Successful applicants have been those who are pursuing a professional education in architecture, who hold promise for succeeding in such a career pursuit, who have financial need, who demonstrate understanding of the life, career, and challenges faced by Mr. Wigington, and who put forward a strong case that they can make a similar impact on the profession and excellence in architecture.

Once received, this scholarship continues to be funded to the selected Wigington scholars for each year in their professional architecture degree program through the completion of the degree, as long as a full course load of classes is successfully completed each semester and other MAF requirements are met, including maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA, participating in the AIAS Minnesota chapter, and completing periodic reviews with the MAF Wigington Committee. Additionally, assistance with finding student employment opportunities in a Minnesota architectural firm will be provided to the successful student(s). 

The scholarship amount provided to each recipient is $3,500 per semester ($7,000 per academic year), ongoing for up to three years. For the 2026-2027 academic year, MAF will award up to two new scholarships.

Eligibility Requirements

• U. S. citizens and Permanent Residents
• Students with a demonstrable financial need
• Students currently enrolled in a NAAB-accredited architecture degree program in Minnesota who have three years or less left to complete their studies.
• Students whose academic performance, as well as personal interests and aptitude, hold promise for completion of a rigorous academic and professional challenge
• Students who demonstrate understanding of and desire to carry on Mr. Wigington’s legacy

Selection Process

• Candidate Information (name, address, undergraduate institution)
• Minimum of one (1), maximum of two (2) recommendation letters
• Financial information
  • FAFSA copy (most recent available)
  • Other scholarships/grants received
• Academic information [acceptance status, current unofficial transcript, expected graduation date(s), concise and readily available representation of recent design work]
• Personal statement communicating interest in the study and practice of architecture, related interests, other awards and/or recognitions, understanding of the life, career, and challenges faced by Mr. Wigington, and how the applicant sees themselves carrying on the legacy of Mr. Wigington in making a similar impact on the profession and achieving excellence in architecture.

Selection Process and 2026 Schedule
(target dates; subject to change)

March 30, 2026 – Application period opens
May 29, 2026 – Application deadline
June 8-12, 2026 – MAF Wigington Committee reviews applications and determines finalists
June 12, 2026 – Finalists notified and invited to an interview with Committee members
June 22-26, 2026 – Interviews 
July 2, 2026 – Announcement of Wigington Scholars in AIA Minnesota’s Matrix newsletter, the MAF/AIA Minnesota website, and via social media.