Four young designers awarded SOM Foundation's 2​​024 Robert L. Wesley Award

The four winners of the 2024 Robert L. Wesley Award have been announced by the SOM Foundation. The $10,000 scholarship, established in 2020 in honor of the firm's first Black partner, includes a yearlong mentorship for BIPOC students.

The award winners are:

• Ferras Coulibaly of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, School of Architecture
• Erin Kurtycz of the University of Michigan, Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning
• Beni Lawson of the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, School of Architecture
• Salma Rodriguez of Texas Tech University, Huckabee College of Architecture

Jury member Monica Chada said of the group: "I was beyond impressed with the caliber of students that applied for the Robert L. Wesley Award. We have so many talented young people in design that are deserving of an easier path in school. The fact that this award can honor, support, and provide mentorship is invaluable. The students who have received the award exhibit leadership, talent, and commitment to each of their communities."