Procedures

While the Scholarship provides a rare opportunity for advanced and mature study for a period of approximately eight months to one year, it also imposes an obligation on the Scholar to excellence and conscientious fulfillment of the requirements established by the Rotch Trustees.

The Rotch Scholar is selected annually through a two-stage design competition. First, a weekend-long preliminary architectural competition is held from which the preliminary jury selects those candidates most qualified to participate in the 10-day final competition. The final jury is composed of several distinguished architects and other professionals, usually including a former Rotch Scholar, who select a winning design. The Rotch Trustees then officially name the Rotch Scholar for that year.

All finalists attend the judging of the final competition in Boston and present their projects to the jury. All expenses for travel and lodging are paid by the Scholarship Trust. The winner of the 2008 competition will receive $35,000 for a minimum of eight months travel and study abroad including a payment of $3,500 upon the completion of the Scholar's travels and the submission of a satisfactory report which becomes part of the permanent archives of the Scholarship. The scholar must leave before the end of the calendar year.

These sums cover all expenses incurred by each Scholar for the stated period for study and travel abroad. If dependents are to accompany the Scholar, the Committee must be satisfied that there are other funds available to supplement the Scholarship to provide adequately for this additional expense.

The Letter of Intent to be signed by all prospective Scholars constitutes formal acceptance of responsibility to the Rotch Trustees for compliance with all provisions contained in the letter.