Shannar O’Connor, a freshman attending the University of Miami School of Architecture, has been selected as the 2016 recipient of the AIA/Architects Foundation Diversity in Advancement Scholarship.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Architects Foundation collaborate in awarding the scholarship to high school graduates, college freshmen and community-college students from a minority background who intend to pursue a NAAB-accredited professional degree in architecture. The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage diversity in the architecture profession. The scholarship will provide O’Connor with $4,000 a year for up to five years.

The scholarship jury, which is comprised of a diverse group of teaching professionals and practitioners of the profession, received more than 75 applications and was impressed by O’Connor’s academic and personal achievements.

At the University of Miami School of Architecture, O’Connor she plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in architecture. Prior to attending the university, O’Connor graduated from Colonial High School in Orlando, Fla., with a weighted 5.12 GPA. Her goal since childhood has been to become an architect.

More information about the Diversity Advancement Scholarship can be found here.