CSI Chicago is proud to support and help develop the future architects of our industry. 
Advancing and educating the next generation of industry leaders is at the forefront of the minds of our Emerging Professionals committee. The committee coordinates special events geared directly to emerging professionals and students, coordinates ride share to get students to targeted CSI events, and goes to Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT)’s campus to connect with undergraduate and graduate students.
Each year the Chicago Chapter recognizes one or more IIT College of Architecture students for their exceptional design efforts and awards a cash prize. Applicants for the scholarship are tasked with creating a text narrative of their design process, and how different factors influenced their material choices in regards to the building envelope. This encourages the students to dig deeper into issues of system design and how those decisions can impact aesthetics as well as building function. The student(s) and their project(s) are recognized at a chapter meeting, in the member newsletter, and on our chapter website.
If you are interested in supporting this initiative there are a number of ways to get involved.
- Join the Emerging Professional Committee– Whether you want to be involved in the committee organizing the events, work one-on-one mentoring an emerging profession, or you want to help deliver pizza to hungry students on campus, we need your help! This is a great way to give back while helping the future of the industry by enhancing the lives of tomorrow’s leaders. Contact Emerging Professional Committee Chair Valerie Vlahos Maes (vmaes@flexcofloors.com) to volunteer your time.
- Monetary Contributions – The more donations the more support we can provide! We are accepting donations in the form of cash or check. In return for donations we will recognize members and their companies for their support in these emerging professionals. Learn more about our recognition levels.
In 2018, CSI Chicago awarded three students each with $500 scholarships. This year, we hope to raise $3,000 for the Scholarship and Emerging Professional Fund.
Please consider donating now to our scholarship fund or learn more about donating here.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!
Beth Winkler
Executive Director, CSI Chicago
773-466-4147
administration@csichicago.org