Thomas Valleau Scholarship Program

The Thomas Valleau Scholarship Program is open to anyone on the lease with Portland Housing Authority Public Housing or Voucher Programs. 

Funding for the scholarship is provided by annual contributions from the Portland Housing Service Corporation as well as grants, donations, and commitments from foundations and private donors. 

The application is typically posted in February and applications are due in May.

Notices

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Policies and Frequently Asked Questions

  1. 2024 Scholarship Policies
  1. Scholarship FAQs

Scholarship

The number of awards given and the amount of the awards are limited by the amount of funds available for distribution. The scholarship committee reviews applications and ranks them based on financial need, academic performance, community engagement, and barriers to success. Awards are typically between $1,000 and $3,000 per student and do not exceed $5,000.

Awards will be paid directly to the student, in full, at the start of the fall semester. This award can be used for expenses that help students achieve their goals of higher education. Most recipients use funds for tuition, books, or laptops, but funds may also be used to support other needs such as childcare, transportation, food, and rent. Recipients are asked to report on their use of funds and how it supported their goals.

Eligibility

This scholarship is specifically for students receiving housing subsidy from Portland Housing Authority of any age or degree/certificate level. It is not geographically tied to Portland if the Voucher is through Portland Housing Authority.

Applicants must:

  • be a current member of a household receiving subsidy through Portland Housing Authority Public Housing, Tax-Credit housing, or Voucher Programs.
  • be pursuing post-secondary (after high school) education through an accredited college, university, trade school or educational program for the upcoming academic year.
  • be able to demonstrate financial need in order to succeed in higher education.
  • demonstrate community engagement through involvement at school or in the community.

Application Process

(see detailed instructions at the end of the application and contact us if you have trouble getting any required information)

    1. Complete the application form (Available in February)  
      1. Please type answers when possible. If you do not have a computer, public libraries have computers available to the public, or, if you live in Portland, you can contact one of our Study Centers to use our computers. 
    2. Submit a 1 to 2 page typed essay answering the following questions: 
      1. What is the importance of higher education to you and/or what motivates you to succeed in school? 
      2. What are your challenges to succeeding in higher education? 
      3. Should you receive an award, how will you use the funds to meet those challenges? Since we do not restrict the scholarship to paying tuition, we want to know how you intend to use the money and how that will help you succeed. 
    3. Two letters of recommendation sent directly to the committee by the reference or, if sent by the applicant, in sealed and signed envelopes: 
        1. Academic reference: optional form on Page 6, may be sent by a Teacher, Guidance Counselor, or Academic Advisor. 
        2. Personal/Character reference: speaking to your character, motivation, and community involvement on organizational letterhead. Cannot be from a friend or family member. 
    4. Unofficial Transcript of grades from high school or academic institution presently attending.
2015 PHA Scholarship awardees and the selection committee members