The AIA Minnesota Architect Licensing Advisory Committee coordinates awarding a scholarship to an AIA Minnesota Associate member or MSP NOMA member to cover the costs of all sections of the Architect Registration Exam, within the parameters defined in the application. 5.0 test fees currently total $1,542 for all six sections of this exam.

Eligibility

• By the time of application, the applicant must be an AIA Minnesota Associate member or MSP NOMA member
• Newly graduated Dunwoody and UMN students may be eligible, if signed up as Associate AIA members. Visit 18 Months Free for more details.
• Eligible applicants may have begun the test taking process.
• The applicant’s employer does not reimburse employees for test fees

How to apply

Complete the scholarship application including a 1,500-character or less essay response by May 27, 2026, 5:00 pm CST. 

Application essay

The core values of AIA Minnesota are Authenticity, Equity, Collaboration, and Integrity. In an essay of no more than 1,500 characters, please describe the ways you hope to bring these core values to bear in your work as a licensed architect. Essays should be original material and not written with the use of Artificial Intelligence.

A blind review will select an essay that is written in a way that expresses the unique perspective of the applicant. The essay should be:

• Compelling – written with conviction
• Thought-provoking – expressing interesting and unique ideas; and
• Inspiring – potential to encourage and motivate others

All applicants will be notified by June 17, 2026.

Jack Strawn was selected to receive AIA Minnesota’s 2025 ARE Scholarship. In 300 words or less, applicants were required to write an essay describing how they hope to bring AIA Minnesota’s core values to bear in their work as a licensed architect.

The thesis for Jack’s essay is, “Architecture is like theater – designed for all to enjoy, feel and experience. I am dedicated to perform for the public through authentic, equitable, collaborative, and integral intent day in and day out.”