Expanding Access to Design Careers
The Brookline Fund to Increase Diversity in Architecture & Design
The Brookline Fund to Increase Diversity in Architecture & Design was established in 2021 by Ashley McGraw Architects Principal Mike Lindstrom, AIA, LEED AP, and Murielle Vautrin, and is managed by the Brookline Community Foundation. The initiative was created to expand access to architecture and design careers for under-resourced high school students of color while helping build a more diverse and inclusive profession.
Brookline offers a unique environment to foster the next generation of designers through its strong educational institutions, engaged design community, and culture of mentorship. By connecting students with practicing professionals, the Brookline Fund creates meaningful opportunities to explore careers that may have previously felt out of reach.
Creating Opportunities
The Brookline Fund provides rising high school juniors and seniors with opportunities to discover architecture and design through:
Career exploration and exposure to design professions
Hands-on learning experiences and design workshops
Summer internships and scholarships for design programs
Mentorship from practicing architects and designers
Ongoing professional guidance and career development
Through these experiences, students gain the knowledge, confidence, and connections needed to pursue education and careers in architecture and design.
Why it Matters
People of color remain significantly underrepresented in the architecture and design professions. In her Architect article series, "Increasing Diversity in Architecture," Alice Liao notes that AIA membership includes just 2% African American, 5% Hispanic or Latinx, 6% Asian, and less than 1% Native American members. These statistics highlight the need to expand access to educational and professional opportunities for students from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
Brookline is uniquely positioned to help create meaningful change. With the support of institutions such as Brookline High School, the Brookline Teen Center (BTC), Boston Architectural College, and an engaged network of design professionals, the community provides a strong foundation for mentorship, education, and career exploration.
By investing in mentorship, scholarships, internships, and hands-on learning experiences, the Brookline Fund is helping create pathways into architecture and design while fostering a more diverse and inclusive profession.
“Ashley McGraw Architects] first made me feel capable and welcome, as I have had my own peers say that my dream careers are ‘too hard’ and that I ‘won’t be able to do it.’ This experience made me realize, I want to study interior design, as well as landscape architecture.” 2022 Scholarship Recipient
After our program she attended the Harvard Black in Mentorship Program and had an internship at Perkins + Will for the summer. In Fall 2024, she started her Bachelor of Science in Architecture at Wentworth Institute of Technology.
“I learned about the different ways an architect can get accredited and how architecture school is like. I feel more confident in pursuing a path in architecture and feel a little more prepared for the stressful aspects of architecture school.” 2023 Scholarship Recipient
In Fall 2024, she started her Bachelor of Architecture at Syracuse University. In 2026, she went back to Boston Architectural College to be a Teacher Assistant for the Summer Academy Program.
“It has simply reinforced my decision. I really look forward to pursuing architecture.” 2024 Scholarship Recipient
In Fall 2025, she started her Bachelor of Science at Wentworth Institute of Technology.
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The application will open for submissions on January 1st and closes May 31st. Applications can be submitted through this Google Form.
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Applications will be reviewed upon submission. In coordination with Brookline High School, we will verify your eligibility for the fund. If you qualify, you will receive an email to schedule a virtual interview. If you do not qualify, you will be notified by email as well.
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No! This fund is to provide an opportunity to explore careers in architecture and design.
Thank You to Our Partners!
