The Dr. Dori Tunstall Standard Bearer Scholarship for Cultural Transformationship aims to support students who embody the spirit and vision of Dr. Tunstall’s work. We seek to nurture the next generation of standard bearers for cultural transformation, those who will continue to push the boundaries of design by embracing principles of equity and inclusivity. Recipients of this scholarship are expected to pursue design as a means of promoting cultural understanding, disrupting systems of inequality, and fostering societal change.
The purpose of this scholarship is to financially support undergraduate and graduate students who are committed to advancing equity, diversity, and cultural transformation through design. This scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate a commitment to decolonizing design practices, advocating for social justice, and using design to create inclusive, accessible, and equitable solutions for marginalized communities.
The Dr. Dori Tunstall Standard Bearer Scholarship for Cultural Transformationship
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The Dr. Dori Tunstall Standard Bearer Scholarship for Cultural Transformationship is open to full-time undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled in a design or design-related program at an accredited institution. Applicants must be able to demonstrate their commitment to advancing equity, inclusivity, and cultural transformation in their work
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Applicants must be full-time undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in an accredited college or university in a design-related program. This includes, but is not limited to, programs in graphic design, user experience (UX) design, industrial design, architecture, anthropology, sociology, or any other field where design thinking and cultural engagement intersect.
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Students must be pursuing a degree in design or a related discipline that allows them to apply design thinking to social and cultural issues. The scholarship is open to students in fields such as UX design, graphic design, industrial design, architecture, anthropology, sociology, or urban planning. The goal is to support students who use their education to foster cultural understanding and challenge societal norms through their work.
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Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 for undergraduate students and 3.5 for graduate students. This requirement ensures that applicants are serious about their studies and are making satisfactory academic progress.
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Students must be able to demonstrate their commitment to advancing equity and inclusivity in design. This can be shown through:
Portfolio: A design portfolio showcasing work that focuses on themes of equity, cultural transformation, decolonizing design, or accessibility. The portfolio should highlight projects that have made a positive impact on marginalized communities or have challenged societal norms through design.
Essay: Applicants must submit a 500-word essay reflecting on Dr. Tunstall’s influence on the field of design and detailing how they plan to apply her principles of cultural transformation and equity in their future career. This essay should demonstrate the applicant’s personal connection to Dr. Tunstall’s work and their commitment to carrying her legacy forward.
Community Engagement: Applicants should provide evidence of their involvement in community-based projects, leadership in advocacy initiatives, or participation in initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in design. This can include volunteer work, participation in community organizations, or leadership roles in student groups focused on equity and inclusion.
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While financial need is not the primary criterion for this scholarship, applicants who demonstrate financial need will receive additional consideration. Students should be prepared to provide documentation of their financial situation if requested.
the award will be given to one undergraduate and one graduate student. The scholarship amount will be determined based on available funds, but it is intended to cover a significant portion of the recipient’s tuition and educational expenses.
By supporting students who are committed to advancing equity, inclusivity, and cultural transformation, this scholarship ensures that Dr. Tunstall’s legacy continues to shape the future of the design field.
Recipients of this scholarship will be expected to carry forward Dr. Tunstall’s mission of decolonizing design, promoting social justice, and using design to create a more equitable and inclusive world.
Application and Nomination Process
To apply for the Dr. Dori Tunstall Standard Bearer Scholarship for Cultural Transformationship, students must submit the following materials:
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A completed application form, which includes personal and academic information.
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A portfolio of 5-10 pieces of work that demonstrate the applicant’s commitment to equity, inclusivity, and cultural transformation through design. The portfolio should include a brief description of each project and its impact.
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A 500-word essay that addresses the applicant’s connection to Dr. Tunstall’s work and their plans to continue her legacy through their own design practice.
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Two letters of recommendation from faculty members, mentors, or community leaders who can speak to the applicant’s dedication to equity and cultural transformation in design.
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An official transcript showing the applicant’s academic progress and GPA.
Documentation showing that the applicant is enrolled full-time in a design or related program at an accredited institution.