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Scholarships

AHA Scholarship Program - 2025

In order to encourage academic excellence and community responsibility among high school students, AHA has implemented a scholarship program for graduating seniors who are preparing to enter college. AHA will award up to two (2) scholarships per school year to deserving youth currently residing in an AHA Subsidized rental unit.

Rev. Theodore Hanus Scholarship (two scholarships available $5,000 each)

Rev. Ted Hanus grew up in Public Housing in Chicago, IL, that experience was a part of him that lead to his compassionate, caring, kind and sweet soul. He served on the Arcadia Housing Board for 24 years until his passing on Nov 12, 2022. He was tough if needed and would go out of his way to be accommodating. He was an avid book reader and passionate in helping others and in discussion about political topics. He was admired by many for his wisdom and knowledge and is missed by many.

The scholarship fund will be administered by the AHA Truist Community Checking (401c3). The monies will go directly to the school that the recipient will be attending. The school will deposit the money into the student's account. The money will then be used to pay for tuition, books and activities related to the student's education and direct school expenses. If the student discontinues his or her education, the unused portion of the scholarship will be returned to AHA. For more information, contact Becky-Sue Mercer or 863.494.4343.

NAHRO Merit College Scholarship/NAHRO-LDG Scholars Program - Deadline - Contact Regional Representative

Three (3) $12,000 scholarships over four years to assist with tuition and fees which will also include:
$3,000 a year for up to three years, as a summer internship stipend
Networking opportunities with business and community leaders

Applicants must submit an essay of 750-1,000 words to answer the following questions: "Where do you see yourself in the next four years and how will this scholarship help you achieve those goals?" and "What are you doing now to achieve those goals?"

PHADA Scholarship Programs - Deadline - January Annually

Is there a student in your home that is a graduating HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR who is preparing to enter college? Are you wondering how are you going to pay for their college education? If you answered "yes", please encourage your student to apply for these scholarships, especially for seniors living in Public or Assisted housing (Section 8).

Three scholarships will be awarded:

Stephen J. Bollinger Memorial Scholarship ($10,000) - This scholarship will be awarded at the PHADA Annual Convention and Exhibition. The winner will also receive a trip for him/herself and one parent/guardian to attend the convention.

Civil Rights and Social Justice Scholarship ($5,000) - Students must submit a personal essay (350-500 words) demonstrating their efforts and achievements in furthering the values of the civil rights movement. Explain why the cause is still relevant in communities today and how they relate to your educational goals. Include any relevant volunteer experiences and community involvement activities relating to advancing the cause of civil rights.

Nan McKay Pathway to Achievement Scholarship ($5,000) - This scholarship will be awarded by the Public Housing Authorities Directors Association (PHADA) which is an organization of 1900 housing authorities across the United States. PHADA also serves as an advocate before the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on a variety of regulations governing public housing nationwide.

To apply for the scholarships, students must be high school seniors living in Public Housing or a Section 8 assisted home and have at least a "B" average. All scholarships require an essay (350-500 words) addressing the topic: "How my public housing and high school experiences have influenced my life?"