What is MAPS?

MAPS is an award of financial aid for a high school student, college student, or professional in the Pittsburgh region to be used for educational advancement for minority designers and communities in transition. 

There are so few minority architects working in Pittsburgh. Of the very few, an even lower percentage occupy positions of firm partner or principal. For those of us committed to the work of racial justice and social equity in the profession, this status quo is not acceptable. We ask ourselves, how many years will it take to see a more diverse and equitable architectural profession in Pittsburgh? 

We believe that the removal of economic barriers for aspiring BiPOC designers and minority architects will go a long way towards creating a more diverse and inclusive profession. To answer the question of how firms and individuals can contribute to a more diverse and inclusive profession, we established a scholarship dedicated to the removal of economic barriers. 

We invite you to become a part of our cohort.