We believe diversity in design isn't just a nice-to-have or an add-on.
It is essential for innovation and impact, demonstrating a commitment to equity, inclusion, and socially responsible design excellence.
Award
One $500 scholarship will be awarded.
ESSAY PROMPT
Vision for the Future: Envision the future of your field and how you plan to contribute to its evolution. What extraordinary skill or ability do you possess that positions you as a potential leader or innovator? Discuss how specific new resources or tools could amplify your impact and shape the future of your field
Minimum 500 words, maximum of 1000 words.
CONNECT is awarded to a student who demonstrates extraordinary skill(s) and would greatly benefit from access to a new resource (tools, software, training, etc.) to take their design skills to the next level.
Award
One $1,000 scholarship will be awarded.
CELEBRATE is awarded to a student who has the ability to overcome adversity in their lives, despite the lack of means or barriers presented.
ESSAY PROMPT
Potential Unfulfilled: Reflect on a time when your potential was recognized by others, but you faced challenges in accessing the necessary resources or opportunities to fully develop it. How did you navigate these challenges, and what impact did it have on your progress? Describe how targeted support or resources could help you achieve your goals.
Minimum 500 words, maximum of 1000 words.
Award
One $500 scholarship will be awarded.
ESSAY PROMPT
Supporting Others: Discuss an instance where you provided substantial support to individuals or organizations facing challenges. How did you approach the situation, and what resources or skills did you offer? Reflect on how this experience demonstrates your commitment to service and leadership in your community.
Minimum 500 words, maximum of 1000 words.
CHAMPION is awarded to a student who takes action to contribute to their neighborhood, campus, or community-at-large through their commitment to service, generosity, leadership, and support for individuals or organizations.
Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must be part of an under-represented community, be enrolled at a college or university within the state of Ohio during the academic term in which scholarships are awarded (Fall 2026), and already admitted into their major of architecture, engineering, construction, and/or a similar design field of study. Preference will be given to those active, and in good standing with, their local NOMA or NOMAs chapter. Other considerations include:
A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.7 on a 4.0 scale.
Experience with volunteering and other extracurricular activities.
All components of the application must be completed and received by the deadline Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants may apply to any, or all, available scholarships that they are eligible for, and no more than one essay per scholarship may be submitted.
Application Requirements
Essay for each scholarship application
CV / One page Resume
Upload at least one Letter of Recommendation
Current copy of College/University Transcript
All materials must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM EST on June 14, 2026
For any questions, please email Contact@NOMAColumbus.org. We’re here to help!
Scholarship Sponsors
We greatly appreciate our Scholarship Sponsor(s). Donations to this fund can be made online here.
FAQs
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Yes, students must be enrolled for Fall 2026 at an Ohio college/university in a Design related program(s):
Architecture
Landscape Architecture
Interior Design
Engineering
City & Regional Planning
Construction Management/Systems
And/or a similar field of design study.
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Yes! As long as you meet the eligibility requirements for the scholarship, you can apply for as many scholarships as you would like.
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Recipients are selected by a jury of committee members based on a comprehensive evaluation process that considers several key factors, including:
NOMAs Member: Students in good standing with their college/university NOMAs Chapter.
Academic Achievement: GPA and transcripts will be reviewed.
Essay: One essay per scholarship, but you can apply for more than one scholarship. Note: each scholarship has a different essay prompt.
Letter(s) of Recommendation: Endorsements from teachers, mentors, or community leaders help us gauge character and potential.
Need: Financial need is considered, helping us guide support to those who may benefit most.
Community Involvement: Community service and/or extracurricular activities help us gauge your commitment to making a positive impact.
This holistic approach ensures we recognize not only academic excellence but also resilience, character, and potential for future contributions to the community.
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Online Applications only. If you have any questions, reach out to Contact@NOMAColumbus.org for assistance!
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The winning recipients will be notified by no later than Monday, July 6.
All applicants will receive notice via email of the results, whether they have received an award or not.
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Yes! We encourage past recipients to apply for the Fall 2026 scholarships, if they are eligible.