Scholarships
Scholarship Letter
TO: All NYSPHADA Member Agencies
FROM: Brenda C. Westfall, Chair of Scholarship Committee
DATE: January 26, 2026
SUBJECT: 2026 NYSPHADA Scholarship Application
Dear Executive Directors:
NYSPHADA is proud to announce that the 17th Annual College Scholarship in the amount of $2,500.00 will be awarded to a deserving youth currently residing at a NYSPHADA member agency. The Scholarship link is available at www.NYSPHADA.ORG.
A high school senior who meets eligibility requirements and is preparing to enter higher level education will be eligible for this scholarship so long as the member agency is in good standing with NYSPHADA.
This scholarship will be awarded at the NYSPHADA 2026 Annual Spring Conference held at The Turning Stone Resort on May 20, 2026. The winner and a guest will be invited to attend a ceremony during the conference where an official announcement and award will be presented. The winner and guest will have their travel expenses paid by NYSPHADA.
Please distribute the scholarship application to your assisted families who have a graduating senior planning to further their education. Prior to submission, please review your requirements as the Executive Director of the sponsoring agency to ensure that the application is complete, including the required letter from the Executive Director and payment from the Housing Authority. Late submissions cannot be accepted.
Please take the extra steps and provide this application to your High School Counselors and any department overseeing scholarship opportunities within the schools, after school programs, Civic Centers, Community Centers, and churches, or other places where your high school seniors may be in attendance. We want to make sure that all our graduating seniors are aware of this opportunity.
The scholarship deadline is April 6, 2026, so please review the enclosed application and distribute it to your families, schools and outreach centers as soon as possible to provide ample time to apply. Remember, each agency may only submit a maximum of two applicants.
Individual donations toward this scholarship program will also be accepted with checks made payable to NYSPHADA or through an online donation using the NYSPHADA Website.
Thank you for your efforts in reaching out to the graduating seniors at your local housing authorities.
Sincerely,
Brenda C. Westfall
Chair of Scholarship Committee
/bcw
Enclosure
/bcw
2024 NYSPHADA College Scholarship Winner
Aaliah Barreto from Troy, NY
NYSPHADA’s College Scholarship Award program continues to grow, with additional applicants and larger monetary awards. Applications are accepted from New York high school seniors residing in public or assisted housing units.
Aaliah is a Senior at Troy High School in Troy, New York. She will graduate in late June, she plans to attend New Paltz University and pursue an higher education in a Visual Arts and Business Degree.
Aaliah said, “I currently hold a 92.09 GPA and I have always been hard working when it came to school. I am a recurring member of the National Honor Society, and I was in the National Junior Honor Society before entering high school. I have logged over 30+ hours of community service and soon will do more when I spend my week off on spring break volunteering at the Arts Center of the Capital Region by becoming a counselor to young kids who have an interest in the arts. I also participate in the United Allies, another volunteer service within the Troy High School Community.”
Aaliah said, “It is truly an honor to have received this scholarship and I am incredibly grateful as well. I would like to extend my appreciation to my family, my teachers, the Troy Housing Authority, and the New York State Public Housing Authority Directors Association for providing me with this amazing opportunity and support that will help me move forward in my career in Art and Business.”
Stacy Wilson – Student Bio
My name is Stacy Wilson, and I am a Senior at Fairport High School in Fairport, New York. My family moved to Fairport when I was in first grade, and we’ve made it our home ever since. After graduation, I plan to attend Morgan State University, where I will pursue a degree in Political Science with a concentration in Pre-Law.
In High School I have been an active member of the Black Student Union, Student Advisory Council, and Model UN. Through these groups, I’ve found a sense of community and used my voice to raise awareness about issues affecting all students. These experiences have taught me the power of advocacy, leadership, and resilience. Most recently, I was inducted as a Black Scholar through the Urban League of Rochester.
The Fairport School District offers an extremely supportive environment, yet I found meaningful opportunities to create positive change. As a black student in a predominantly white institution, my experience was both complex and deeply personal. Navigating the academic, social, and cultural landscape presented challenges that shaped my identity and strengthened my resolve. These experiences ignited a passion in me to advocate for social justice and equity, particularly through systemic change. My ultimate career goal is to become a judge, where I can work to ensure fairness and justice for all, especially for marginalized communities.
In my free time, I enjoy attending music concerts, ranging from R&B to the philharmonic orchestra, visiting art museums, watching movies with friends, longboarding in the Village, and shopping. My friends would describe me as bold, persistent, and kind. I also have a deep passion for travel and hope to one day visit Japan and Korea.
It is truly an honor to have received this scholarship and I am incredibly grateful as well. I would like to extend my appreciation to my family, my teachers, the Fairport Housing Authority, and the New York State Public Housing Authority Directors Association for providing me with this amazing opportunity and support that will allow me to attend Morgan State University where I can pursue my passion for social justice.
I am excited for the journey ahead and committed to using my education and experiences to make a lasting impact.
Jianna Santon
My name is Jianna Santon, and I am a Senior at Rensselaer High School in Rensselaer, New York. I will graduate on June 26, 2025, and will attend Hudson Valley Community College where I will be undertaking independent studies in the Radiological field.
While in high school I maintained consistent Honor Roll status and served as Editor of our school newspaper, The Ramblurr, where I coordinated a team of student writers, enforced deadlines, and maintained publication quality standards. I am a member of Student Council, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and Chorus, and I have been employed by Walmart as a cashier for over a year and a half. I volunteer my time working with families at the local women’s shelter, fundraising for our senior class and assisting with our local Easter egg hunt for kids.
I have successfully launched and operated my own treats business, “Ji’s Treats”, where I am able to showcase my culinary talent and business acumen. I manage multiple orders monthly that begin with customer consultations, production schedules, and delivery logistics, and I have built a social media platform of over 200 loyal followers.
I’m beyond grateful to be chosen as runner up. I would like to thank everyone who was included in the selection process, this scholarship will play a crucial role in my career. I’m so excited for my journey ahead. Your support means so much to me! Thank you once again for this amazing opportunity!
