Howard T. Collins Memorial Scholarship Program

Program Status: Active, accepting applications online

Geographic Scope: California (properties managed by Eden Housing Management, Inc.)

Program Background: The scholarship program was created in 1993 to honor Howard T. Collins, a former dedicated member of the Eden Housing Board of Directors who believed in education and opportunity for all. As of 2020, the program is in its 28th year and has awarded nearly 500 scholarships totaling more than $650,000 to deserving residents.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a current resident of a property managed by Eden Housing Management, Inc.
• Must be enrolled in a course of study or pursuing educational/academic and/or career advancement/vocational goals
• Residents of all ages are eligible
• Many recipients are first-generation college students

Focus Areas:

• Higher education advancement (university and college courses)
• Academic goal achievement
• Career advancement and vocational training

Award Information:

• Award amounts vary by year and recipient
• 2018: 52 scholarships awarded
• 2020: 35 scholarships, $96,000-$100,000 total
• Recipients attend institutions including UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Merced, USC, Cal State East Bay, Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Monterey Bay, SFSU, SDSU, and community colleges throughout California

Program Impact:

• Supports residents in pursuing degrees in fields including social work, nursing, engineering, cinema/television, radiologic technology, and sociology
• Recipients often cite commitment to giving back to communities
• Families benefit through increased stability and improved long-term career prospects

Contact Information:

• Media contact: Daniela Ogden, 510-935-1022, Daniela.ogden@edenhousing.org
• Program information available through Eden Housing's resident services and website

Application Process

Application Method: Online application (as of 2021)

Key Information:

• Applications are now accepted online for the first time in the program's history (as of April 2021)
• Applicants must be current residents of an Eden Housing Management, Inc. property
• Application requires submission of information about educational/career goals

Required Materials:

• Information on current course of study or educational goals
• Details about career advancement or vocational goals pursued
• Personal narrative/story about educational aspirations (based on selection of recipients whose "stories told in each application are a testament to the positive effects a safe home and services-rich community can have on an individual's success")

Application Details:

• Specific application requirements, deadlines, and portal access available through Eden Housing's Howard T. Collins Memorial Scholarship Program page
• Contact Eden Housing for complete application instructions