Student scholarships are made possible by generous funding from Liz’s Antique Hardware.
Student scholarships are only available to members of the California Preservation Foundation. If you are not yet a member, use the button above to sign up for a free student membership, then return here to complete the application.
Student Support
The California Preservation Foundation provides multiple kinds of support for students interested in pursuing a career in historic preservation. Use the tabs below to learn more about scholarship opportunities. Student scholarships are only available to members of the California Preservation Foundation. If you are not yet a member, click here to sign up for a free student membership then return to this page to complete the application.
Looking for a job in preservation? Check out our jobs page here.
Free Student Membership and Scholarships
Free Student Membership & Scholarship Opportunities
Students enrolled in college, university, trade schools, or full-time professional training programs are eligible to receive a FREE, two-year membership to the California Preservation Foundation. This membership provides all the same benefits as our standard membership, including event discounts, regular updates from CPF, and invitations to exclusive members-only events throughout the state. To sign up for student membership, please fill out the form below.
Free membership requires proof of student status, including but not limited to: a valid student ID, an unofficial transcript, or a valid school affiliated email address. Membership may be terminated if proof is not received within 30 days after initial sign up. This free membership is non-renewable. To continue receiving the benefits of CPF membership, or explore additional membership options, you can join as a paid member at any time by visiting californiapreservation.org/join.
Conference Scholarship (Extended Deadline: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 )
The Conference Scholarship deadline has been extended to Wednesday, February 25, 2026, giving students additional time to apply for this unique opportunity to participate in the California Preservation Conference in Riverside, May 6–9, 2026.
Each year, the conference features a dedicated student session that highlights original research and emerging voices in historic preservation and related fields. Selected students receive complimentary full conference registration, providing access to all keynote presentations, educational sessions, workshops, and special events throughout the four-day conference.
Scholarship recipients will also be invited to the Emerging Professionals Mixer, a key networking event designed to connect students with preservation professionals, firm leaders, public-sector staff, consultants, and fellow emerging practitioners from across California and beyond.
In addition, selected students will receive a cash award of $300–$500, generously supported by Liz’s Antique Hardware, to help offset travel and participation costs.
Students are encouraged to submit an abstract showcasing their original research and perspectives. This scholarship offers not only financial support, but also meaningful professional exposure, mentorship opportunities, and immersion in California’s largest statewide preservation gathering.
Applications for the conference are due by Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Submit your abstract below, or read more by clicking here.
Trades Scholarship (Deadline: May 18th, 2026)
The California Preservation Foundation is excited to offer a Trades Scholarship, with generous support from Liz’s Antique Hardware. This scholarship is aimed at providing funds to those studying a trade or craft. Winners will receive a scholarship and the opportunity to be matched with a professional mentor. This scholarship is open to any student living or studying in California, Oregon, or Washington with a hands-on professional approach and aspirations in the field of historic preservation. Applicants must either be currently enrolled or enrolling in one of the following types of educational programs:
- Trade school
- Apprenticeship
- Professional training program
- College or university
Students in trade schools and job training programs are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications are now open and will close on Monday, May 18th, 2025.
Diversity Scholarship (To Be Determined for 2026)
For years, the California Preservation Foundation has offered a $1,000 Diversity Scholarship, with generous support from Liz’s Antique Hardware. This scholarship is aimed at providing funds to students that come from underrepresented students in the field of historic preservation and cultural heritage. Winners will receive a scholarship and the opportunity to be matched with a professional mentor.
This scholarship has been open to any student living or studying in California, Oregon, or Washington with professional aspirations in the field of historic preservation. Applicants must either be currently enrolled or enrolling in one of the following types of educational programs:
- Trade school
- Professional training program
- College or university
- Graduate school
When any new application periods are announced, they will be available here.
Underrecognized California - Paid Internship to Designate Historic Properties
Full details about Underrecognized California are available here.
If you are a student interested in underrecognized California and/or participating in an internship program during the, please email us at cpf@californiapreservation.org.
Header image © David Wakely
