THE ACADEMIC SUPPORT FUND
ABOUT THE FUND
The Academic Support Fund was created in response to student concern that out-of-pocket costs were impeding the pursuit of design and scholarly excellence and innovation within the studio and the classroom. This Fund is designed to assist students with immediate programmatic costs unique to the study of architecture, design, and the built environment.
In conjunction with the Academic Support Fund, the Parents Fund Grant for Software Support provided initial seed funding to launch an initiative to help award School of Architecture students with a 12-month Adobe Creative Cloud software license.
In the latest cycle for academic year 2023-2024, 62 A-School students were awarded the Adobe Creative Cloud software license, for a total impact of nearly $10,000.
In future cycles, students may apply to the School of Architecture Software Subsidy to have the cost of the Adobe Creative Cloud software license covered by the School of Architecture through the Academic Support Fund.
AFFORDABILITY AT A PUBLIC UNIVERSITY
This fund supports Dean Hutson's priority to make the School of Architecture more affordable and the School's educational mission of service as part of a public university. The issue of affordability in architecture and related fields of study is not unique to UVA; however, our goal is to be at the forefront of addressing the true cost of education by supporting our students, not just focused on tuition, but in all aspects of their academic journeys.
What are typical out-of-pocket costs for A-School students?
- Technology and essential software specific to the design and built environment fields
- Studio and course-related travel
- Specialized materials
ENRICHING + IMPROVING THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE
The Academic Support Fund aims to help alleviate the financial burden felt by many A-School students while pursuing their educations. This high-impact fund can immediately help enrich, stabilize and improve the educational experience for all School of Architecture students by providing support for expanded opportunity for travel, greater access to materials and technology, and increased proficiency and creativity in the classroom, studio, and fabrication labs.
Initially, funds will be utilized to reduce software and specialized material costs.
For the academic year 23-24:
- Sixty-two (62) School of Architecture students (30 undergraduate students and 32 graduate students) were awarded funds to cover the cost of a 12-month Adobe Creative Cloud software license
- Of the 30 undergraduate recipients, 27 (90%) were Pell Grant recipients (Expected Family Contribution < $6,205)
- 23% of recipients reported qualifying for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and/or unemployment benefits within the past 6 months
- 45% of recipients are first generation students (any student where neither parent or guardian obtained a four-year degree)
- The total impact was nearly $10,000
- A donation of approximately $150 to the Academic Support Fund can support one A-School student with immediate financial need by covering the cost of an annual design software license.
Give Now
If you have questions about this fund or how to give, please contact Heather Weller, Advancement Associate: hmk4r@virginia.edu