Achieving licensure in the fields represents the culmination of an educational journey unique to our profession. Licensure is also a vital avenue in the development of the next generation of design talent.
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10.10.2023
OTJ Introduces Licensure Scholarship for Black and African American Architects and Interior Designers
OTJ believes that the future of our industry must be defined by measurable, time-bound action towards greater diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. The confluence of diverse backgrounds in the workplace sparks creativity, drives innovation, and empowers us all to rise above assumptions and stereotypes.
Remarks Kevin Sneed, FAIA, Senior Principal and Senior Director of Architecture: “Achieving licensure in the fields represents the culmination of an educational journey unique to our profession. Licensure is also a vital avenue in the development of the next generation of design talent.”
Black and African American professionals, however, face unique challenges on this path. Statistics are sobering: Black and African Americans make up only 1.8% of the NCARB licensed certificate holders and less than 1% of NCIDQ licensed certificate holders. It is also recorded that Black and African American candidates spend more on test taking and study materials on average.
To help the most underrepresented racial group in our field, we are pleased to introduce the OTJ Licensure Scholarship for Black and African American Architects and Interior Designers. This scholarship provides funds and supporting materials for the pursuit of licensure by Blacks and African Americans in the architecture and interior design industry. Two (2) scholarships are available each calendar year to offset the exam fees for the three (3) sections of the NCIDQ exam or the six (6) divisions of the NCARB (ARE) examination. Recipients will be selected based on the strength of a 250-word essay that outlines a demonstrated commitment to growth within our industry.
We invite all qualified applicants to apply for these scholarships. For detailed instructions on the application process, click here. Please send questions to scholarship@otj.com.
