DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Opportunity Rising, the education foundation for DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas, awarded 22 North Texas students with college scholarships at their Opportunity Rising Foundation Scholarship Awards Banquet last night. The scholarship recipients will attend Texas Christian University, University of North Texas, Tarleton State University, The Art Institute of Dallas, Texas A&M University, University of Miami, The University of Texas at Dallas, University of Houston, Texas Southern University, Southern University and A&M College, Hardin-Simmons University, and Sam Houston State University.
In 22-years DHA’s education foundation (previously known as the Phoenix Foundation) has awarded nearly $1.5 million in scholarships to high school graduates & returning college students - all of whom are DHA affordable housing residents throughout North Texas. Opportunity Rising assists its participating students with scholarships, internships, mentorships, and other learning opportunities.
“DHA, our board of commissioners, and our staff are immensely proud of each of our Opportunity Rising scholars,” said Troy Broussard, president, and CEO of DHA. “Providing solutions for our residents to become more self-sufficient and attain their goals for a college degree is a long-term solution to combating poverty. At Opportunity Rising and DHA, we encourage academic excellence, high self-esteem, positive self-image, leadership and community involvement among our families. Our scholars remind us that perseverance and support can truly be a formula for success.”
Based on historical data, 71% of previous Opportunity Rising Foundation scholars were first generation college students and 76% were able to move on to employment and no longer receiving government assistance.
Scholarship recipients are from the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, School of Business and Management, School of Education and Social Services, Duncanville High School, Newman Smith High School, South Oak Cliff High School, Plano Senior High School, Plano West Senior High School, Grand Prairie Collegiate Institute, Mansfield Legacy High School, Cedar Hill High School, and Life High School Waxahachie.
Separately, DHA client and former Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy student, Oliyadi Girma, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Texas Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (TXNAHRO) and $250,000 from Texas Christian University (TCU) to attend Fall 2019.
Opportunity Rising Advisory Board
The foundation’s advisory board consists of ten diverse North Texas community leaders with expertise in academics, business, community relations, economic development, healthcare, and non-profits. Members are:
- Froswa’ Booker-Drew, Ph.D., director of community affairs & strategic alliances for the State Fair of Texas
- Ashley Brundage, MSSW, senior vice president of community impact at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas
- Nakia Douglas, executive director of TRIO and Pre-collegiate Programs at UNT Dallas
- Scott Fawcett, founder, and CEO of Empowered Consulting
- Byron D. Johnson, sales executive for Enterprise Holdings
- Clarisa Duran Lindenmeyer, executive business strategist
- Claudia Muniz, controller for Structural & Steel Products
- Erin Offord, senior director of programs for Big Thought
- Drexell Owusu, senior vice president of Education and Workforce for the Dallas Regional Chamber
- Danielle Wesley, MHA, PMP, CSSBB, senior director, school & virtual health program for Children’s Health
The advisory board issued this joint statement:
“The mission of the advisory board is to help the foundation reach more students than ever before while expanding youth’s exposure to educational opportunities that can help to propel them towards self-sufficiency. We are thrilled to see the students receive scholarships that help them pursue their collegiate goals. And a special thank you to our sponsors, like Macy’s, Capital One, and the DHA staff, for your generous investments in our scholars.”
About the Dallas Housing Authority (DHA)
DHA Housing Solutions for North Texas provides quality, affordable housing to low-income families and individuals through the effective and efficient administration of housing assistance programs. The agency aims to create opportunities for program participants to achieve self-sufficiency and economic independence. DHA provides housing opportunities to 55,000 people through public housing developments and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs. Our mission is to provide affordable quality housing and access to supportive resources across North Texas. DHA is governed by its Board of Commissioners and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. DHA is an independent, local government entity, that is separate from the Dallas City Housing/Community Services department, which is governed by the City of Dallas. For more information about DHA, please visit www.dhantx.com.
