Student Support Programs

The IALD Education Trust provides support to students and educators for the purpose of promoting the profession of architectural lighting design; and strives to connect students with lighting practitioners and industry professionals.

Two of the principal means by which students are supported are through travel stipends that facilitate attendance at design conferences and functions, and scholarships to help further their education in lighting design.

Since 1998, the Trust has awarded over 400 travel stipends and over 100 scholarships in 12 countries.

Student Scholarships

There are currently two scholarships awarded to selected student applicants through the IALD Education Trust. University students in their Junior (third) or Senior (fourth) year and graduate students are eligible to apply.

• Lighting Design Alliance Scholarship. Funded by the Lighting Design Alliance, one (1) award of $2,500 USD is given annually to non-U.S. citizens enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program in lighting design or a related field worldwide. 
• Thomas M. Lemons Scholarship. Sponsored by Available Light, Inc., one (1) or two (2) awards of $4,500 USD are granted annually and may be renewed for a maximum of two years with proof of student status. Applicants must be junior, senior, or graduate-level lighting design students at an accredited institution in the United States, regardless of nationality.

If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, it is important that you read the Scholarship Application Information Document (PDF) fully. This document contains important information for potential applicants including submission requirements and answers to frequently asked questions about the program.

Eligibility

• Applicants of all nationalities are encouraged to apply. You must be a student member of the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) or have membership pending at the time of application. (Please see here for membership information.)
• Juniors (third year), Seniors (fourth year), and graduate students are eligible.
• You must not be graduating in the semester of your application.

Submission Requirements Documents

• Resume / CV. One (1) page maximum. 
• Letter of Recommendation from a Professor or Professional. One (1) page maximum.
• Personal Statement. 150-300 words.
• Portfolio. Three (3) pages maximum. Documentation of your one (1) best lighting project demonstrating the process, concept, project goals, and considerations for technical criteria. It should include images, brief text, architectural drawings, and sketches. 
  
  

Student Travel Stipends

In an ongoing effort to ensure the future of the architectural lighting design profession, the IALD Education Trust Travel Stipend Program enables lighting students from across the world to attend key industry events, seminars, and conferences, such as IALD Enlighten Americas, IALD Enlighten Europe, LightFair, and a variety of international trade shows.

Please read the Stipend Program Application Information Document (PDF) fully before applying. The document contains important information on eligible events, submission requirements, and answers to frequently asked questions about the program.

Eligibility

Full-time undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply. The IALD Education Trust is proud to include theatrical lighting design students in its work; all student members of the United States Institute for Theatrical Technology (USITT) are eligible to apply for all travel stipends.

Submission Requirements Documents

• All applications must be submitted in English.
• Resume/CV: two (2) pages maximum.
• Personal Statement: introduce yourself and explain how a travel stipend will help you achieve your academic/career goals. (350 words maximum)