Design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the future.
The Robert L. Peters Scholarship, supported by Design Professionals of Canada (DesCan), recognizes design as a force that shapes how we think, connect, and act. This award supports emerging designers across Canada whose work goes beyond aesthetics. These are projects that engage with real communities, reflect diverse perspectives, and influence values that lead to positive social and cultural change. It celebrates designers as shapers of culture, using their creativity to help build a more inclusive, responsible, and intentional future.
Scholarship Awarded
One $1,000 scholarship supported by Design Professionals of Canada (DesCan)
Who May Apply
This scholarship is open to students and recent graduates (within one year) of recognized design programs across Canada. Applications may be submitted individually or collaboratively. All applicants must be student members of Design Professionals of Canada.
What Kinds of Projects Can Be Submitted
The Robert L. Peters Scholarship is grounded in the belief that design creates culture. Using design to shape, reflect, and transform the human experience across diverse contexts.
Applicants are invited to submit projects that engage meaningfully with a community, cultural context, or social or environmental condition within Canada, demonstrating how design can:
- amplify underrepresented or marginalized voices
- foster inclusion, accessibility, and equity
- reflect and respect the diversity of cultures across Canada, including Indigenous perspectives and local communities
- inspire awareness, dialogue, and action at local, regional, or national levels
Projects may support a non-profit, grassroots initiative, or speculative cause, but must clearly demonstrate cultural awareness, ethical responsibility, and human impact.
Submissions should include:
- Context: A thoughtful exploration of the community, culture, or issue addressed, including its challenges, histories, and lived realities
- Intent: How the design responds with sensitivity, respect, and purpose
- Outcome: The ways in which the work contributes to meaningful change, whether tangible or aspirational
Projects may be completed or in progress. Submissions may take the form of digital platforms, environmental graphics, campaigns, print media or hybrid communication systems, and should demonstrate a thoughtful and cohesive approach to engaging audiences and communicating ideas.
Submissions are not limited to pro-bono work and do not require real clients.
Judging
Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of DesCan-certified professionals representing a diversity of perspectives from across Canada.
Criteria for Judging
Cultural Relevance & Responsibility
- How deeply does the work engage with its cultural, regional, or social context?
- Does it demonstrate empathy, inclusivity, and ethical awareness?
Design as Meaning-Making
- Does the project communicate values, identity, and shared understanding beyond aesthetics or function?
- Is there a clear and compelling rationale behind the design decisions?
Impact & Transformation
- What is the actual or potential impact on the community or issue addressed?
- Does the work encourage awareness, participation, or behavioral change?
Clarity & Communication
- How effectively does the project communicate across chosen media and audiences?
- Is the narrative accessible, engaging, and purposeful?
Important Notes
- This scholarship does not request unpaid labor or speculative ideas; it recognizes work already developed or in progress.
- Projects remain the intellectual property of the applicant.
- Design Professionals of Canada reserves the right to showcase submissions for promotional purposes unless otherwise requested.
- Scholarships are awarded to individual students; group submissions must designate a student representative.
Publication & Community Engagement
Recipients may be invited to share their work nationally, contributing to an ongoing dialogue about design as a cultural and social force in Canada. Selected works may be published or exhibited by Design Professionals of Canada to highlight how emerging designers are shaping culture through their practice.
The winner and honourable mentions will be announced in the summer of 2026.
Submission deadline May 1, 2026.
To the Application Submission Form.