Apply for an AIA25 Emerging Professionals Grant!

Advance your career with free AIA25 registration & more

Make a lasting impact on your career with the AIA25 Emerging Professionals Grant! It’s your opportunity to become an official AIA25 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.

AIA25 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 career coaching, portfolio advice, a free headshot, and much more at the NextGen Lounge at the AIA25 Expo.

About the AIA25 Emerging Professionals Grant

AIA and the Architects Foundation 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 AIA25 worth $699, plus other benefits listed below.

Applications are due by Sunday, March 23 at 11:59pm ETapply today!

Grant benefits

  • Free AIA25 registration (a $699 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 AIA25 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.
  • Must be willing to commit to a two-hour volunteer shift at the NextGen Lounge at AIA25.

Important notes

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.

New AIA members who join between June 9, 2024, and June 7, 2025, will be able to register at a reduced rate of $159. View details

Application process

The application deadline is March 23. Your application must include:

  • A statement stating applicant’s intent and interest in attending AIA25 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.
  • At least one letter of support from an AIA chapter leader, supervisor, former supervisor, colleague, or peer.
  • A professional resume

Application & selection timeline

  • Applications open: February 26–March 23
  • Review period: March 31–April 20
  • Grant recipient selection: April 21–25
  • Grant recipients notified: April 30

Apply today! Applications are due by Sunday, March 23 at 11:59pm ET.

Questions? Email us.


AIA25 & Emerging Professionals Grant interest call

Leaders of the National Associates Committee will be hosting an AIA25 and EP Grant interest call on Thursday, March 13, 4-5pm ET.

Hear from National Associates Committee leaders and several former Emerging Professional Grant recipients about how to make the most of AIA25. You’ll also hear about the Emerging Professional Grant program details and application process and AIA25 registration discounts.

Register for the call