Academic Scholarships Awarded to Local Affordable Housing Residents

The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) awarded $5,000 scholarships to ten local students who are affordable housing residents. The academic scholarships will be applied to their education and training.

Scholarships are designed to promote postsecondary education and technical training for Fairfax County residents who live in affordable housing.

Recipients reflected on their experiences of affordable housing and their scholarship award:

“Having a place of my own has provided me with a considerable amount of dignity. I can hold my head up now. I have a reason to smile again.” -Piérre Ramon, American University

“Affordable housing is not just about reducing rent costs; it is about giving people a foundation to rebuild their lives.” -Taha, George Mason University

About the Scholarships

The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority established the scholarship program to promote higher learning among individuals and families receiving housing assistance. This year, a total of $50,000 in scholarships were awarded at $5,000 per recipient.

Scholarships are designed to promote postsecondary education and technical training for Fairfax County residents who live in affordable housing supported by the FCRHA. To qualify, scholarship awardees must have been a member of a household currently receiving housing assistance through the FCRHA; a resident of Fairfax County for at least six months prior to application deadline; and accepted into an accredited post-secondary education institution.

Scholarships are aligned with the FCRHA’s designation as a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development “Moving To Work” agency. Moving To Work promotes locally designed strategies that use federal dollars more efficiently and help residents become economically self-sufficient.