Scholarships

At the Information Architecture Conference (IAC), we believe that diverse perspectives enrich our community and advance our field. Our Scholarship Program is designed to support students and professionals from underrepresented backgrounds, ensuring they have access to the opportunities and connections that will help shape their future.

We offer Student Equity Scholarships, Professional Equity Scholarships, and discounted student tickets. These programs are made possible by our generous sponsors and the contributions of IAC attendees.

About the Program

Our scholarships aim to foster inclusivity and professional development within the fields of Information Architecture and User Experience Design. Applications are open until February 16, 2025, and scholarship recipients will be announced by March 15, 2025.

Application Process

Applications for both scholarships will be open until February 16, 2025, with scholarship recipients to be announced around March 15, 2025. To apply for our scholarships, you will be asked to complete a short personal statement that answers:

• Why are you applying for the IAC Scholarship program?
• What drew you to apply to IAC25?
• How would attending the conference help with your career plans?
• Note: Statements should not exceed 500 words (3000 characters). Do not identify yourself or your previous employers in the essay.

Review Process

A panel of judges from the IAC community will select scholarship winners. Selections will be based on:

• Stated goals
• Quality of writing
• Potential for growth and leadership

Student Equity Scholarship

The IAC Student Equity Scholarship supports students from underrepresented backgrounds, offering financial assistance and professional development opportunities to help them become future leaders in the field.

IAC Scholars share in the prestige and opportunities that become available when they are selected. 

Besides financial support, recipients will have access to peer mentoring and a large alumni network. Critical for long-term impact, the program offers continuing education and professional development opportunities foundational to obtaining leadership positions within the profession.

The Scholarship Program’s three primary purposes are to:

• Nurture and sustain the professional development of the scholars,
• Establish a network of scholars over time who become mentors to other promising newcomers, and
• Support the information architecture and user experience design communities.

Benefits

Student Equity Scholars receive:

• Full registration for the main conference
• Accommodation, meals, and travel expenses
• Public recognition in the conference and free access to pre-conference IAC Scholar activities
• Mentoring opportunities and access to an alumni network
• Networking with scholars and industry leaders

Eligibility

To qualify, applicants must:

• Identify as a member of one or more of these groups:
  • Black or African
  • Hispanic or Latinx
  • Indigenous, First Nation, or American Indian
  • Middle Eastern or North African
  • Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
  • East Asian
  • South Asian
  • Southeast Asian
• Attend an undergraduate, graduate or certificate program in:
  • Information Architecture
  • Library and Information Studies
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Computer Science, Psychology
  • Other related program
• Be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program that begins no later than September 1st
• Have full or part-time student status

Professional Equity Scholarship

The Professional Equity Scholarship is for non-students facing financial challenges or career transitions that would otherwise prevent them from attending.

Benefits

Professional Equity Scholars receive:

• Conference registration at a discounted rate
• Access to professional development opportunities
• Opportunities to contribute as a volunteer during the event

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Work in Information Architecture or a related field
• Demonstrate financial hardship
• Be willing to support the volunteer team during the event

Additional Discounts

We believe in accessibility and inclusivity. Students, unemployed, and those experiencing financial hardships are welcome to explore our additional discounts.

Explore the following options:

• Students save $200 off the regular registration rate (applied via the registration form).
• Unemployed attendees save $200 (contact meetings@kunverj.com for a promo code).
• Group discounts: Buy five registrations and get the sixth free!
• Poster Presenters: Receive $100 off. Learn more about presenting a poster here.

Questions?

If you need more information, contact scholarships@theiaconference.com.