(AUSTIN, TEXAS) For the last eight years, Texas Affiliation of Affordable Housing (TAAHP) has provided more than $190,000 in scholarship funding to students seeking a higher education. Students living in affordable housing communities owned by TAAHP members are eligible. TAAHP’s scholarship program was created to help some of the most vulnerable students in the state pursue a higher level of education as a pathway to self-sustainability and success.
For the second year in a row, TAAHP is pleased to have awarded $55,000 in scholarships to students living in affordable housing communities across Texas. Thanks to several generous donations by TAAHP members, TAAHP continues its goal of helping to support the future of Texans who need the additional leg up to meet their full potential and lift themselves and future generations out of poverty.
The 2022 scholarship recipients include:
- Stephen Aisabokhae, Prairie View: $7,500
- Jorgann Holgersen, Mabank: $7,500
- Lakyria Jones, Commerce: $5,500
- Niesha Jenkins, Austin: $5,500
- Qamar Omari, Sunyvale: $5,500
- Ebonie Freeman, Denton: $3,500
- Tracy Mai, Commerce: $3,500
- Peace Oluwasanmi, Houston: $3,500
- Michael Trujillo, Dalhart: $3,000
- Lekiesha Doss, Denton: $2,500
- Nichole Hou, San Antonio: $2,500
- Mason Trujillo, Dalhart: $2,000
- Maxwell Epps, Commerce: $1,000
- Sheridan Bishop, Arlington: $1,000
- Darrien Dozier, Haslet: $1,000
“TAAHP’s leadership is thrilled with the success of our scholarship fundraising efforts these last few years,” says Roger Arriaga, executive director. For the third year in a row, we’ve distributed over $50,000 to these students. Now with the recent launch of our foundation, donations are now tax deductible too.
“Seeing the reactions when these students learn they are receiving one of these scholarships is truly one of my favorite things in the world to see,” says Jean Latsha, TAAHP 2022-2023 President. “Their excitement is infectious and reminds me of the importance of our work to provide affordable housing in Texas. It is by far one of the most rewarding industries to be a part of, and I am so proud to lead this organization in the coming year as we forge ahead to make a difference in the lives of some of our most vulnerable residents.”
Scholarship applicants are scored on a rigorous 100-point scale. Scoring categories include grade point average, writing skills, participation in extracurricular activities, recommendations from instructors and mentors, and other factors such as their respective school, workload, family obligations, and career objectives.
The 2022 scholarships were announced and presented during the Texas Affiliation of Affordable Housing Providers’ 2022 Texas Housing Conference. The next application period will open in the Spring of 2023, and selected recipients will be announced at the 2023 Texas Housing Conference next July.
About the Texas Affiliation of Affordable Housing Providers (TAAHP)
The Texas Affiliation of Affordable Housing Providers (TAAHP) is a non-profit trade association serving affordable housing industry providers. TAAHP works to increase the supply and quality of affordable housing for Texans with limited incomes and special needs. Founded in 1997, TAAHP is considered the “Voice of Affordable Housing in Texas,” and represents housing industry professionals involved in the financing, design, development, and management of affordable housing communities in Texas through public/private partnerships. TAAHP members produce tens of thousands of award-winning affordable housing communities with state-of-the-art designs, amenities, and resident services. For more information, visit www.taahp.org.