IALD Education Trust

About the IALD Education Trust

The IALD Education Trust is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 charitable educational organization that provides direct support to educators and students for the purpose of promoting the study of architectural lighting design.  

Our Mission

To grow the available pool of entry level lighting designers by fostering connections between pre-practitioners and practitioners of the lighting design profession.

Our Vision

To create a better world through leadership and excellence in lighting design; to cultivate the universal acknowledgement and appreciation of the Power of Light in human life.  

25 FOR THE TRUST: Celebrating a Quarter Century

The IALD Education Trust is celebrating 25 years of supporting students and educators in architectural lighting design. Over the years, the Trust has been sustained by a generous community of lighting specifiers, manufacturers, and representatives who bolster the lighting design profession through their investment in the next generation of lighting designers.

In that collaborative spirit, we seek supporters to join in the 25 for the Trust initiative and help us write the next chapter. 

Support for 25 FOR THE TRUST

Thank you to everyone who has pledged their support to the IALD Education Trust by joining our 25 for the Trust campaign. Our list of current supporters continues to grow, and we are grateful for your participation and support.

Join the IALD Education Trust for a jubilee celebration onsite at IALD Enlighten Americas 2023 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, 4 November. We will gather for a private party at the Bowl Valley Bowling Centre to enjoy Canadian 5-pin bowling, drinks, and light appetizers. There’s no need to RSVP, but please wear your Trust blue ribbon (which will be available at the Acuity Brands table at the EA23 convention, or by making a $20 USD donation to the Trust when you come to the party). The fun starts promptly, and space is limited to 150 guests: first-come, first-served. We hope to see you there!

Travel Stipends

The IALD Education Trust provides support to students and educators for the purpose of promoting the profession of architectural lighting design; and strives to connect students with lighting practitioners and industry professionals. Since 1998, the Trust has awarded over 400 travel stipends and over 100 scholarships in 12 countries.

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Scholarship Program

The Lighting Design Alliance (LDA) Scholarship is open to non-U.S. citizens who are enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate-level program in lighting design or a related field in any country. The annual award amount is $2,500 USD. 

The Thomas M. Lemons Scholarship is made possible by Available Light Inc. and requires applicants be a Junior, Senior, or Graduate-level lighting design student at an accredited school in the United States regardless of nationality. The annual award amount is $4,500 USD.

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Note: THE 2023 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION AND TRAVEL STIPEND PERIODS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR 2023.

Considering an application for 2024? We will begin accepting applications for IALD Enlighten Americas 2024 at the end of this year. Please check back for more information.

For more information on any of our programs, please contact the IALD Education Trust Director.