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Submissions

2026 Wilsonart Essay Competition

  • Coming Soon
Hands are typing on a laptop keyboard, with a soft focus background. The scene conveys a sense of productivity and engagement.
The Wilsonart Student Essay Competition awards scholarships to IIDA Student members that participate in the IIDA Student Mentorship program. In the IIDA Student Mentorship Program, student participants gain invaluable professional development and mentorship from professionals in the interior design industry.

Eligibility

Students that participate in the IIDA Student Mentoring program are encouraged to apply.

Guidelines

Important Dates

The Wilsonart Student Essay Competition takes place annually.
Submission Open March 3, 2026
Submission Closed April 10, 2026

Pricing

No cost to apply

Guidelines

Submission Requirements

Students must complete an essay (500 words maximum) reflecting on the value of their mentorship experience. We recommend including the following:

  • Your motivation for pursuing the field of interior design

  • How your mentorship experience has influenced your education and career goals
  • Share what next steps you plan to take in your own professional development

If you haven't completed your mentoring sessions prior to April 10, 2026 and would still like to apply for this award, please email Melissa Cook at mcook@iida.org.

Judging

The IIDA Foundation Board of Trustees and a select panel of IIDA and Wilsonart design and industry professionals will review the applications and select the recipient(s), who will be notified in May 2026.

Award

This program will award one recipient with a $1,000 scholarship courtesy of the Wilsonart Student Education Fund. Wilsonart will provide the winner with roundtrip airfare and hotel stay in Chicago during NeoCon. The recipient will also receive official digital assets, a mention on IIDA’s website, and recognition on IIDA social media channels.