Education

Worldstudio AIGA Scholarships

Apply now:

To get started, download the instructions (PDF, 116 K).

  1. Fill out an online application. Once completed, you’ll be able to edit your account until April 3, 2009.
  2. You must also mail a completed paper application (PDF, 92 K), transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc., in one envelope to:
    Worldstudio AIGA Scholarships
    164 Fifth Avenue
    New York, NY 10010

Imagine you had everything you needed to share your vision with the world: talent, skill, dedication, desire.

Everything, that is, except money.

Worldstudio AIGA Scholarships allow young people from minority and economically disadvantaged backgrounds not only to realize their artistic dreams, but also to give back to their communities.

Each year, the Worldstudio AIGA Scholarship program receives hundreds of applications from young people in this very predicament: desperate to influence the world with their amazing talents but without the financial means to do so. Fortunately, with the support of generous individuals, organizations and corporations, Worldstudio AIGA Scholarships allow young people from minority and economically disadvantaged backgrounds not only to realize their artistic dreams, but also to give back to their communities.

With continued support, we can provide many more happy endings—or, rather, exciting beginnings—for talented and deserving students of art, architecture and design.

Criteria and guidelines

Worldstudio AIGA Scholarships benefit minority and economically disadvantaged students who are studying art and design disciplines in colleges and universities in the United States. Among our primary aims are:

  • To increase diversity in the creative professions
  • To foster social and environmental responsibility in the artists, designers and studios of tomorrow

To this end, scholarship recipients are selected not only for their ability and their need, but also for their demonstrated commitment to giving back to the larger community through their work.

Basic scholarships are awarded in the amount of $1,000 to $3,000. Grand Prize awards are also given each year in amounts up to $5,000 at the jury’s discretion. These awards are paid directly to schools to be applied towards tuition. In addition, Honorable mention prizes in the amount of $200 cash are awarded.

Eligibility

  • Applicants must be citizens of the United States or be in possession of a Green Card (formally known as a Permanent Resident Card or Form I-551)
  • Applicants must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in the fine or commercial arts, design or architecture—one of the design/arts disciplines listed below—and plan to enter a career in the creative professions.
  • Applicants must be matriculated (or planning to matriculate) at accredited colleges and universities in the United States for the Fall 2009/Spring 2010 academic year and intend on maintaining full-time status for the entire year.
    • If you do not know which school you are going to be accepted to, or will attend, put your first choice.
    • If you are awarded a scholarship you will need to submit proof of acceptance in your chosen discipline.
  • Incoming students who have yet to enroll must submit proof of acceptance from schools of choice.
  • Though not a requirement, minority status is a significant factor considered in jury decisions.
  • Students must have at least a 2.0 GPA.
  • Scholarships are only awarded to those students who are in financial need. Applicants must, therefore, provide complete Financial Aid information on the scholarship form and have the form signed by his/her Financial Aid Officer.

Areas of study

Students may apply in only one discipline.

  • Advertising Art direction only
  • Animation
  • Architecture
  • Cartooning
  • Crafts
  • Environmental Graphics
  • Film/Theatre Design Includes set and costume design
  • Film/Video Direction or cinematography only
  • Fine Arts
  • Furniture Design
  • Graphic Design
  • Illustration
  • Industrial/product Design
  • Interior Architecture
  • Interior Design
  • Landscape Architecture
  • New Media New media is defined as interactive/computer design in which the end result must be viewed on a computer
  • Photography
  • Surface/Textile Design
  • Urban Planning

Selection and notification process

Entries will be evaluated by a jury of creative professionals appointed by Worldstudio Foundation and AIGA. In selecting the winning entries, jurors will take into account a number of factors including: quality of submitted work, financial need, minority status, academic record, recommendations, and strength of written statement. All applicants will be notified by mail in June. Please do not call to check on the status of your application.

Worldstudio and AIGA will notify schools of financial awards and distribute scholarship monies directly to the institution’s financial aid office or Bursar’s office;half in the fall and half in the spring of the upcoming academic year. Honorable Mention Awards are paid directly to the student. Students are required to notify Worldstudio AIGA Scholarships if there should be a change in their academic status.

Reapplication

Scholarships are only awarded for one year. All former scholarship applicants and recipients are invited to reapply in order to be considered for the next year’s competition. Previous applicants and winners who choose to reapply should submit a complete application, including new work and a new Written Statement of Purpose as evidence that the student has progressed.

FAQ

Before contacting us, please take a moment to review the comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Worldstudio site.

Contact

Contact us with any questions, comments or suggestions related to the Worldstudio AIGA Scholarship program.