(AUSTIN, TEXAS) For the last seven years, Texas Affiliation of Affordable Housing (TAAHP) has provided more than $135,000 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.
This year, TAAHP is pleased to have awarded $55,000 in scholarships to students living in affordable housing communities across Texas. The total reflects a 5% increase in total dollars awarded compared to 2020 thanks to several generous donations by TAAHP members.
The 2021 scholarship recipients include:
- Stephen Aisabokhae, Prairie View: $7,500
- Jorgann Holgersen, Mabank: $7,500
- Lakyria Jones, Commerce: $5,500
- Ayah Sibai, Cedar Park: $5,500
- Jeandodie Tangishaka, Abilene: $4,000
- Qamar Omari, Sunyvale: $4,000
- Ashlon Bowles, Beaumont:$4,000
- Bosco Nkunzurwanda, Dallas: $4,000
- Nijah Ricks, McKinney: $4,000
- Johnny Warren, Ft. Worth: $3,000
- Mason Trujillo, Dalhart: $2,000
- Peace Oluwasanmi, Houston: $2,000
- Heather Ashley Mathias, Commerce: $2,000
“This is the second year we’ve been able to award more than $50,000 in scholarships to students from lower-income households,” says Roger Arriaga, TAAHP executive director. “At TAAHP, we know that lifting people up with a higher education not only helps them as individuals, it helps our community for generations to come.”
“It is extremely rewarding to be a part of these students’ long-term success,” says TAAHP President Chris Akbari. “With higher education costs rising year after year, it’s so important, especially for those coming from families who have struggled financially, to get the help they need to make a better future for themselves and their families.”
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 2021 scholarships were announced and presented during the Texas Affiliation of Affordable Housing Providers’ 2021 Texas Housing Conference. The application period for 2022 scholarships will open in the Spring of 2022 and selected recipients will be announced at the 2022 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.