Apartment Investment and Management Co. (Aimco), one of the largest multifamily owners and managers, is establishing the Aimco Cares Opportunity Scholarship to provide funds for residents of affordable housing to attend college. In partnership with the National Leased Housing Association’s (NLHA) Education Fund program, the new scholarship will begin to provide grants for students in 2010 and will be funded with proceeds from the annual Aimco Cares Charity Golf Classic fundraising event.
The NLHA Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was formed in 2007 as part of NLHA’s ongoing efforts to continue to seek ways to improve the lives of individuals and families who reside in federally assisted housing or receive federal housing assistance.
“Aimco is pleased to launch this scholarship in collaboration with NLHA. The Aimco Cares Opportunity Scholarship is designed to help exceptional students fulfill their dream of higher education by providing support to students who otherwise might not see college as financially feasible,” said Miles Cortez, Aimco executive vice president and chief administrative officer. “This new scholarship is an expansion of our Aimco Cares initiative, which already provides scholarships for children of Aimco team members and encourages volunteer activities throughout the country. Strong participation in the communities in which we work and live and support for young people seeking higher education are two important components of Aimco Cares, and of our company’s corporate citizenship values.”
The Aimco Cares Opportunity Scholarship will be one of four scholarships offered by the NLHA Education Fund to assist low-income residents in pursuing higher education. Aimco Cares will assist low-income students who plan to enroll or are enrolled in a college or university.
The Fund’s other scholarships named in memory of dedicated housing professionals include:
• The Neil Churchill Memorial Scholarship Fund: Funds will be available to assist college freshmen or returning undergraduates.
• TheBill Gandert Memorial Scholarship Fund: This scholarship program is directed to graduating high school seniors interested in studying a specific trade.
• The Mary Lou Manzie Memorial Scholarship Fund: Assistance will be provided to benefit non-traditional students in pursuing higher education or training.
Specific criteria have been developed for each scholarship category, and consideration will be afforded to all eligible candidates who apply. Application packages and information are available on NLHA’s Web site at http://www.hudnlha.com/education_fund/index.asp or by contacting the NLHA office at (202) 785-8888. Applications are due by Feb. 19, 2010. Awards are expected to be announced in late April.
In 2009, NLHA awarded 18 scholarships to students who reside in federally assisted housing (including tax credit housing) or are voucher recipients.
The NLHA Education Fund also seeks donations from any individual or organization that is interested in helping low-income students achieve self-sufficiency through continuing education.
