The AIA California Desert Chapter Annual Scholarship.
Supporting the Next Generation of Architects
The AIA California Desert Chapter is proud to offer the AIA California Desert Chapter Annual Scholarship, created to support architecture students at the College of the Desert as they pursue their dreams of shaping the built environment.
This scholarship was established in 2024 to honor Florence A. Hagstrom, Honorary AIA, whose commitment to the architectural community left an indelible mark on our chapter.
A proud alumna of both Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) and Cal Poly Pomona’s School of Architecture, Florence built her career on passion, professionalism, and an unwavering belief in the power of our chapter’s impact on our members. Born and raised in Palm Desert, her ties to the region run deep — from attending Coachella Valley High School and Banning High School to building meaningful professional relationships across the desert.
In 2006, at the invitation of Rick Holden of Holden & Johnson Architects, Florence accepted the role of Executive Director for AIA California Desert, bringing years of stability, heart, and leadership to a chapter that had long relied on volunteer officers to shoulder its operations. She not only managed the California Desert Chapter but also, for a time, supported the Inland California Chapter as well.
Florence officially retired from her post in 2023 after more than 17 years of tireless service to AIA. To honor her remarkable contributions, the AIA California Desert Board of Directors created this annual scholarship in her name — a lasting tribute to her legacy of mentorship, community, and advocacy for future architects.
About the Scholarship.
The AIA California Desert Annual Scholarship is awarded to promising students enrolled in the Architecture and Environmental Design Program at College of the Desert (COD). This initiative reflects Florence’s belief in the power of local talent and her passion for supporting students as they take their first steps into the world of architecture.
This scholarship is not only a celebration of Florence’s service, but an investment in the future of desert architecture — empowering students who will one day shape the buildings, communities, and landscapes of our region.
Eligibility Criteria
The AIA California Desert Chapter is proud to offer an annual scholarship to a student graduating from College of the Desert with a two-year degree and continuing their architectural education at the university level within an accredited BArch program.
Application Process
Each Spring semester, eligible graduating students are contacted by the AIA California Desert liaison at COD. Applicants are asked to submit an application package in late April, which includes:
Responses to essay prompts.
Portfolio samples from their time at COD.
An affidavit confirming their intent to enroll in an accredited architecture program in the Fall semester.
The AIA California Desert Board reviews all submissions and selects a scholarship recipient in early May. The award is presented in person at a special gathering of COD faculty, students, and AIA board members.
2025 Dedication
The 2025 scholarship was awarded in honor of Florence A. Hagstrom, Hon. AIA CA, a College of the Desert graduate and long-serving Executive Director of the California Desert Chapter from 2006 to 2023. Florence’s unwavering commitment to the profession and our chapter community continues to inspire the next generation of architects.
Future Dedications
If you'd like to be a contributor to our annual College of the Desert Scholarship Fund, please contact us.