The National Leased Housing Association (NLHA) Education Fund supports federally assisted housing residents pursuing higher education goals. The Fund offers scholarships to individuals who demonstrate merit and financial need. Since its creation in 2007, the nonprofit arm of the NLHA has given financial assistance to hundreds of deserving undergrad, graduate, and trade school students.

In 2024, the Fund awarded over $100,000 to 40 deserving applicants. Applicants must be residents of federally assisted low-income housing properties such as Section 8 or Low-Income Tax Credits.

NLHA Executive Director, Denise Muha, looks forward to reviewing applications and essays each year and has seen the impact the scholarships can have on people’s lives.

“(Applicant) stories are really inspiring because a lot of them had many challenges they faced and yet they strived for an education, especially young people,” Muha said. “We have a young man right now who just finished his senior year of college, and is going to dental school. His mother watched him earn his education and decided she wanted to go back to school. She applied for and received a scholarship.”

Available Scholarships

The NLHA’s Education Fund offers four scholarships for which applicants may apply. Applicants are required to choose one scholarship that best fits their qualifications.

• AIR Gives Opportunity Scholarship: Targeted at college freshmen or returning undergraduates pursuing a bachelor’s degree
• William F. Gandert Memorial Vocational Scholarship: Designed for graduating high school seniors or returning students aiming to pursue education in a specific trade or vocation
• Mary Lou Manzie Memorial Scholarship: Intended for non-traditional students—those who have been out of high school for at least three years—seeking to pursue higher education or training leading to better employment opportunities
• Neil Churchill Memorial Scholarship: For applicants pursuing graduate-level studies who demonstrate both merit and need

How to Apply

Interested applicants must submit their applications by April 14, 2025, at 5:00 pm EST.

To apply, candidates should:

• Visit the NLHA scholarship application portal
• Create a user account
• Complete and submit the online application form, including any required essays or supporting documents
• Request third-party verifications such as residency confirmation, recommendation letters and academic transcripts; ensure submission through the application portal

Those needing assistance with their application or guidance should review the NLHA Education Fund’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Muha said she is excited to see this year’s pool of scholars.

“Every time I read the essays, it just blows my mind what these kids can do and how motivated they are,” Muha said. “We are really proud of them.”