John J. Nelson Sr. Legacy Scholarship Fund

The John J. Nelson Sr. Legacy Scholarship Fund was created to support and nurture African American interior design and architecture students while promoting diversity and access in education. This scholarship was established by John J. Nelson Sr. in partnership with the IIDA Foundation in 2019.

Nelson was a known champion of design education, diversity, and unfettered access to education. The scholarship fund is administered through the IIDA Foundation. The Foundation values Nelson’s history of advocating to increase diversity in design and architecture by championing students of all backgrounds, and this award honors his legacy.

"Furthering education and broadening opportunities for students of African American descent is an important and personal commitment of mine. I am proud to partner with the IIDA Foundation to uplift and encourage the next generation of design and architecture professionals through this annual scholarship" -John J. Nelson Sr., IIDA

Applications

Applications are now open. Apply Here

Opens: August 5, 2025
Closes: October 3, 2025

Eligibility

This scholarship award is open to undergraduate students of African American descent who are currently enrolled in a U.S. not-for-profit CIDA- or NASAD-accredited interior design or NAAB-accredited architecture program. IIDA membership is not required to apply.

Award

Up to two recipients will be eligible to receive up to $10,000 each in scholarship funds and round-trip airfare and hotel stay in Chicago where they will be recognized in-person at the IIDA Annual Meeting, the Sunday prior to NeoCon. Winners will also receive official digital assets, a mention on IIDA’s website, and recognition on IIDA social media channels.

For questions or more information, contact IIDA Foundation at foundation@iida.org.

2024 John J. Nelson Sr. Legacy Scholarship Fund Recipients

Kiaira Coates Texas State University
Charles Forkwa, Student IIDA, University of Minnesota College of Design

Learn more about our 2024 scholarship recipients and view their submission videos here.

2023 John J. Nelson Sr. Legacy Scholarship Fund Recipients

Autumn Clayton Georgia Institute of Technology
Lauren Witter Howard University

Learn more about our 2023 scholarship recipients and view their submission videos here.

2022 John J. Nelson Sr. Legacy Scholarship Fund Recipients

Kambria Lauderdale, Student IIDA, California State University, Sacramento
Brianna Toussaint, Student IIDA, School of Visual Arts, New York

Learn more about our 2022 scholarship recipients and view their submission videos here.