About
Did you know that while over 40% of the people in Central Arkansas identify as someone from an underrepresented community, less than 10% of licensed architects in the US are people of color? studioMAIN believes strongly in education and advocacy for our design community. We want to provide opportunity and encouragement to every person that may be passionate about pursuing a career in architecture – especially people from underserved areas of Arkansas and beyond.
To do this, we are launching RISE, which stands for Reinvest In Students Everywhere. RISE is a scholarship program for underrepresented students from all over Arkansas that want to pursue a career in architecture. Funds provided will go towards school fees, specific supplies needed for studio classes, and mentorship opportunities. Support and join us on our journey as we introduce young students to design and make the Arkansas architecture community more inclusive in the process!
TEAM
studioMAIN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with over 9 years of experience in educating the community through design and creative solutions that challenge us to participate in various areas of Central Arkansas. The studioMAIN RISE team members are all directly apart of the architecture/construction industry, and have the combined experience to create lasting change for Arkansas’ built environment.
Why
Reinvest in Students Everywhere (RISE) was started to address the inadequate representation of people of color in the Arkansas design community. Our goal is to make a difference in the ongoing future of architecture and design by introducing young students, from overlooked areas of Arkansas, to opportunities they may not have known were available to them. We believe that by investing time, resources, and funds into aspiring young designers from underserved areas that we can start to improve the health of the built environment by making it more inclusive.
Program
Having stake in the community means that we are invested not just monetarily, but ethically as well. Our livelihood depends on the growth of our field, and that means mentoring our youth. The program below describes our three step process:
After determining the areas of Arkansas with students in need, we will conduct an in person presentation that discusses what you have to do in order to prepare for collegiate design school. The visit will also involve short design activities and end with information about how to apply for the scholarship program. Students will be given the chance to visit architecture firms, join summer design camp, intern before starting design school, and other opportunities.
When we confirm student enrollment we will award the scholarship based on need, academics, and overall aptitude.
Once classes start we will begin to act as an external resource for the students throughout their full first year. Meeting with them 1-2 times a month while providing professional advice, information, and opportunities that would not typically be available to them. By the end of their first year we hope that each student has learned additional skills that give them a head start professionally, the drive to be at the top of their class, and the confidence to continue their collegiate career in architecture.
Donate
Please click the donate button or the pledge button to send money online or to download our pledge form and send a check to support our goal to fund five scholarships for young designers! You can mail checks and signed forms to the address listed in the pledge form. All funds will go towards purchasing the items listed above, and any additional funds will go towards future scholarships and providing opportunities via our mentoring component once the students are enrolled.
You can make a difference no matter how much you decide to contribute.
Specific donations will be recognized as follows:
$1 - $100 —Ally Donor
$500-$1,000 — Apprentice Donor | Name listed on website
$2,500 or more — Drafter Donor | Name listed in newsletter + Listed as a major donor on website
$4,000 or more — Builder Donor | All previously mentioned + Logo on all RISE material
$8,000 or more — Foundation Donor | All previously mentioned + Social Media Shoutout
Contact us
Want to learn more? Contact us by filling the form below with your questions or download our brochure by clicking the image to the right to learn more about our mission objective. There, you will find a study we used to help with our program development and also see how we are deciding on which areas of Arkansas to find students!
