The Class of 1972 John Shaw Travel Award was established in Honor of John Shaw to support undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor of Architecture degree in the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning at Cornell University. The award is intended to advance students’ architectural education by enabling opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.
The award is granted annually during the spring semester. In the 2026 cycle, the award is $2,000. Funding may be used to support a range of activities associated with academic work, including—but not limited to—expenses related to travel undertaken in pursuit of a thesis project or participation in an architecture studio. By enabling access to sites, contexts, and experiences that would otherwise be out of reach, the award supports students in expanding their design thinking, deepening their studies, and engaging directly with the built environment through firsthand observation and inquiry.
Submissions are reviewed, and award decisions are made by a committee consisting of college faculty.
Eligibility and Reporting Requirements
The call is open to all B.Arch. students with demonstrated financial need and who are in good academic standing.
Recipients are required to submit a report on their activities, including a written summary, photos of their travel, and documentation of work produced.
Application Instructions
A complete application includes:
- Project description (1 page): Includes a travel plan and budget breakdown.
- Statement of impact and need (1 page): Explains how the funding will enable the applicant to pursue an opportunity they would not otherwise be able to undertake.
- Proposal poster: A visual representation of the proposed project.
Please compile your materials into a single PDF (10MB max) and submit via email to archcompetitions@cornell.edu. Make sure to provide all requested information. Incomplete or improperly completed applications will not be reviewed.
Submission Timeline
The deadline for receipt of completed applications is 8 a.m. EDT on Friday, May 8, 2026. Digital submissions only. Acknowledgment of receipt of applications will be made by email. No changes or amendments of any kind may be made to an application after it has been received.
Award decisions will be made no later than May 29, 2026. All applicants will be notified of the committee’s decisions by email shortly after that date.