The Theodore Prudon Fund for Preservation Education is a Docomomo US initiative, established to recognize advancement in the field through the contributions of the organization’s founding president. The fund supports educational initiatives at Docomomo US and supports preservation students in their pursuits.

Congratulations to the 2026 Theodore Prudon Fund Grant Recipient, James Oberting!

James is an emerging preservation architect, editor, and graduate student pursuing dual degrees in the Master of Architecture and M.S. Historic Preservation programs at Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP). He is currently an architectural intern at Peter Pennoyer Architects. His previous professional experience includes internships at the Nantucket Preservation Trust, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation under Chair Sara Bronin, and serving as managing editor of Future Anterior Journal. His commitment to preservation as both a civic responsibility and collaborative design practice is informed by the belief that grassroots advocacy is essential to shaping a more inclusive and resilient built environment

“We are delighted to recognize James as this year's recipient of the Theodore Prudon Scholarship,” said Docomomo US Executive Director Liz Waytkus. “His application demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, a deep commitment to the preservation of Modern architecture, and great promise as a future leader in the field.”

On receiving the award, James stated:

"I am truly honored and humbled to receive the Prudon Fund Scholarship. This award is especially meaningful because it comes from an organization I greatly admire, and because Theo, a former professor who introduced me to the core fundamentals of modern building systems and architectural technology, played such an important role in my education. I look forward to engaging closely with the Docomomo US community as I pursue a career championing historic preservation."

Theodore Prudon Fund for Preservation Education Grant Applications

The 2026 application window is now closed. The next grant cycle will open in early 2027. 

Academic scholarships are exclusively available to graduate students in the field of historic preservation and are designed to assist with educational expenses. One (1) scholarship of $3,000 is awarded annually. The recipient also receives a one-year Docomomo US student membership and complimentary registration for the Docomomo US National Symposium.

Eligibility 
 

Docomomo US values diversity and believes that a range of perspectives enriches the outcome. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, and actively encourage those from historically underrepresented communities.

Scholarships are available to students currently living in the United States who:  

• Are pursuing a graduate degree in historic preservation or heritage conservation in an accredited program in the United States.  
• Have already completed one full semester or term of graduate coursework. 
• Are a US citizen or permanent resident of the United States. 

Application Materials 

All application materials must be submitted in PDF format: 
 

• A completed application form. 
• A personal essay (no more than 500 words) describing the following:
  • How you intend to use the grant funds. Docomomo US encourages the use of the funds for tuition support but understands that there are many ways that grant funding can be used to support educational pursuits. Specificity regarding the use of the funds and a demonstration of need is highly encouraged.  
  • Your interest in the preservation of buildings, design, landscapes, and or neighborhoods of the modern movement, and a description of how reciving the grant funding  helps you advance your career goals.
• One (1) copy of your school transcript. 
• One (1) letter of recommendation from someone qualified to assess your academic work. The letter must be emailed directly from your reference (not the applicant) to Docomomo US at info@docomomo-us.org with the subject line: “[Name of the Student] Recommendation Letter.”
• One (1) copy of your resume or curriculum vitae, including a brief narrative bio.

Review Process and Notification 

Application review and deliberation takes place in late spring/early summer. Decision via email to the grant recipient and all scholarship applicants occurs in late summer, with funds disbursed in the fall.

Thank You to the Founding Donors

Past Recipients