Oklahoma Chapter of NAHRO Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Oklahoma Chapter of National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials

Description
**Purpose and scope**
The Oklahoma Chapter of NAHRO offers a one-year scholarship to support students connected to public housing, Section 8, or community development housing programs, as well as children of qualifying housing agency employees. The award targets current high school seniors and students already enrolled in an accredited college, university, or vocational training school. The scholarship funds are intended to be paid directly to the recipient’s accredited school and may be renewed annually subject to the Chapter’s finances and the recipient’s continued eligibility. This program is administered by the Oklahoma Chapter of NAHRO and is open to applicants nominated by member agencies.

Key takeaways:
- One-year scholarship administered by Oklahoma NAHRO.
- Intended for HS seniors and current postsecondary or vocational students.
- Funds paid directly to accredited institutions.
- Renewal possible depending on Chapter funding and recipient status.
- Applicants must be nominated by an OK NAHRO member agency.

Eligibility
**Who may apply**
Eligibility is limited to applicants with a qualifying connection to public housing, Section 8, or community development housing assistance, or to children of certain housing agency employees. Specifically, eligible applicants are: household members of families currently receiving Public Housing or Section 8 assistance; household members of families that have received assistance from a Community Development Agency within the previous 12 months; or children of paid, non‑probationary employees of a Housing Authority or Community Development Agency. Additionally, applicants must be nominated by a member in good standing of the Oklahoma Chapter of NAHRO. Eligible educational status is limited to current high school seniors or students enrolled in an accredited postsecondary or vocational institution.

Key takeaways:
- Applicants must have a qualifying housing assistance connection or be a child of a qualifying agency employee.
- Assistance from a Community Development Agency must be within the past 12 months.
- Children of paid, non‑probationary housing agency employees are eligible.
- Nomination by an OK NAHRO member in good standing is required.
- Open to HS seniors and current accredited postsecondary/vocational students.

Academic Requirements
**Minimum academic standards and enrollment**
Applicants must demonstrate a minimum academic performance and maintain full‑time enrollment to receive and retain the scholarship. The required minimum cumulative grade point average is 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, verified through the first semester of senior year for high school students or the most recent semester for current postsecondary students. Recipients must enroll full‑time each semester (a minimum of 12 credit hours or equivalent) in an accredited undergraduate or vocational program. Continued disbursement and renewals are contingent on verification of full‑time enrollment and the continued maintenance of the required GPA.

Key takeaways:
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
- GPA verified through first semester of senior year or most recent college semester.
- Full-time enrollment required: at least 12 credit hours per semester or equivalent.
- Ongoing eligibility must be verified each semester for renewal.

Award Value and Renewal
**Payment structure and renewability**
The scholarship award is $1,000 for one academic year, disbursed as $500 per semester directly to the recipient’s accredited institution. The award is annually renewable but depends on the Chapter’s financial status and the recipient’s updated eligibility and academic standing. To receive semester disbursements, recipients must provide proof of full‑time enrollment and maintain the required GPA. The Chapter administers payments to the educational institution rather than directly to the student.

Key takeaways:
- Total award: $1,000 per year ($500 per semester).
- Payments made directly to the accredited school.
- Renewal depends on Chapter funding and recipient compliance.
- Semester disbursements require proof of full-time enrollment and minimum GPA.

Application Requirements
**Required documents and materials**
Applications are submitted online and will not be considered unless all required documents are attached. Required attachments include an official high school transcript or the most recent college/vocational transcript, SAT/ACT or College Assessment Test score report, two letters of recommendation from community or civic leaders, and an essay of 1,000 words or less explaining the applicant’s reasons for pursuing a degree or vocational training. Applicants should confirm each document is official and current before submission to avoid disqualification for incompleteness.

Key takeaways:
- Submit an online application and attach all required documents.
- Required: official transcript (HS or current college), SAT/ACT or assessment scores.
- Required: two community/civic leader recommendation letters.
- Required: essay (≤1,000 words) explaining educational goals.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Agency Certification and Submission
**Certification form and submission steps**
Before starting the online application, applicants must download the agency certification form and have it completed by the agency Executive Director/CEO. The completed certification form must be uploaded in the designated area of the online application. Ensure the nominating Oklahoma NAHRO member agency completes the certification and that the nomination is documented as part of the submission. Follow the online application prompts carefully and attach every required item listed in the Application Requirements section.

Key takeaways:
- Download and obtain Executive Director/CEO signature on the agency certification form.
- Upload the completed certification form with the online application.
- Nomination by an OK NAHRO member agency must be documented.
- Verify all attachments are uploaded prior to final submission.

Selection Criteria
**How recipients are chosen**
Scholarship recipients are selected through a holistic evaluation of the submitted materials. The selection committee reviews the application, official transcripts, standardized test reports (if submitted), letters of recommendation, the applicant’s essay, and evidence of community involvement. Final award decisions weigh academic achievement alongside demonstrated motivation, community engagement, and the alignment of the applicant’s goals with the intent of the scholarship. Applicants should present complete, accurate, and well‑organized materials to maximize their consideration.

Key takeaways:
- Selection is based on application, transcripts, recommendations, essay, and community involvement.
- The process evaluates academic record plus personal motivation and civic engagement.
- Complete, accurate, and well-presented materials improve competitiveness.
- The selection committee makes final award determinations.