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

The online application opens February 18, the application deadline is April 22, 2016. Click here to download a PDF of application instructions and answers to frequently asked questions.

Criteria and awards

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

Scholarship recipients are selected not only for their talent and their need, but also for their demonstrated commitment to giving back to the larger community through their work. Each award is paid directly to the recipient’s school and applied toward tuition.

» Basic scholarships are awarded in the amounts of $2,000 – $3,000.
» Up to two additional awards may be given in an amount up to $6,000 at the jury’s discretion.
» Honorable mention prizes in the amount of $500 cash are also awarded.

If you would like to lend a hand and support a student, click here.

Eligibility

» Applicants must be citizens of the United States or possess a green card. Having DACA certification and or a Social Security number does not make you eligible.
» Applicants must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in a discipline listed below with the intention of pursuing that discipline as a career.
» Applicants must be matriculated (or planning to matriculate) at accredited colleges and universities in the United States for the Fall 2016/Spring 2017 academic year with the intention of maintaining full-time status for the entire year. If you do not yet know which school you will attend, put your first 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 and it must be the student’s major. We do not offer scholarships to minors in these disciplines. Eligible disciplines include:

» Fine Art
» Graphic Design (includes; visual design)
» Illustration (includes; animation)
» Interactive Design (includes; UI/UX, motion, digital and web)
» Photography

Application

Step 1: First, click here to download the application instructions. Read them carefully and review the Frequently Asked Questions.

Step 2: The application is to be completed online. The online application will be posted February 18, 2016.

Please follow all instructions carefully. Incomplete or late applications will be disqualified.

Deadline and notification

All entries must be received by April 22, 2016 for the 2016/2017 scholarship competition; students must be enrolled for the full Fall 2016/Spring 2017 academic year. Winners will be notified in late June.

Reapplication

We encourage former scholarship recipients to reapply. Previous recipients who choose to reapply should submit new work and written statement of purpose.

Do you have questions?

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions for answers to all the questions we have ever received.

Past winners

Click on the links below to see work and written statements of purpose from past winners:

2015/16
2014/15
2013/14
2012/13

About us

Worldstudio
At Worldstudio, we believe that creativity holds enormous power to spark positive social change. Thru Design Ignites Change – a Worldstudio social initiative – we support creative professionals and students who use design thinking – the combination of unleashed creativity and executable actions – to improve the lives of individuals and communities.

AIGA
As the largest professional association of designers in the world, AIGA is committed to advancing the value and impact of design, both locally and globally, and working together to inspire, support and learn from each other, at every stage of our careers. Together we can do amazing things.