On the evening of September 17, 2009, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) joined the City University of New York (CUNY) to host a Resident Scholarship Reception at Hunter College in Manhattan, where nine NYCHA residents were awarded with $1,000 scholarships each.

Serving as Mistress of Ceremonies, Saundra Roberson of NYCHA's Department of Communications (DOC), welcomed the many NYCHA and CUNY executives who came to the event, which was held in Hunter's light-filled faculty cafeteria. “The most important welcome of the evening goes to our VIPs – the resident scholarship recipients as well as their family and friends,” Ms. Roberson said.

NYCHA Chair John B. Rhea mentioned that NYCHA has been celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year, and in that context told the audience that, “Through the decades NYCHA has withstood the test of time providing not only a place to live, but resources for residents to grow and thrive. This partnership with CUNY will build on family investment and promote intellectual capital. Education is an important equalizer that gives people real opportunity.”

The Resident Scholarship Program was established in 2005 by DOC to help enrich the lives of NYCHA residents who are enrolled in the City University system. The scholarships have been funded primarily through donations received from movie and television production companies that film on NYCHA property. Teresa Mann, a former NYCHA employee also contributes generously to the scholarship program, as does JPMorgan Chase Bank.

According to CUNY's Senior Vice Chancellor for University Relations Jay Hershenson, who spoke at the event, there are approximately 55,000 to 60,000 NYCHA residents who attend City University schools. Since its inception, NYCHA has awarded 44 scholarships to residents.

Information about the 2010 Resident Scholarship Program, including applications, will be available in March and April 2010 at NYCHA developments, Community Centers, in the NYCHA Journal and on the NYCHA and CUNY websites.

By Deborah Williams
September 23, 2009