October 22, 2020 — Opportunity Rising Foundation, an initiative of DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas, received an anonymous gift of $10,000 to help exceptional North Texas scholars pursue their higher education goals.
“We’re so grateful to this donor and all who are inspired to contribute,” said Troy Broussard, President and CEO of DHA. “Because helping our talented scholars move up in the world speaks to your hearts as much as it does ours, we’re able to power success through education. Our goal for all the families we serve is to move toward self-sufficiency, where they can lead independent lives.”
More than 71% of the previous Opportunity Rising Foundation scholars were first-generation college students and 76% were able to move on to employment and no longer receive or need government assistance. Opportunity Rising has provided 1,119 students with more than $1.5 million in scholarship funds over the last 23 years.
The anonymous donation coincides with the recent announcement of 10 North Texas scholarship recipients for 2020 who are now attending colleges and universities from the University of North Texas and the University of Texas at Dallas to the historic Hampton University in Virginia.
Demarieh Wesley, a 2020 Opportunity Rising Foundation scholar and recipient of the $4,000 Chairman of the Board scholarship, is now attending Hampton University, where he will also play lacrosse. He recently shared his gratitude for the award that honors scholars from DHA low-income communities who exhibit academic excellence, high self-esteem, outstanding leadership and community responsibility.
“I feel like the person who receives an Opportunity Rising scholarship should deserve it, not just because of their essay or grades but because of their character,” he said. “And that you feel in your heart that that person is going to do the right thing with that scholarship money. I thank [the foundation] for that.”
Chyrel Roseborough, DHA education coordinator, supports a multitude of seniors and their parents as they complete the Opportunity Rising Scholarship process online for the chance of receiving the scholarship.
Noting that more than half of DHA’s residents are under the age of 18, she says, “For every scholar the foundation is able to help, there are so many more behind them working hard for their chance to pursue their career dreams at the college of their choice.
“Gifts like the one we just received are often the one missing piece that helps students have that chance, and we’d be thrilled to see other donors inspired to invest in them.”
UNT freshman and 2020 Leadership Award recipient Sarah Apio encourages high school students to take their futures into their hands and apply for scholarships like those from the Opportunity Rising Foundation. “Really motivate yourself. I feel like if you have the mindset to where you’re constantly pushing yourself, a lot of great things will happen.”
Donate to the Opportunity Rising Foundation today.
About DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas (formerly the Dallas Housing Authority)
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 administers housing programs funded and regulated by 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.
Contact
Enoma Owens
CONNECTIVE Agency
enoma@connectiveagency.com