When a Scholarship Changes Everything: A Story of Real Impact

For many students, the journey to creative careers is filled with passion, promise—and a lot of uncertainty. Between the rising cost of education and the competitive nature of the industry, the path can often feel out of reach. The pressures of balancing creativity with the financial demands of school can make even the most driven students question their potential. But sometimes, all it takes is one opportunity to change everything.

That’s exactly where the AIGA Worldstudio D×D Scholarship steps in—not just as financial support but as a vote of confidence for emerging creatives. For 30 years, this program has been a pillar of support for designers, creating a legacy of impact and opportunity. Through this scholarship, recipients gain more than financial assistance—they receive professional recognition, validation, and entry into a peer network of like-minded creatives.

One shining example of this impact is Tracey Laguerre, a 2015 recipient of the Rebecca Marco and Coyne Family Foundation award through the AIGA Worldstudio D×D Scholarship. An alum of the California Institute of the Arts, Tracey has since built an impressive creative career—but it all started with the belief and support offered by this scholarship.

Q: Back in 2015, you received the Rebecca Marco and Coyne Family Foundation award through the AIGA Worldstudio D×D Scholarship. What was that moment like for you?

A: “It was a huge, huge relief,” she recalled. “So many scholarship applications feel like you’re just shooting in the dark, wondering if anyone is even looking at your work. But this felt different. It felt real.”

That word—real—resonated throughout her experience. Unlike many scholarships that seem distant or inaccessible, the AIGA Worldstudio D×D Scholarship was clearly rooted in community. “It was real people wanting to help real artists. I’m a real girl who needed a real scholarship to finish school. And when I got it, it wasn’t just about the money—it was knowing that someone believed in me.”

Q: How did the scholarship support you financially and creatively as you navigated your studies at the California Institute of the Arts?

A: “It definitely helped financially to deal with the cost of tuition, so I could focus more on my schoolwork. I still did freelance work, but I didn’t have to work as much, and that let me dedicate more time to completing my student films. Any help is a big help when you’re a student. There were a lot of sleepless nights—there would’ve been even more without this support. I don’t know if I would have made it as far without this scholarship.”

Q: How did receiving the scholarship change your perspective on your creative potential and what was possible for your career?

A: “It really touched me that the scholarship came from a real family who believed in me. It made me want to give back one day in the same way they supported me. That’s the beauty of this scholarship: it shows how art can create a cycle of support and opportunity. One day, I hope I can do what this family did for me—help real students pursue their creative goals.”

Q: Looking at your career today, how has your vision evolved since receiving the scholarship?

A: “It’s wild looking back on my goals from then. But I’m so glad I’ve gotten to accomplish them. I’ve worked on two recent projects I’m really proud of: a bilingual children’s book for Room to Read’s Haitian Creole collection, and a pilot for Cartoon Network inspired by Haitian culture and folklore. I feel like I’ve had the opportunity to tell stories that reflect my identity and uplift underrepresented voices.”

Q: What advice would you give to students who are hesitant to apply for the AIGA Worldstudio D×D Scholarship?

A: “Take the chance on yourself. Everyone needs help. There are people out there who want to support you and believe in you. You have something valuable to offer the world—don’t hold back. The AIGA Worldstudio D×D Scholarship changed my life, and it could change yours too.”

As the AIGA Worldstudio D×D Scholarship celebrates its 30th anniversary, its importance remains crystal clear. This program has played a pivotal role in building pathways for emerging talent, addressing long-standing societal challenges, and investing in the next generation of designers. It offers more than just financial support—it creates a space for recognition, validation, and community, ensuring that artists like Tracey Laguerre have the tools they need to thrive.

If you’re an emerging creative wondering whether to take that leap, this is your sign. Don’t wait—apply for the AIGA Worldstudio D×D Scholarship today and take the first step toward making your dreams a reality.

To learn more about and support Tracey’s work, check out:http://traceyellestudios.etsy.com/.