GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Can’t get financial support to attend high-level national programming? Take advantage of our members-only financial aid programs.
Top-rate programming comes with a top-rate price, but we don’t let that deter our members. Each year, our chapter offers financial assistance to multiple programs hosted by SMPS Headquarters, including Amplify A|E|C.
SMPS AEC.AI Grant
Applications due by 5:00PM on Monday, September 21, 2026.
AEC.AI (aecaisummit.org) is the premier learning experience dedicated to advancing the responsible, strategic use of artificial intelligence across the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. SMPS DC is excited to award a $2,000 grant towards attending the 2026 Summit in Austin, TX, November 18-20, 2026.
Presented by the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), AEC.AI brings together AEC marketing, business development, and growth leaders who are actively shaping how AI will influence firm strategy, client experience, and long-term competitiveness.
Designed for professionals navigating real-world AI adoption, AEC.AI delivers focused education, hands-on learning, and meaningful peer connection. Attendees leave with practical frameworks, clearer direction, and the confidence to pilot, deploy, and govern AI in ways that drive measurable business impact.
Winner will be announced at our Awards Garden Party at Northside Social Clarendon on September 29, 2026.
Application questions:
1. Why are you interested in attending the SMPS AEC.AI Summit, and what do you hope to gain from the experience? (200 words or less)
2. Describe your involvement with SMPS DC. (150 words or less)
3. If selected, how will you share what you learn with the SMPS DC community? (200 words or less)
4. Why should you be selected to receive the AEC.AI Summit Grant? (200 words or less)
Eligibility:
• Must be an SMPS DC member in good standing and have maintained membership for at least one (1) year
• Current SMPS DC Board members are not eligible
QUESTIONS POC
Please contact SMPS DC President, Jess Gillette, CPSM, with any questions.
SMPS DC Student Scholarship
The 2026 SMPS DC Student Scholarship is officially closed!
The SMPS DC scholarship program supports emerging marketing professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry enrolled in any accredited university, community college, or private college located within 35 miles of Washington DC. Applications are due April 30th with the winner announced May 18th. Click here for full eligibility criteria and submittal portal.
Congratulations to Ashley Ark for being awarded the SMPS DC 2025 Student Scholarship! A Marketing major at the University of Maryland, Global Campus, she currently serves as a Marketing and HR Assistant at EBA Engineering, Inc. Her passion for A/E/C marketing shines through in her hands-on experience managing social media campaigns, supporting proposal development, and coordinating tradeshow participation.
2025 Recipient
Ashley Ark
Pay It Forward Grant
Amplify A|E|C is the SMPS Annual Conference that brings together 800+ AEC firm leaders, marketers, and business developers from across the country. If this sounds right up your alley but it didn’t make the budget, let us help. This all-expenses-paid grant not only covers your conference registration, but airfare, hotel, and meals as well. All you need to do is apply.
2023 Recipient
Amanda Haven
SMPS Pinnacle Experience Grant
The SMPS Pinnacle Experience is the Society's event designed for senior marketing leaders, specifically for professionals with significant experience (10-15+ years) who serve as the "first chair" for leading their firm's marketing and business development efforts. This may include CEOs, CMOs, directors, principals, vice presidents, and SMPS Fellows. The symposium-style event provides thought-provoking learning and networking opportunities for the participants.
2024 Recipient
Koren Stauffer
