Apply for an AIA26 Emerging Professionals Grant!
Advance your career with free AIA26 registration & more
Make a lasting impact on your career with the AIA26 Emerging Professionals Grant! It’s your opportunity to become an official AIA26 ambassador for emerging professionals and add to your resume in a meaningful way—while taking advantage of everything this conference offers for early career professionals.
AIA26 is a career-changing experience.
- Connect with the largest network of AIA Associate members and early career professionals.
- Network with licensed architects for mentorship opportunities and advice.
- Access curated learning for your chosen path through tracks, seminars, and more.
- Earn CE credits that count toward AXP hours.
- Get a free headshot, career resources, and much more at the AIA NextGen Lounge at the AIA26 Expo.
About the AIA26 Emerging Professionals Grant
AIA founded this grant to provide more opportunities to emerging and early career professionals who are passionate about change in the architecture profession and bring new perspectives to business, workplace health, technology, and climate action.
Selected grant winners will receive one complimentary Full Pass to AIA26—a value up to $1,149—plus other benefits listed below.
Applications, supported through the Architects Foundation, are due by Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 11:59pm ET.
Grant benefits
- Free AIA26 registration (up to $1,149 in value) with access to valuable leadership resources, unparalleled networking, and CE credits that count toward AXP hours
- Access to select conference events
- 1:1 career coaching
- ARE support materials from Amber Book
- Meet and greet with other grant winners and influential AIA leaders
- Appointment as an ambassador for the AIA26 emerging professional audience and the NextGen Lounge
- Social media posts highlighting ambassador role on personal and/or official AIA channels
- Dedicated support to navigate the conference
Eligibility requirements
- Must be an Emerging Professional (EP). An Emerging Professional is defined by AIA as early career professionals who have completed their academic studies up to the point of licensure or up to 10 years after completion of their academic studies.
- Must be an Associate AIA member in good standing.
- Must not be a current AIA staff member or hold a volunteer position with AIA national.
Important note:
Receipt and use of a grant to attend the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design® is one-time only. Grants will not be awarded to past grant winners.
Application process
The application deadline is March 1, 2026. Your application must include:
- A statement stating applicant’s intent and interest in attending AIA26 and a demonstration of their financial need.
- A statement (500 words max) describing path to licensure and/or career journey. Include personal background, career path, work and/or volunteer experience, service work, etc.
- A professional resume
Application & selection timeline
- Applications open: February 9–March 1
- Review period: March 2–March 25
- Grant recipient selection: March 26–30
- Grant recipients notified: April 1
Applications are due by Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 11:59pm ET.
AIA26 & Emerging Professionals Grant interest call
Leaders of the National Associates Committee will be hosting an AIA26 and EP Grant interest call on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 3–4pm ET.
Hear from National Associates Committee leaders and several former Emerging Professional Grant recipients about how to make the most of AIA26. You’ll also hear about the Emerging Professional Grant program details and application process, and AIA26 registration discounts.