HOUSING AUTHORITY AWARDS COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS TO DESERVING STUDENTS
DALLAS (October 26, 2005)—The Housing Authority of the City of Dallas, Texas (DHA) awarded nearly $70,000 in scholarships through its Celebrating Rising Youth in their Successes, Talents,
Achievements and Leadership (C.R.Y.S.T.A.L.) Scholarship Awards program. The Phoenix Self-Sufficiency Foundation, a non-profit organization, donates funds for C.R.Y.S.T.A.L. scholarships that range
from $500 to $4,000. The Foundation provides financial assistance to residents of DHA who choose to attend college, trade or technical school.
DHA is the only housing authority in North Texas to offer such a program. This year, DHA awarded 50 students for academic excellence, leadership and community involvement. “We provide more than
housing for the families we serve,” said Ann Lott, president and CEO. “DHA continues to support educational programs because we recognize that education remains one of the primary factors in d
etermining a family’s level of economic independence.”
Kimberly Tutt, a graduate of Lincoln Humanities & Communications Magnet, received the 2005 Ann Lott award for achieving academic excellence, displaying a positive self-image and
demonstrating exceptional leadership in her school and community. Tutt said the stories her great-grandmother shared with her about being denied the right to an education pushes her to succeed. “I
know my grandmother is watching over me, witnessing how her stories and past has motivated and molded my future. I am a leader, versatile and focused person today because of it.” Tutt is pursuing an
education at the University of North Texas majoring in psychology and microbiology.
Since the C.R.Y.S.T.A.L. program’s inception more than half of the scholarship recipients have completed four-year college or trade programs, with some earning graduate degrees. LaQuandra Brown
said support from DHA enabled her to finish undergraduate and graduate school studies. In 2000, Brown earned a Bachelor of Science from Tulane University and obtained a juris doctor from
The University of Texas at Austin in May. Still in pursuit of her educational goals, Brown is studying in London this fall.
For more information on how to contribute to the Phoenix Foundation call 214-583-2030. The Phoenix Foundation has awarded over $300,000 in C.R.Y.S.T.A.L. scholarships to students who reside in
public housing or developments that accept Section 8 subsidy.
Created in 1938, DHA offers housing assistance to low-income families. Some 450 employees provide housing opportunities to nearly 60,000 people through public housing and housing choice voucher
(formerly Section 8) programs.
###
