Construction Specifications Institute Scholarship

The Metro Detroit Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), in partnership with Lawrence Technological University, is pleased to offer an annual scholarship open to all LTU students currently enrolled in the College of Architecture and Design.

CSI is a national association dedicated to improving the communication of construction information through continuous development of standards and formats, education, and the certification of professionals to improve project delivery
processes. CSI members work tirelessly to effectively communicate the designers’ visions, the material producers’ solutions, and the constructors’ techniques to create outstanding facilities that meet owners’ objectives.

The goal of this scholarship is to offer eligible students an opportunity to apply based on a submission of original work. Students will also have the opportunity to expand their understanding of real-world construction processes and network with construction professionals of all disciplines to build relationships and support their future careers through continued engagement with CSI.

Submission Requirements

Submissions are to be based on a project chosen by the student from their current or past course work in architecture, demonstrating the appropriate application of construction materials for the project.

• Include renderings, graphics, and/or details showing overall project context and how the selected material(s) were criticial to achieving the design goals.

Submit an essay between 600 and 1,000 words meeting the following requirements:

• Briefly describe the project.
• Choose one of the primary materials specified in the project and describe how and why that material was selected for its intended purpose.
• Identify at least one alternate material that could have been selected, and describe why it was ultimately not used.

Awards

The 2026 recipient will receive a $5,000 scholarship award.

The top ten finalists, including the scholarship recipient, will receive a one-year student membership to the Construction Specifications Institute, with the following benefits:

• Attendance at CSI monthly events, including tours of manufacturing facilities, completed construction projects, and active jobsites. This is the ultimate behind-the-scenes pass to learn more about every aspect of construction and architecture. Events include dinner afterwards at a nearby restaurant, with no charge to members (guest fees may apply).
• Gain the opportunity to meet and network with construction professionals of all disciplines, including architects, specifiers, contractors, and manufacturers’ representatives.
• Stay up to date on new and changing technologies in construction and architecture.
• Stay up to date on new and changing technologies in construction and architecture.
• Add “CSI” to your signature, as you would with any other professional credential.
• Learn about and access other valuable professional certifications available only through CSI.

Winner will be announced in February 2026.