Potomac Falls, VA — The Education Foundation of the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWIEF) awarded scholarships for 2023, totaling $28,000 in support of students whose academic curricula aligns them with the woodwork industry.

“There were only 14 scholarship applications this year. The number of schools participating in 2023 was down, which is a concern and compels us to find new ways to reach applicants.  Our goal is to distribute $50,000 a year for the next 18 years!” AWI CEO Doug Hague said.

The awards are largely made possible by a $1 million contribution from the Quality Certification Corporation in 2021 for annual scholarship funding of $50,000 per year for 20 years.  The student support funds are designated as Randolph Estabrook Scholarships in honor of QCC’s former Executive Director.

“AWIEF, ‘the giving arm of AWI’ has now distributed more than $297,000 in scholarships since its founding in 2008 to help perpetuate the architectural woodwork industry,” Hague said.  

The Foundation not only gives but also receives funds for awarding scholarships and grants. AWI Members and AWI Chapters generously contribute to the Foundation throughout the year.  “Nearly $55,000 was contributed by over 60 donors during our ‘3rd Project Gratitude’ event on Sept. 19, 2023, which featured an open mic to raise funds and an auction for a trip to the 2024 AWI Convention.  To my knowledge this was the most money ever donated at an AWIEF fundraising event,” Hague reported.  “Everyone working together made it happen!”
 
The AWIEF, which was founded in 2008 with a generous endowment from the Architectural Woodwork Institute, is a 501(c)(3) public charity, non-profit foundation.