NAHMA Education Foundation

Breaking Boundaries Through Scholarship

By Erica Rascón on Aug 14, 2013 in People

The National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA) Educational Foundation, nearing its 20^th year in service, has helped thousands of affordable housing residents overcome the odds to attain higher education. Its efforts have resulted in a demonstrated legacy of community empowerment one scholarship recipient at a time.

NAHMA board members are problem solvers at heart. When an issue arises within the affordable housing industry, the group convenes to find a solution. The late 80s presented the board with two challenging dilemmas: several properties were experiencing a surge in drug use among residents and the local schools were not performing well.

Bruce Solari, Director Emeritus of Affordable Housing Management Association for the Pacific Southwest, could see that children in those communities were facing obstacles in both of the environments in which they spent the most time. The youth struggled to find support for their academic goals and they faced adverse social pressures in their neighborhoods. Solari recalls, “I thought that something needed to be done about [those problems] and that was the genesis of the scholarship program.”

The board initially aimed to create a scholarship program for traditional students. After discovering a greater need, they soon expanded the scope to include adults, seniors and residents living with disabilities. Regional programs began shortly thereafter. In 1994, the national association became involved to fill the void in regions that did not have the wherewithal to initiate their own scholarship program. By 2007, the organization distributed its first series of scholarships.

Now, scholarship opportunities are available throughout much of the US. Scholarship recipients must demonstrate stellar academic credentials, involvement in community service and varied extracurricular interests.

Dr. Bruce W. Johnson, Scholarship Program Administrator, collaborated with independent video contractor Andrew King to create From Sea to Shining Sea. The video promotes the idea that “securing a good education is the path to opportunity and success,” but it also reveals a more practical side to the mission of the foundation: the scholarships are the sort of gifts that keeps on giving.

Scholarship recipients often participate in activities that give back to their communities, continuing the legacy of lending a supportive hand to others. Andres Brito, (right). a 2013 scholarship recipient, is pursuing a degree that will allow him to help local medical facilities. “I wish to dedicate my life to helping and caring for others in the community I call home,” Brito says. “I plan on utilizing my skills in kinesiology by volunteering in medical facilities that support individuals with limited financial resources or lack healthcare.” He also has plans to edify young men in his community. “I intend on becoming a mentor for youngsters in urban settings and help them attend college.”

2013 scholarship recipient Terrance Woolard (left) plans to pay it forward. “I’ve considered starting my own scholarship foundation. I believe it’s important for people to support things like this because it gives others an opportunity they wouldn’t have without it,” Woolard says.

This year’s recipients stand on the shoulders of former award winners, who have set the bar high for community outreach. Recipient Aisha Johnson used the scholarship to complete her Masters degree in social work. She is now serving the community, helping other at-risk residents achieve their dreams. Scholarship recipient Natalie Samarjian is now a law student at UCLA. She began as a student mentor for at-risk middle school girls. Her goal was to create empowered women one girl at a time and the impact she has had continues on through the program she began.

Stories like these are common amongst scholarship recipients. Their continued dedication to their communities long after they have received the scholarship demonstrates the true value of the Educational Foundation’s efforts; the scholarship fund creates a legacy of community empowerment through education.

This award year was an exceptional year for the Educational Foundation. 59 students received grants ranging from $1,500-$2,500. Total grant distribution equaled $137,500. This year marked the most successful fundraising in the foundation’s history. Yet there is still room to grow.

The Educational Foundation has plans to expand. Wayne Fox, Chair of the Educational Foundation explains, “The ultimate goal is to provide scholarships throughout each of the states in this country and the US territories. We’d like to expand those efforts so that we can service a larger population of residents and individuals who live in our properties. We’re looking to solicit the support not only of the NAHMA membership but a broader approach. This is a larger issue, one that needs to be focused on by the corporate community as well as private, individual citizens who see the need for promoting the education of students in order to support the larger economy and give everyone an opportunity to succeed.”

The Educational Foundation’s scholarship fund is made possible by the gifts of individuals, organizations and corporations. Public support is vital to the program. “It is important for corporate and individuals sponsors to support the NAHMA Educational Foundation because its scholarships enable college to be accessible and affordable for many young people,” explains Brito. “Many students enroll in college and even if they receive financial aid, they often must cope with multiple jobs and a heavy academic load. The NAHMA scholarships enable students with financial need to focus on their primary job: getting a great education and, in the future, becoming an asset to the community.”

Join Yardi in the quest for brighter futures. To make your contribution to NAHMA Educational Foundation scholarship program, contact Brenda Moser.