Building the Future of Design-Build: DBIA-SW Opens 2026 Scholarship & Grant Program
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Supporting the Next Generation of Design-Build Professionals
At the DBIA Southwest Region, investing in that future is a priority. Through our annual Scholarship & Grant Program, we support students, educators, and student chapters who are helping advance design-build thinking, education, and collaboration across the Southwest.
These opportunities are designed to do more than provide financial support—they create pathways into the industry, strengthen academic programs, and connect emerging professionals with the design-build community.
Applications for the 2026 program are open from March 31 through June 30, 2026, with recipients announced in August.
Quick Program Overview
Three opportunities available: Undergraduate Scholarship, Faculty Grant, and Student Chapter Grant
Open to applicants across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, and New Mexico
Awards range from $200 to $5,000
Designed to support education, curriculum development, and student-led programming
Who Can Apply?
The DBIA-SW 2026 Scholarship & Grant Program is open to three groups across the Southwest Region (Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, and New Mexico):
Undergraduate Students
Juniors or seniors
Majoring in Architecture, Civil/Construction Engineering, or Construction Management
Enrolled at an accredited university
Minimum 3.0 GPA
Faculty Members
Faculty at accredited Architecture, Engineering, or Construction programs
Located within the Southwest Region
DBIA Student Chapters
Active DBIA Student Chapters in good standing
Must submit a proposed program and budget
Why Apply?
This program is about more than financial support—it’s about opportunity.
Applicants gain exposure to the design-build industry, strengthen their understanding of collaborative project delivery, and connect with a network of professionals across the Southwest Region. From the classroom to the jobsite, these experiences help build careers and elevate the industry.
How to Apply?
UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP
$5,000 | 1 Recipient
This scholarship supports undergraduate students preparing to enter the design-build industry.
Eligible applicants are juniors or seniors pursuing degrees in architecture, engineering, or construction at accredited universities within the Southwest Region, with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Applicants will submit:
A short essay demonstrating knowledge of design-build
A faculty recommendation
A current transcript
Funds will be distributed to the student’s university for the Fall 2026 semester.
FACULTY GRANT
$2,000 | 1 Recipient
The Faculty Grant is designed to help educators integrate design-build into their curriculum and expand student access to industry-relevant learning.
Eligible applicants include faculty members in architecture, engineering, or construction programs.
Applicants will submit:
A short essay outlining how they plan to incorporate design-build into their coursework
A resume or CV
Funds may be used for DBIA certification programs, educator workshops, or continuing education, and must be used by December 31, 2026.
STUDENT CHAPTER PROGRAM GRANT
$200–$1,000 | Multiple Recipients
This grant supports DBIA Student Chapters in creating meaningful, student-led programming that promotes design-build.
Funding can be used for:
Industry speaker events
Project tours and site visits
Student competitions
Educational workshops
Collaborative events with local DBIA chapters
Applications must include a proposed budget and be approved by a faculty advisor. Funds are distributed as reimbursement following completion of the activity.
Apply and Help Spread the Word
If you are a student, educator, or student chapter leader, we encourage you to apply.
And if you know someone who would be a great fit, please share this opportunity. The strength of our industry depends on the people we bring into it—and programs like this help make that possible.
Applications close June 30, 2026.
For questions, contact info@dbia-sw.org.
