Howard T. Collins Memorial Scholarship Program

Geographic Scope: California (serves Eden Housing residents statewide, from Petaluma to San Ysidro)

Focus Areas:

• Educational advancement for Eden Housing residents
• Academic and career goals
• Higher education (universities, community colleges)

Eligibility:

• Must be a current resident of a property managed by Eden Housing Management, Inc.
• Must be enrolled in a course of study
• Pursuing educational/academic and/or career advancement/vocational goals
• Residents of all ages may apply

Award History:

• Since program inception in 1993: awarded nearly 500 scholarships totaling more than $650,000
• 2018: 52 scholarships awarded
• 2020 (28th Annual): 35 scholarships for $96,000 total
• 2021 (27th Annual): Scholarship amounts provided for academic and career goals

Program Background:
Created to honor Howard T. Collins, a former Eden Housing Board member known for his passion for justice and tireless work for the underprivileged. The program believes in education and opportunity for all.

Mission Impact:

• Many recipients are first in their families to pursue higher education
• Benefits extend beyond individual diplomas: stabilizes families, improves long-term career prospects, strengthens communities
• Residents attend top UC schools (Berkeley, UCLA, Merced), California State Universities, and community colleges throughout California

Contact:

• Media contact: Daniela Ogden, 510-935-1022, Daniela.ogden@edenhousing.org
• Website: edenhousing.org

Application Process

Application Method: Online application (as of 2021, applications are accepted online for the first time in program history)

Key Details:

Applications accepted on a rolling or annual basis (specific deadline dates not provided in materials)

Applicants must demonstrate:

- Current residency at Eden Housing managed property
- Enrollment in course of study
- Pursuit of educational/academic goals or career advancement/vocational goals
- Personal narrative explaining educational aspirations and community impact goals (based on recipient stories)

Required Materials: Not specified in detail, but based on award recipient examples, applications likely include:

Personal statement/narrative

Proof of residency at Eden Housing property

Educational enrollment verification

Career/academic goals statement

Application Portal: Online application system (specific URL not provided in materials but referenced as available)