Student scholarships are made possible by generous funding from Liz’s Antique Hardware.

Support the Scholarship Fund

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.

Become a Student Member

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.

Student Membership Application

Student Membership Application

Please complete this form to receive a coupon code. Upon receiving the coupon code, you'll need to join as a student member, then enter the coupon code to receive the complimentary student membership. Student member terms are a one-time term of two years. Contact CPF if you need more than two years in your student membership.

Your Information

Your Training / Educational Details

List here the name of your trade school, college, university, or other training program.

Maximum file size: 26.21MB

Please upload an unofficial transcript, copy of your current student ID, or a letter from your student adviser or program coordinator demonstrating your status as a student in good standing. If these are unavailable, please upload a document with contact information (i.e. name, phone number, email, and title) of someone at your school who can be reached to verify your status, or email this information to andrew@californiapreservation.org.

Conference Scholarship (Deadline Extended to April 4, 2025)

Every year the California Preservation Conference includes a session that allows students to present their original research and network with others in their profession. More information about the conference is available here. Scholarship recipients will receive:

  • Complementary registration to the full CPF conference courtesy of the California Preservation Foundation.
  • A grant of between $300 – $500 thanks to the generous support of Liz’s Antique Hardware.

Applications for the conference are due by Friday, April 4, 2025. Submit your abstract below, or read more by clicking here.

Student Sessions - Conference
Address
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal
Country
Sending

Trades Scholarship (Deadline: May 19th, 2025)

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 May 19th, 2025.

Trades Scholarship Application

Your Information

Address
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal

Your Training / Educational Details

List here the name of your trade school, college, university, or other training program.
Please provide a link to your school's webpage. If possible, provide a link directly to the department or program in which you are currently enrolled or will be enrolled by the fall.
Please indicate above what program of study you are pursuing (i.e. what degree or certification you are working towards).
Either here or in an attachment (see below) explain your intended career path, how it relates to historic preservation, and how this scholarship can help you achieve your goals. Your answer should not exceed 1,000 words, and concise answers are appreciated. If you would prefer to upload your response instead, you may use the box below and enter "see attachment" in the box above.

Maximum file size: 26.21MB

If you would prefer to upload a file with your response to the previous question, you may do so here.

Maximum file size: 26.21MB

Please upload an unofficial transcript, copy of your current student ID, or a letter from your student adviser or program coordinator demonstrating your status as a student in good standing. If these are unavailable, please upload a document with contact information (i.e. name, phone number, email, and title) of someone at your school who can be reached to verify your status, or email this information to andrew@californiapreservation.org.

Diversity Scholarship (Deadline: August 18, 2025)

For the third year, the California Preservation Foundation is excited to offer 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 is 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

Applications are now open and will close on August 18, 2025.

Diversity Scholarship Application

Your Information

Address
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal

Educational Information

List here the name of your trade school, college, university, or other training program.
Please indicate above what program of study you are pursuing (i.e. what degree or certification you are working towards).
Please provide a link to your school's webpage. If possible, provide a link directly to the department or program in which you are currently enrolled or will be enrolled by the fall.
Please select all that apply
Either here on in an attachment (see below) explain your intended career path, how it relates to historic preservation, and how this scholarship can help you achieve your goals. Your answer should not exceed 1,000 words, and concise answers are appreciated. If you would prefer to upload your response instead, you may use the box below and enter "see attachment" in the box above.

Maximum file size: 26.21MB

If you would prefer to upload a file with your response to the previous question, you may do so here.

Maximum file size: 26.21MB

Please upload an unofficial transcript, copy of your current student ID, or a letter from your student adviser or program coordinator demonstrating your status as a student in good standing. If these are unavailable, please upload a document with contact information (i.e. name, phone number, email, and title) of someone at your school who can be reached to verify your status, or email this information to cpf@californiapreservation.org.

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