Charleston, W.Va. (WVDN) — The West Virginia Foundation for Architecture (WVFA), has awarded $19,250 in scholarships for 2026 to West Virginia students pursuing degrees in architecture at Fairmont State University and institutions across the country, including Yale University, the University of Tennessee, and Thomas Jefferson University.
Founded in 2007 as a 501c3, WVFA was endowed with funds raised by the West Virginia Society of Architects (now known as AIA West Virginia) and charged to preserve and expand the endowment and distribute funds for activities related to education, preservation, exhibition, publication and research relating to architecture. With the 2026 awards, $352,750 has now been distributed to 154 West Virginia students since 1986, reinforcing a long-standing commitment to architectural education and the future of the profession.
These scholarships were made possible through the continued support of AIA West Virginia member giving, the Foundation’s fundraising efforts to engage individual donors and corporate partners, and a matching contribution from the American Institute of Architects.
Notably, WYK & Associates provided additional scholarship funding in honor of the firm’s 125th anniversary, supporting both Fairmont State University students and West Virginia students pursuing architecture degrees out of state. Principal James Swiger said, “I feel there is no better investment WYK could have made to honor its legacy, than in the future of the profession.”
The 2026 awards also include the Floyd J. Clingenpeel Scholarship, generously supported by Harper Engineering, which recognizes student work demonstrating innovative approaches to sustainability, alternative energy systems, and environmental technologies.
“Investing in West Virginia students is one of the most direct ways we can strengthen the future of architecture,” said Phoebe Patton Randolph, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Chair of the AIA West Virginia Scholarship Committee. “It’s inspiring to see the incredible work students are doing, and it is an honor to support their efforts on behalf of the architectural community in our state.”
Scholarship recipients will be recognized at the Annual Design Awards and Scholarship Benefit on April 18, 2026, at Hotel Morgan in Morgantown, West Virginia.
For more information about the WVFA scholarship program, visit www.aiawv.org.
