In 2017 Masonry Contractors of New Jersey established a scholarship program for NJIT’s College of Architecture and Design’s (CoAD) Siena Summer Program, CoAD’s premiere study abroad program. This accredited, summer program is part of the NJIT curriculum and was created to promote student exchange between NJIT and the University of Siena to encourage students to acquire a better understanding of an increasingly international environment through foreign study.

The scholarship is available to 3rd, 4th and 5th year students who participated in the Masonry Design/Build Competition during their 2nd year studio at CoAD. Eligible students have the option to spend six weeks learning analytical techniques and studying the Italian language and culture prior to embarking on the six week trip to Italy. This preparation will help them to better understand and appreciate their experiences in Italy.

Once in Italy, a two-week stay in Rome precedes an intensive four-week residency program at the University of Siena. This portion of the program is dedicated to the study of architectural history and urban development studying important past and present architecture throughout Rome and its surrounding villas. The instruction in Siena is coordinated by one full-time CoAD faculty member and rotating part-time faculty members.

Upon return, the students will attend an event, sponsored by Masonry Contractors of New Jersey, during which they will report on what they have learned and experienced during the six-week Summer Siena Program.