The WILD Spark Scholarship, announced on 8 February 2026 by Women in Lighting + Design (WILD), is designed to do exactly what its name suggests—ignite opportunity for the next generation of lighting professionals.
Open to WILD members at the Student and Emerging Professional tiers, the scholarship provides a fully funded opportunity to attend a qualifying lighting conference, event, or educational experience of the recipient’s choosing. The program is intended not only to further professional development but also to recognize the positive impact the awardee is already making within the WILD community.
Recipients will be selected through a blind review process conducted by a liaison committee, with applications evaluated on demonstrated commitment to WILD’s mission of equity, dignity, and autonomy across the lighting industry. Scholarship amounts vary depending on the selected event, allowing flexibility to support a wide range of learning opportunities.
Qualifying events include industry cornerstones such as NeoCon in Chicago, the AIA Conference in San Diego, IES 26 in Denver, ArchLIGHT Summit, IALD Enlighten Americas in Austin, and the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo in New York. Additional events—including international options—may also be proposed as part of the application.
As part of the award, recipients are asked to contribute one hour of volunteer time at a WILD booth during their chosen event, reinforcing the organization’s emphasis on engagement and community-building.
Applications for the WILD Spark Scholarship are due by April 3, 2026. Applicants must be current Student or Emerging Professional members of WILD; those who are not yet members are encouraged to join in order to qualify. For details and to apply, click here.
A “spark,” as WILD defines it, is a deep inner enthusiasm—one that drives creativity and full engagement. The WILD Spark Scholarship is designed to help that spark grow into something lasting, strengthening both individual careers and the lighting industry as a whole.
About WILD
Women in Lighting + Design (WILD) is a professional organization dedicated to supporting, connecting, and empowering women in the lighting and design fields. Through programs like the WILD Spark Scholarship, WILD cultivates opportunities for learning, leadership, and career advancement while promoting equity, dignity, and autonomy across the lighting industry.