Rochester Housing Authority Student Receives NYSPHADA College Scholarship
The scholarship is given to high school seniors living in public or assisted housing at a NYSPHADA member agency
Rochester, NY — The Rochester Housing Authority (RHA) is proud to announce that the New York State Public Housing Authority Directors Association (NYSPHADA) has awarded its top annual college scholarship to a student living in a Rochester Housing Authority unit.
To be considered for the scholarship, students must submit two letters of recommendation from teachers along with an essay, which this year focused on identifying a person, character in fiction, or historical figure who has had a significant influence on them.
Initially valued at $2,500, the scholarship amount was supplemented with donations by NYSPHADA donors and conference attendees, bringing the total to at least $5,000. The young winner plans to attend a local four-year college. “We are incredibly proud of our winning student,” said Lynette McGee, Human Services Specialist with RHA. “He exemplifies the eagerness and industrious nature that we encourage, and we are certain he has a bright collegiate future ahead of him.”
NYSPHADA implemented a scholarship program for graduating seniors who are preparing to enter higher level learning in order to encourage academic excellence and community responsibility among high school students. Every year, NYSPHADA awards one scholarship to a deserving youth currently residing in a NYSPHADA member agency.
This year’s scholarship was formally presented at NYSPHADA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition on April 19, 2023, at the Turning Stone Casino & Resort in Verona, New York. The winner received travel accommodations for himself and one parent or guardian to attend the conference. The scholarship money is intended to be used to pay for tuition, books, and activities directly related to the student’s education.
About Rochester Housing Authority
Established in 1955 as an independent public corporation by New York State Public Housing Law, the Rochester Housing Authority (RHA) serves more than 27,000 lower-income residents and program participants in the five-county Greater Rochester area. Approximately 20% of those reside in the 2,400+ RHA public housing units, while others served receive assistance in the form of voucher or certificate programs that help them afford eligible, private housing.
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