Howard T. Collins Memorial Scholarship Program

Program Overview:
The Howard T. Collins Memorial Scholarship program awards scholarships to Eden Housing residents pursuing educational and career advancement goals. The program was created to honor Howard T. Collins, a former dedicated member of the Eden Housing Board of Directors who believed in education and opportunity for all.

Key Details

• Geographic Scope: California (serves Eden Housing residents statewide, from Petaluma to San Ysidro)
• Total Awards Since Inception: Nearly 500 scholarships totaling over $650,000 (as of 2020)
• Annual Awards: Varies; recent years awarded 35 scholarships per year
• Total Annual Funding: $96,000-$100,000 (recent years)

Eligibility

• 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 goals
• Must be pursuing career advancement or vocational goals
• Residents of all ages may apply (examples include high school students, community college students, university students, career changers)

Focus Areas

• Higher education (University of California schools, California State University system, community colleges)
• Academic advancement
• Career development and vocational training
• First-generation college students are particularly encouraged

Examples of Supported Fields

Recipients have pursued studies in: nursing, social work, sociology, immigration law, radiologic technology, cinema/television/radio, animal science, business administration, counseling, human resources, and many others.

Contact & Additional Information

• Website: edenhousing.org
• Program Page: Howard T. Collins Memorial Scholarship Program link on resident services page
• Eden Housing focuses on the positive ripple effects: "When we invest in our residents' higher education dreams, the benefits are felt far beyond their individual diplomas.

Non-Discrimination

Eden Housing does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, or any other arbitrary basis.

Application Process

Submission Format:

• Applications are accepted online (as of 2021, moving from paper submissions to digital format for the first time)

Required Materials:
Based on recipient stories, applications appear to require:

• Personal narrative/essay describing educational and/or career goals
• Information about current course of study or academic pursuits
• Demonstration of commitment to community service or giving back (based on recipient profiles)
• Proof of Eden Housing residency
• Academic/enrollment documentation

Application Timeline:

• Applications open in spring (April referenced in 2021)
• Specific deadline date not provided in available materials
• Award announcements typically in August

Selection Criteria:
Based on program description, applicants are evaluated on:

• Academic achievement and potential
• Clear educational/career goals
• Personal circumstances and financial need
• Commitment to community and desire to give back

Notes

• As of April 2021, the program began accepting applications online for the first time in its history
• Contact Eden Housing directly for current application deadlines and specific submission requirements
• More detailed application instructions available through the official scholarship program page