DLA Architects High School Scholarship Program Awards State Level Winners

Earlier this year, DLA Architects put out a challenge to area students. In keeping with our “form follows learning” philosophy and our focus on school design, we asked them to look at their school environments and tell us the story of how the space affected their own learning experience. A variety of entries were submitted and the top entrants at each of our client schools were awarded college scholarships of $500.

These students were also invited to experience “A Day in the Life of an Architect,” an event hosted yesterday at our office as a bonus to the winners. The event gives each student a glimpse into the day-to-day activities in an architectural office. They meet with people at different stages of their career – from our intern who is still enrolled in college to our partners, who’ve cataloged a great deal of professional experience.

It was at this event that this year’s first place State Level Scholarship award of $1,000 was presented to Nikki Zimmer of Elgin High School.  In addition, Jake Gillespie from Community High School in West Chicago was awarded $500 as this year’s State Level Runner Up. An Honorable Mention of $500 was awarded to Payton Gehm of Mendota High School.

DLA Architects, Ltd. is proud to award scholarships to graduating high school seniors for their demonstrations of knowledge and interest in architecture. Since its inception in 1996, DLA Architects has offered nearly $200,000 in scholarships, and the THINK [about architecture] Scholarship Program has helped hundreds of students pay for classes, books, and other higher education necessities.

Earlier this year, scholarships were offered at 33 area high schools, and $500 School Level scholarships were awarded to:

For more information about the THINK [about architecture] SCHOLARSHIP, visit dlascholarship.com.