Scholarship & College Resources

The Study Centers are a great place to go to get help with college applications, essays, and scholarships. They have computers, printers, scanners, and photocopiers as well as staff trained to assist you. Everyone is welcome!

Resources to Help you afford Higher Education

Here are some links to help you get started in understanding different types of financial aid and places to search for scholarships. 

FASFA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid

The application can be found online at FASFA.ed.gov
Visit the FAME website to find resources to help you file the FASFA

Thomas Valleau Scholarship Program

Applications are available in February and due May 15th each year. 

  • Awards up to $5,000, most awards average around $1,000 to $3,000. 
    • For Portland Housing Authority residents and Voucher participants of any age, at any point in attending higher education.
    • Paid directly to the student at the beginning of fall semester.
    • Application, Essay, Transcripts, recommendations, and financial information are required to apply. 
  • Application materials will be posted here, shared through push notifications, and printed in the Study Centers.

Housing Authority Insurance Group Resident Scholarship Program

Applications are available in early spring and due at the end of May

  •  Twenty $6,000 scholarships were awarded in 2025. 
    • Very simple application. National program so a lot of people apply. Winners chosen at random. 
    • PHA Voucher participants and public housing residents qualify because PHA is a member of Housing Authority Risk Retention Group (HARRG) and Housing Authority Property Insurance, A Mutual Company (HAPI). 
  • To learn more about the HAI Group Scholarship Program including information on the application process, eligibility, and qualification requirements, check out their scholarship webpage. 

Maine Association of Public Housing Directors Scholarship 

Applications typically available in April and due in early June. 

  • One $2,000 scholarship was awarded in 2025. 
    • For Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8 Program/Other Subsidized Housing residents in Maine.
    • Paid to the student before the start of the 2nd semester. 
    • Application, Agency signature, Verification of Acceptance, and Essay required.
      • letters of recommendation are optional. 
      • Please, Contact Us for the verification signature.
  • When available, application materials will be posted here, shared through push notifications, and printed in the Study Centers.

PHADA Scholarship Program 

Applications are due to Portland Housing Authority by the end of December/beginning of January each year. 

PHA selects up to 2 candidates to send to PHADA in January. 

  • Eligibility: 
    • Must be a graduating high school senior.
    • Must reside in an apartment owned, managed, or subsidized with a voucher by Portland Housing Authority for the entirety of your senior year of high school.
    • Must have a cumulative high school GPA of at least a B (3.0) or higher.

  • Complete applications must be sent to PHA at least 3 weeks before the due date PHADA has on their application to be considered. Only 2 applicants from PHA are allowed. 

    • Contact us if you want to apply. We will choose 2 applicants to send, provide the Executive Director's recommendation, write a check for the application fee, and mail everything to PHADA before their deadline.  
    • Application must be signed by the Executive Director of PHA and have a letter of recommendation from them. Filling out their online form is not a complete application.
    • PHADA awards three scholarships nationally to high school seniors residing in public and assisted housing (residents must live in PHADA member agencies, Portland Housing Authority is a member agency). More information is available on their website. 

NERC/NAHRO Allan R. Andrews Scholarship Program

Applications are due to PHA around mid-April each year. 

PHA selects up to 5 candidates to send to NERC at the beginning of May. 

  • You must send your complete application to PHA at least 2 weeks before the due date on the application to be considered. 
    • Application must be signed by the Executive Director of PHA and have a letter of recommendation from them. 
    • Contact us if you plan to apply. We will choose 5 applicants to send, Sign the "agency verification," provide the Executive Director's recommendation, and send applications to NERC.  
  • No scholarship will be less than $1,000.
    • New England based, open to any age or degree level.  
    • Paid directly to the student so it doesn’t affect financial aid. 
    • Similar to the PHA scholarship in information needed to apply.
  • To learn more about the NERC/NAHRO Scholarship Program including information on the application process, eligibility, and qualification requirements, please visit the NERC/NAHRO Scholarship page. 

NAHRO National Merit Scholarship Program

To qualify for the NAHRO Merit Scholarship Program, you must apply for and receive the NERC/NAHRO Allen R. Andrews Scholarship and be selected by them to receive the one NAHRO Merit Scholarship for our region. Individual applications cannot be sent directly to NAHRO.