2027 IESNYC Merit Scholarship
Is Open for Submissions

To recognize and support potential future leaders in the field of architectural lighting, a merit-based, single-year scholarship with a monetary value of $25,000 will be awarded in 2027 to a full-time, first-year, graduate degree candidate in the field of architectural lighting enrolled at an accredited college or university in New York State.

Eligibility

The scholarship is open to citizens of the United States, permanent U.S. residents, as well as holders of a US Student F-1 Visa.
Applicant must be currently enrolled in their first year of a lighting program in a full‐time graduate program as a degree candidate in the field of architectural lighting, at an accredited college/university in New York State.

Selection and Notification

The final selection will be judged anonymously by the scholarship review panel. The scholarship review panel reserves the option to divide the award into a maximum of two equal parts, should they conclude there are two candidates who are equally deserving. Their decision shall be final. Candidates will be notified of the selection by March 2027. Funds will be distributed shortly thereafter. The committee will not return submitted essays or materials.

Deadline

Online application deadline is January 1, 2027. Online submission must be completed, and applicant’s “Letter of Recommendation” must be received via email to [email protected] no later than January 1, 2027. Any materials received after that date will be disqualified.

Application Requirements

Online application must be submitted by the deadline and include the following:

Contact Information, Current School and Degree Program Information, and US Resident / Visa Status
An Uploaded Essay (refer to below for additional information)
“Letter of Recommendation” written by a professional administrator who has supervised the applicant in a practical or work-related position. Letter should include a response to the following question: Why do you believe this candidate has strong leadership potential? Letter of Recommendation must be emailed directly from the professional administrator to [email protected] by the deadline. Recommendations forwarded from the applicant will not be considered.

Essay

Essay must be uploaded as part of the online application (in PDF format, and no more than two pages / 1000 words, max 95 MB). When composing the essay, the following questions should be considered:

What inspired you to pursue your studies in the field of architectural lighting?
What does leadership mean to you and how have you demonstrated leadership amongst your peers or community?
How do you think that receiving the IESNYC Merit Scholarship, and the associated benefits, will enhance your pursuit of a career in the architectural lighting field?

About the Scholarship

To recognize and support potential future leaders in the field of architectural lighting, the IESNYC Merit Scholarship awards a collective monetary value of $25,000 to full-time, first year, graduate degree candidates in the field of architectural lighting at an accredited college or university in New York State.

2027 Committee

Board Liaison:
Mike Barr, Lutron

Chairs:
Stephen Bernstein, CBB Lighting Design
Addison Kelly, US Lighting Consultants
Caleb McKenzie, US Lighting Consultants
Margo Wiltshire, Fisher Marantz Stone