Image by Span.
1. Fellowship
In 2020, the SOM Foundation created the Robert L. Wesley Award—named in honor of the first Black partner at SOM—to support BIPOC undergraduate students enrolled in architecture, landscape architecture, interior architecture, urban design, or engineering programs in the United States. Each year, three students will receive a $10,000 award in addition to a yearlong mentorship program that connects the students with leading BIPOC practitioners and educators. The awards are unrestricted in their use to best support the needs of students. Students are also supported by Black Spectacles as they work toward becoming licensed architects.
2. Eligibility
The Robert L. Wesley Award is open to BIPOC students enrolled in an accredited architecture, landscape architecture, interior architecture, urban design, or engineering undergraduate program in the United States. Applicants need to be enrolled in a four- or five-year undergraduate program and can be enrolled in any year of their undergraduate program. A recipient of the Robert L. Wesley Award is not excluded from reapplying in subsequent years while enrolled in an undergraduate program.
3. Application Requirements
• One- to two-page written personal statement describing the applicant's path in their chosen program, ambitions, challenges, and why they should receive the Robert L. Wesley Award.
• Two- to three-minute video statement in addition to the written personal statement.
• Digital portfolio or visual samples are encouraged but not required.
• One letter of recommendation, written by a faculty member or department chair familiar with the applicant's work, is required. The letter should be written on the school letterhead, should be no longer than two pages, and should address the applicant’s specific strengths and how the award will further their growth. The letter should be sent directly to info@somfoundation.com. The email’s subject should follow the format “2025 Robert L. Wesley Award - Name of Applicant.” The letter of recommendation cannot be provided by a current employee of SOM.
4. Application Format
• Single PDF format (written personal statement and portfolio)
• 8.5ʺ x 11ʺ, portrait orientation
• 10 pages maximum
• 10 MB maximum
• Video statement can be uploaded separately
5. Application Deadline
Submit information via the application form no later than Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. CST. Applications received after that time will not be considered.
You should receive an email confirming the information you submitted. If not, please contact us at info@somfoundation.com.
6. Jury
This year’s jury will be led by Robert L. Wesley (Retired Partner, SOM, Chicago) and will include:
• Teri Canada (Principal and Cofounder, EVOKE Studio, Durham)
• Lisa C. Henry (Associate Professor and Associate Dean, College of Architecture + Planning, University of Utah, Salt Lake City)
• Camille Martin-Thomsen (Dean of Faculty and Vice President of Academic Affairs and professor of architecture and interior architecture, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago)
• Amber N. Wiley (Wick Cary Director of the Institute for Quality Communities, Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture, University of Oklahoma, Norman)
7. Notification of Award
The winners will be notified no later than Monday, January 26, 2026.
8. Copyright
The winning applications will become part of the SOM Foundation’s archive. Authors will retain the copyright of their work.
9. Questions
Please contact info@somfoundation.com with any remaining questions.