William R. Hawley Scholarship Fund

Scholarship Sponsored by AIA Silicon Valley

Description
The AIA Silicon Valley Scholarship supports the education of students preparing for careers in architecture. Administered by the American Institute of Architects, Silicon Valley Chapter, the award is intended to help the next generation of architects with tuition and related academic expenses. The scholarship is locally focused and intended for students connected to Santa Clara County who are pursuing architecture degrees at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Key takeaways
- Administered by AIA Silicon Valley to support future architects
- Focused on students pursuing architecture degrees
- Geographically connected to Santa Clara County

History of the Award
AIA Silicon Valley established this scholarship in 2004 to invest in the long-term health of the architectural profession. The fund was created by the chapter to address the rising costs of architectural education and to encourage local talent to remain engaged with the profession. Since its founding, the scholarship has been an annual effort to identify and support promising architecture students.

Key takeaways
- Created in 2004 by AIA Silicon Valley
- Intended to offset education costs and nurture local talent
- Administered as an ongoing chapter scholarship

Eligibility
The scholarship has specific eligibility rules focused on residency, enrollment status, academic progress, and prior receipt.
- **Residency:** Applicants must be legal residents of Santa Clara County.
- **Enrollment:** Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program that leads to a career in architecture; either full-time or part-time enrollment is acceptable.
- **Undergraduate Standing:** Undergraduate applicants must have completed at least two years of college work in their required major by the end of the current academic year.
- **Previous Recipients:** Students who have previously received this scholarship remain eligible to apply again.

Key takeaways
- Must be a legal resident of Santa Clara County
- Open to undergraduate and graduate architecture students (full- or part-time)
- Undergrads need a minimum of two years completed in their major
- Past recipients may reapply

Award Value
The scholarship provides financial assistance to eligible architecture students, with awards designed to help defray education-related costs. The program awards up to a specified maximum per recipient; actual award amounts may vary depending on the selection committee’s decisions and available funds. Recipients should view the scholarship as partial support rather than full tuition coverage.

Key takeaways
- Provides financial assistance for architecture students
- Awards vary; there is a defined maximum per recipient
- Intended as partial support for education costs

Number of Scholarships
Each cycle, the program may award scholarships to more than one student, depending on funding and applicant quality. The chapter can award up to two scholarships in a given cycle, but may choose to award fewer based on applications received. Selection committees determine how funds are allocated among successful applicants.

Key takeaways
- Up to two scholarships may be awarded per cycle
- Actual number awarded depends on funding and applicant pool
- Committee discretion determines distribution of funds

Application Timeline and How to Apply
Specific deadlines and application procedures are set by AIA Silicon Valley and can change from year to year. Applicants should check the AIA Silicon Valley website or contact the chapter directly for the current application window, required materials, and submission instructions. Typical preparation steps include assembling academic transcripts, a resume or CV, a personal statement, and any requested portfolio materials.

Key takeaways
- Deadlines and requirements are announced annually by AIA Silicon Valley
- Verify current details on the chapter website or via direct contact
- Prepare transcripts, resume/CV, personal statement, and portfolio as applicable