.

Building Pathways

April 16, 5:30-7:30pm

Design Portland @ J.K. Gill Building

408 SW 5th Ave

Portland, 97204

Hatfield Scholar

Caroline Buecker

University of Oregon

Caroline is a Master of Architecture student at UO whose work is rooted in community service and mentorship. "Community service has taught me that thoughtful design can do more than just shape buildings, it can shape how every one of us sees each other. Let us future designers make sure that the spaces we shape are ones that make every community member feel heard and welcomed."

Hart Scholar

Anush Ilavarasan

University of Oregon

Anush is a Bachelor of Architecture student at UO whose passion for design is rooted in everyday experience. "I hope to work in a collaborative firm where I can continue learning and contribute to projects that serve communities. I want to focus on housing and community-based work and continue exploring building performance and sustainability as part of the design process."

Tsagaglalal Scholar

Kylie Speer

Portland State University

Kylie is an incoming PSU architecture student and member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. "Coming from a community that is underrepresented in architecture, I recognize how decisions about housing and infrastructure are made without community voices. I am committed to becoming an architect who listens, collaborates, and designs with cultural awareness."

Tsagaglalal Scholar

Lisa Ike-Lopez

Portland State University

Lisa is an incoming PSU architecture student and member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs who carries heritage and responsibility into her work. "I had a realization when visiting my community during the 2020 lockdowns that the infrastructure was not good. It sparked a passion in me to use architecture as a way to help design better standards of living."

Colas Scholar

Jesus Moreno Rangel

Oregon State University

Jesus is a Construction Engineering Management student at OSU and founder of Engineering Together, a bridge-building competition that introduces under-represented high school students to construction and engineering careers. "Engineering Together served as a powerful reminder that the future of our industry is found within the learning spaces of our communities."

Colas Scholar

David Castro-Andrade

Portland State University

David is a Mechanical Engineering student at PSU motivated by his mom's experience with lupus. He designed a low-cost air quality sensor, aiming to make healthier living environments more accessible for underserved communities. "While my project is a prototype, the principle is focused on enhancing the quality of life for everyone, not just those who can pay."

PCC Scholar (2025)

Ana Biletskyy

Portland Community College

Ana is working towards her Architectural Drafting degree at PCC. "A home should be designed around the way a family moves, not just what is efficient. Design should be taken advantage of more to create spaces for people to enjoy and to be convenient for their lives. I use this thinking as I create projects and grow my understanding of Architectural Design."

PAE Scholar (2025)

Morgan Dawkins

Pennsylvania State University

Morgan is an Architectural Engineering major with a specialization in construction at Penn State. She is passionate about protecting marginalized communities through disaster-resilient infrastructure. "I plan to use my degree to design structures that not only address climate justice but also create opportunities for everyone to be successful in a sustainable and resilient future."

Learn More About Our Scholars

Thank you to our Scholarship Partners

This Thursday: Connect with Our Scholars at Building Pathways!

The future of design and building is here, and you’re invited!

Join us at Building Pathways, our annual Scholarship & Mentorship Showcase, to connect with the next generation of designers and builders. Meet this year’s Scholars and Formation Mentees, explore innovative student projects, and hear inspiring stories about following your values to build pathways in the design and building industry.

Come ready to:

Network with emerging talent while browsing our student showcase
Support underrepresented college students entering the field
Gain insight from real career journeys
Celebrate a more inclusive future in design

Featuring inspiring talks from former Scholars Sharon Alitema of Colas Construction and Aracely Barajas of Carleton Hart Architecture.

Every ticket supports scholarships and mentorship opportunities for college students historically underrepresented in the design and building industry.

Let’s build pathways, together!

Thursday, April 16

5:30-7:30pm

Design Portland @ J.K. Gill Building, Portland

More Upcoming AFO Happenings

Creative Spark: An Architects in Schools Celebration & Design Competition

Join us on May 28 for a lively evening to celebrate our flagship Architects in Schools program and spark creativity among intergenerational designers!

To showcase the elements and impact of design as Architects in Schools students experience, a design competition will take place for guests to peruse and judge. Each year a new theme and design challenge is presented to teams of AEC professionals. Together, they create a model feature and compete for awards designated by a panel of Architects in Schools elementary school student judges.

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines:

Design Competition Info Session

4/21, 5-6pm, Virtual

Design Competition Registration Deadline

Learn more

Creative Spark

5/28, 5:30-8:00pm, DLR Group, Portland

Architects in Schools Student Exhibits

You are invited to celebrate the hard work of our 2025-26 Architects in Schools students across Oregon! This is our culminating event of the season, where participating students exhibit the work they have completed during their Architects in Schools residencies.

Want to help us bring exhibits to life?

Exhibit Reception Dates: