HOUSING AUTHORITY EXPRESSES IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION
DALLAS (December 17, 2007) — Throughout the last decade, The Housing Authority of the City of Dallas, Texas (DHA) has endowed nearly $450,000 in scholarships to deserving students with its Celebrating Rising Youth in their Successes, Talents, Achievements and Leadership (CRYSTAL) Scholarship Awards program. The Phoenix Self Sufficiency Foundation, a non-profit organization, donates funds for CRYSTAL scholarships that range from $1,000 to $5,000.
Established in 1996, the Phoenix Self Sufficiency Foundation primarily focuses on providing successful educational opportunities for its clients. “Education, whether it is entering a trade school or pursuing a doctorate, is crucial to succeed in today’s society,” said Ann Lott, president and CEO. “This year, some 60 students who have successfully finalized one phase of their lives are maneuvering to greater heights with the assistance of the Foundation.”
The Foundation funds educational programs for clients of DHA from grade school to college. With direction from Chyrel Roseborough, education coordinator, the Foundation recently extended its stock of services by presenting summer internships. The internship program allows students from the age of 16 through college to gain employment at DHA and benefit from practical and beneficial work experience. College students obtain training specific to their area of study.
“The experience for students like me has been two-fold,” explains Luwam Ghide, 2007 Ann Lott award recipient and Lake Highlands High School graduate. “I have earned a scholarship to cover the remaining costs for me to attend a university out-of-state and I get to spend the summer working under the wings of DHA’s general counsel.” Ghide said she realizes this is a unique opportunity.
Ghide received the president’s award, the most prestigious CRYSTAL honor for achieving academic excellence, displaying a positive self-image and demonstrating exceptional leadership in her school and community. She will attend Boston University this fall studying political science.
Since its launch, the CRYSTAL Scholarship Awards program has developed from 12 to more than 360 recipients. Half of the program participants have completed four-year college or trade programs with 10 students continuing their pursuit for higher education in graduate programs.
For more information on how to contribute to the Phoenix Self Sufficiency Foundation, call 214-583-2020.
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.
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