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Pathways to Hope Scholarship Guidelines

Investing in our youth is essential to helping residents achieve their educational and career aspirations. The Pathways to Hope Scholarship Program is designed to support and encourage HACLA public housing and Section 8 residents as they pursue postsecondary education following high school.

The scholarship is available to students enrolling in:

• Four-year colleges or universities
• Community colleges
• Vocational or technical training programs

Recognizing that persistence is critical to student success, the Pathways to Hope Scholarship is renewable annually for eligible scholars who remain enrolled and in good academic standing within their chosen program. Through this investment, Build Hope Inc. seeks to reduce financial barriers, promote educational attainment, and support long-term economic mobility for residents and their families.

DEADLINE TO APPLY

Applications must be submitted by May 3, 2026

AWARD NOTIFICATION & REQUIREMENTS

Scholarships of $1,000 - $5,000 will be awarded to selected students. Notification will be announced by late May/early June. 

Selected scholarship recipients must participate in The Build Hope, Inc.Scholarship Celebration on July 18, 2026 from 9:00am-2:00pm. Details will be provided in the award notification.

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY  

Applications will be available at www.buildhopeinc.org. 

1. Applicants must be HACLA residents who have a GED /high school equivalency who plan to pursue a higher education, including prior scholarship recipients who are already enrolled in college or a vocational program. 
2. Applicants must be enrolled on a full-time basis for the 2026 fall semester/quarter or provide a college acceptance letter for the fall 2026 enrollment period. 
3. Applicants must maintain a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average. 
4. Applicants must have demonstrated strong community involvement. 
5. Applicants must have a valid Social Security Number or IRS issued Tax ID PIN. 
6. Returning scholars must have completed the two mandatory college and career counseling sessions with Project SOAR.
7. Children or dependents of elected or appointed officials are not eligible. 
8. Children or dependents of BHI and HACLA employees are not eligible. 

HOW TO APPLY 

1. Submit a copy of your most recent transcript from school. (Unofficial is ok) If you cannot obtain a transcript, please provide a screenshot of your online grade portals to show current overall GPA. 

2. If you are a new applicant/ graduating senior, provide a letter of recommendation from a teacher, professor, or community leader. (Not applicable to returning scholars) 

3. Enclosed with your application, a recent photo of yourself. Preferably a headshot. This photo may be used in marketing materials if you are selected as a scholarship recipient. 

4. Provide a letter of acceptance from the college/university that you will be attending this fall. For returning scholars who were prior scholarship recipients, please provide a registration letter showing proof of continued enrollment.

5. If you are a returning scholar, complete the two mandatory college and career counseling sessions with Project SOAR. 

Technical Questions?

Check out the Submitter Resource Center or contact Submittable Customer Support.