AIA Southern New York (AIASNY) Chapter of the American Institute of Architects established the James Brayden Memorial Scholarship in 2019 to recognize academic and design excellence in our next generation of architecture practitioners. This annual program serves as a way of engaging and recognizing students who will soon be emerging professionals in design, giving the opportunity to interact, share ideas and concepts with professionals, to advance the profession of architecture in our chapter area.

The scholarship is jointly funded with contributions from AIA National and AIA Southern New York and targets 94 high schools in the AIASNY ten-county area. This program has provided $12,000 in financial support to future architects as of 2025. To be eligible, students must reside in Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland (Southern), Delaware, Otsego, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, or Tompkins counties. They must be a High School senior beginning an architecture program in the fall following their application. Preference will be given to students enrolled in NAAB accredited programs.

Applications are available each year in the early spring, and are due in late April. Click the links above to learn more, apply, or donate to the scholarship fund.