Since 2020, the LPA Interdisciplinary Diversity Scholarship Program has awarded nine students with $5,000 renewable scholarships to aid their pursuit of a degree in architecture, engineering or a related field. The program, which focuses on students in demographics historically under-represented in the industry, also provides students with mentors to help them navigate their academic growth and prepare for a career in their chosen field.
(The application process is open for the 2023 LPA Interdisciplinary Diversity Scholarship. Click here for more information.)
Hunter Aguilar (pictured above with LPA structural engineer Carla Simental), a member of the scholarship program’s inaugural class, is now a sophomore at San Jose State University, studying civil engineering. In addition to pursuing his studies and working with his LPA mentors, Hunter recently visited the San Jose studio to observe an “Elevate” session, an open, inter-disciplinary discussion of a project on the boards; in this case, a “student success center” for California State University, Monterey Bay.
“Watching the design process unfold, in front of me was mind-blowing,” he said after the session. “I didn’t know that could be part of my future.”
Meet Hunter Aguilar, 2020 LPA Scholarship Recipient
Watching the design process unfold, in front of me was mind-blowing. I didn’t know that could be part of my future.
Here’s a snapshot of Hunter as he pursues his academic career.
Hunter Aguilar
Sophomore, Civil Engineering
San Jose State
Current courses: Math, Chemistry, and Surveying.
LPA Mentors
Carla Simental, Structural Engineering, Project Engineer
Guillermo Medina, Civil Engineering, Design Coordinator
What got you started in engineering?
“My uncle was into rebuilding things, around the house. I’ve always liked to fix things that are broken around the house. In high school, I really wanted to get into engineering and building things.”
I really liked learning about the process of how this industry works and how a project gets critiqued and decisions are formed. It was shocking to see this come together.
Has the LPA scholarship been helpful?
“It’s been very helpful. The best part are the things I gain from the dialogue with my mentors and listening to what they’ve done. We’ve talked about what clubs to join while in college and things like that. I’ve been considering a transfer to other universities, and I appreciate the insights from my mentors on how to move forward.”
What did you think of the Elevate session?
“I really liked learning about the process of how this industry works and how a project gets critiqued and decisions are formed. It was shocking to see this come together.”
What are your plans after graduation?
“I’m still trying to visualize what engineering can offer as a career, but it was inspiring to participate in the charette session in San Jose.”
Know a high school senior interested in a career in architecture, engineering or design? Learn more about the LPA Interdisciplinary Diversity Scholarship here.
