The following is a Nov. 12 press release from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards announcing the launch of a new scholarship from the Architects Foundation. The LFRT (Large Firm Roundtable) Architect Registration Examination scholarship will include $500, a one-year subscription to ArchiPrep, one year of dues to AIA or NOMA, and one year of NCARB Record fees to support aspiring Black architects preparing for the ARE.
The Architects Foundation is launching its inaugural LFRT Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) Scholarship this month.
The scholarship will cover the cost of the ARE, provide $500 in study materials, a one-year subscription to AIA’s exam prep resource, ArchiPrep, one year of dues to AIA or the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), and one year of NCARB Record fees. In order to be eligible, applicants must be Associate AIA or a member of NOMA, hold an NCARB Record, and must be eligible for the ARE. A brief essay is required to apply and letters of recommendation are optional. More than 30 awards are available.
“We wanted to remove as many barriers as possible for young people seeking this award,” said Jonathan Moody, AIA, NOMA, co-chair of the LFRT Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) committee. “And being the first year of granting these scholarships, we’re not sure how many applications to expect, but if you run the numbers, the need exceeds current resources. That being said, I believe the LFRT is committed to providing continued financial support and work with the Architects Foundation and others to support aspiring Black architects.”
According to a joint survey, Baseline on Belonging, by NCARB and NOMA, minority professionals experience more barriers as they pursue licensure. Results indicate that affordability of the ARE exam is disproportionately reported by Black and Latino candidates, and most applicants spend more than $500 on study materials.
“Improving access to the exam is one step the profession can take to help open doors to a more diverse pool of aspiring architects. NCARB is excited to partner with the LFRT on this new scholarship,” said NCARB President Alfred Vidaurri, NCARB, NOMA, FAIA.
Interested candidates for the LFRT ARE Scholarship can learn more on the Architects Foundation website. The deadline to apply is January 14, 2022.
