Student Design Scholarship

20th North American Student Design Scholarship

Make plans to participate in the 2024 Student Design Competition (SDC) sponsored by Alpaca Owners Association, Inc. (AOA). It’s not just a contest, it’s an experience. Over 200 North American college-level art and design schools are being contacted for their students to compete for the cash prizes, exciting professional development, and networking opportunities our awards bring.

The competition was created to promote the use of alpaca fiber in fashion, textile, and interior design at the fundamental level of educational institutions. The theme for this year is Alpaca: The Fiber of YOUR Future, a new theme reflecting the benefits of alpaca.

Eligibility and Format

  • Participation is open to all students of college-level design in North America

  • No garment construction is necessary

  • Entry requires a presentation board, swatches, a one-page essay, and a 60-second compilation video for promotional use

  • No entry fee required

  • The competition intends to promote the incorporation of alpaca fiber into creative and marketable fashion and textile designs

  • The entry should reflect the influence of the current design trends specified in the rules and regulations for the competition and utilize at least 50% alpaca fiber in the design

Scholarship and Awards

Fashion Design and Textile Design will be judged as two separate categories, each with its own winners.

First Place - $1,000

Second Place - $750

Third Place - $500

2024 Schedule

  • May 15 — Deadline for postmark entries and fees

  • May, 2024 — Judging of entries, notification of finalists

  • July, 2024 — Placements of all entries sent to instructors

  • July, 2024 — AOA Student Design presentation of awards and scholarships to finalists/exhibit of entries

  • September, 2024 — All entries with self-addressed packaging and postage will be returned with scorecards and placements

Important Links and Information