AIGA Announces 2023/2024 Winners of AIGA Worldstudio Scholarships

In its 28th year, the program awards $36,250 in scholarships to students across the country
 

New York, NY—AIGA, the professional association for design, is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023/2024 AIGA Worldstudio Scholarships. Awarded annually, the scholarships encourage social and environmental responsibility and cultural awareness in the next generation of artists and designers. Jurors selected 14 students to receive awards for the 2023/2024 academic year in three categories, graphic design, illustration, and photography.

AIGA believes all students deserve access to design education. The AIGA Worldstudio Scholarships aim to increase diversity in the design profession by creating equitable opportunities for the next generation of creative talent. Scholarships are awarded annually to students enrolled at colleges and universities in the U.S. who demonstrate a commitment to positive social change, environmental responsibility, and cultural awareness through the practice of visual communication, including photography, illustration or graphic design. Since its inception in 1995, more than $1.4 million dollars has been awarded to more than 830 college students of art and design. 

This year, 311 applications were received, and 14 applications were recommended for awards—15 scholarships at $3,000 each, four honorable mentions at $750 each, one chapter scholarships at $3,250—for a grand total of $36,250. Each student also receives a one-year, complimentary Student-level membership.

“Contemporary challenges are global, and it's going to take an army of creative problem solvers with a variety of backgrounds, cultural competencies, and innovative approaches to make the world a better place for all species of life.” —Felix Sanchez, Creative Director, felix made this, llc.

“Promoting diversity and responsibility in the creative industry can help challenge and break down harmful stereotypes and biases, both within and outside the industry.” —Dian Holton, Senior Deputy Art Director, AARP

You can find additional information for this year’s recipients at AIGA.org. The 2023/2024 scholarship recipients are:

Graphic Design, Total Awarded: $7,500

• Alesya Zaytseva, College Freshman, Parsons School of Design
• Jada Gunner, College Senior, Loyola University New Orleans
• Jordan Bethea, College Senior, Thomas Jefferson University
• Meiqi Zhao, Graduate Student, University of Michigan

Illustration, Total Awarded: $19,750 and $3,250 in chapter awards

• Angira Denisova, College Freshman, Savannah College of Art and Design
• Blanquita Sullivan, Graduate Student, Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)
• Emily Cai, College Sophomore, Yale College
• Juanita Sumo, College Sophomore, Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
• Kofi Bazzell-Smith, Graduate Student, University of Illinois
• Leslie Pagel-Alcaraz, College Freshman, University of California: Berkeley
• Mayta Vizcarra Wood, College Freshman, Institute of American Indian Arts

Photography, Total Awarded: $9,000

• Elizabeth Sarpong, College Freshman, Joliet Junior College
• Tamara Benarroch, College Freshman, Parsons School of Design
• Tanaya Henson, College Sophomore, Rhode Island School of Design

Special thank you to the 2023/2024 jurors: 

Graphic Design:

• Tom Futrell, Associate Professor, Louisiana Tech University
• Lilia LaGesse, Founder + Lead Strategist, Heard Creative Co.
• Rose Newton, UX Design Manager, Google
• Felix Sanchez, Creative Director, felix made this, llc.
• Ana Tobin, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, George Mason University

Illustration:

• Victor Davila, Associate Professor, University of Central Florida
• Dian Holton, Senior Deputy Art Director, AARP
• Ashley Taylor, Lecturer, University of Central Florida
• Armando Veve, Illustrator/Artist, Armando Veve Studio
• Justin Wong, Designer and Art Director, Justin Wong Design

Photography:

• Jemma Dilag, Residential Creative Project Manager, CoStar Group, Homes.com
• Reggie Tidwell, Graphic Designer / Photographer, Curve Theory

Partners:

• Tom Koken, Designer, Worldstudio / Worldstudio Foundation
• Mark Randall, Associate Dean + Assistant Professor, Parsons School of Design Strategies, Founder + Creative Director, Worldstudio

This program would not be possible without the generous support of our donors. Special thanks to participating chapters and supporters of the AIGA DC Design Continuum Fund, as well as the supporters of the #AIGATogether campaign, including the Richard and Jean Coyne Family Foundation, CASE Agency, and the family and friends of Alison Ruth Paddock Shoemaker, and an anonymous donor.

Learn more about AIGA Worldstudio Scholarships. 

###