The Alexia runs this mentor grant for student photographers developing projects in visual innovation. Stephen Wilkes, a photographer, filmmaker and National Geographic Explorer, mentors the recipient remotely over the following year.
The project should use visual innovation to create deeper meaning, with conceptual intent taking priority over technical display. The 2026 application round is closed; applicants entered through The Alexia student Vision Grant process and opted into consideration for this mentor grant.
Benefits & funding
- The recipient receives $1,000 toward project expenses and production.
- Stephen Wilkes connects with the recipient by Zoom four times during the following year, with possible additional availability.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be student photographers fully engaged in study at a college, university, community college or center of photography when applying, or must have graduated in 2025 for the 2026 cycle.
- Undergraduate, master’s and Ph.D. students may qualify when actively pursuing their studies; recent graduates may also use the stated 2025 route.
- Applicants of any nationality may apply, with no published residency restriction.
- Only one proposal is accepted per person each year, and previous Alexia grant recipients must wait through the next three cycles before applying again.
- Student submissions are free.
Can you apply?
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Education required
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Application process
- 1Review The Alexia grant rules and create or sign in to the submission-platform account used for the student Vision Grant.
- 2Create one student Vision Grant entry and indicate that the project should also be considered for the Visual Innovation Mentor Grant.
- 3Upload the required synopsis, proposal, bio, résumé or CV, body of work and proof of current enrollment or eligible recent graduation.
- 4Accept the terms, submit the completed entry and check for the confirmation email.
Program timeline
Submissions opened.
January 13, 2026
Application deadline.
February 13, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST
The Alexia held its open judging weekend in Syracuse.
March 27–28, 2026
Following year
The recipient develops the project and meets Stephen Wilkes by Zoom four times.