John J. Kelly Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Connecticut Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment

Description The John J. Kelly Memorial Scholarship helps students from CONN NAHRO member communities pursue higher education. Administered by the CONN NAHRO Scholarship Committee in collaboration with the CONN NAHRO Golf Committee, the 2026 application cycle is open to qualifying Connecticut students continuing their studies in the fall term. Awards target applicants who face economic barriers to college and live in or receive assistance through member housing authorities. The program reflects CONN NAHRO’s mission to expand access to postsecondary education for residents of its communities. Key takeaways - Named John J. Kelly Memorial Scholarship, open for the 2026 cycle. - Administered by the CONN NAHRO Scholarship Committee (with Golf Committee collaboration). - Focused on Connecticut students from CONN NAHRO member housing communities. - Designed for students with economic need who plan to continue education in Fall 2026. Eligibility Eligibility is limited to students who meet enrollment and residency standards tied to CONN NAHRO member housing authorities. Applicants must be enrolled full time for the Fall 2026 term in a two‑year or four‑year degree program (Associate’s or Bachelor’s) or a full‑time vocational/certificate program. Applicants must reside in, or be assisted with housing by, a CONN NAHRO member housing authority or agency (including Section 8 assistance) and must be residents in good standing with their housing provider. Key takeaways - Must be full‑time for Fall 2026 (Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or vocational/certificate program). - Must reside in or receive housing assistance from a CONN NAHRO member authority (Section 8 included). - Applicants must be residents in good standing with their housing provider. Academic Criteria Applicants must meet the program’s minimum academic standard and are evaluated for academic strength as part of the scoring system. The minimum GPA requirement is 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for college coursework. Higher academic performance (including class rank or standardized graduate scores where applicable) is factored into the selection rubric and can improve an applicant’s competitiveness. Key takeaways - Minimum GPA: 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. - Academic performance is a scored component of the selection process. - Higher grades and class rank increase competitiveness. Award Value and Recognition Each John J. Kelly Memorial Scholarship award is $3,500. CONN NAHRO typically awards three or more scholarships each year to qualified recipients. Recipients are publicly recognized at the Scholarship Luncheon during the CONN NAHRO Annual Convention in August. Key takeaways - Individual award amount: $3,500. - Typically three or more scholarships awarded annually. - Recipients receive recognition at the CONN NAHRO Annual Convention Scholarship Luncheon in August. Application Requirements A complete application must include specific documents and statements; incomplete packages will not be considered. Required materials are: the completed scholarship application form; a written recommendation from the applicant’s Executive Director/CEO (or designee) of the CONN NAHRO member housing authority (signed original or electronic signature); the applicant’s college transcript; three additional signed letters of recommendation; a 250–500 word essay responding to the prompt “Tell us about a time when you had a belief or idea challenged”; a list of accomplishments (awards, honors, activities, employment, community service, etc.); and proof of financial aid and other assistance (this proof must be received by June 17, 2026). Key takeaways - Required: application form, Exec Director/CEO recommendation, college transcript. - Also required: three additional signed recommendation letters, 250–500 word essay, accomplishments list. - Proof of financial aid (and other assistance) must be submitted and received by June 17, 2026. Submission Process and Deadline Applications must be routed through the applicant’s CONN NAHRO member housing authority; direct submissions by applicants are not accepted. Give your complete application package to the Executive Director/CEO of your CONN NAHRO member housing authority, who will review and submit it to the Scholarship Committee on your behalf. All applications must be completed and received by the CONN NAHRO Scholarship Chair no later than 5:00 p.m. (EDT) on the published due date for the 2026 cycle. Key takeaways - Do NOT submit applications directly; submit via your housing authority’s Executive Director/CEO. - The member housing authority must review and forward the complete package. - Complete applications must be received by the Scholarship Chair by 5:00 p.m. (EDT) on the posted due date. Selection and Scoring Selections are made by the Scholarship Committee using a point‑based scoring system that assesses need, academics, essay quality, and activities. Points are allocated as follows: 30 points for demonstrated financial need; 25 points for college grades, class rank, and graduate record scores where applicable; 20 points for essay content; 20 points for work experience, extracurricular activities, and community service; 5 points for achieving a 3.0 GPA or higher; and 5 points for applicants who have not previously received a CONN NAHRO scholarship. Key takeaways - Selection uses a weighted point system across defined categories. - Highest weight given to financial need (30 points) and academic measures (25 points). - Essay, activities, prior awards, and GPA thresholds also contribute to total score. Funding and Conditions Scholarship funds for selected recipients will be distributed by September 1, 2026. CONN NAHRO reserves the right to revoke a scholarship and demand repayment if the recipient does not enroll and attend the identified educational institution in Fall 2026. Recipients should plan to meet enrollment commitments and any conditions communicated by the Scholarship Committee to ensure disbursement. Key takeaways - Funds will be issued by September 1, 2026. - Scholarships may be revoked and must be repaid if the recipient does not attend the pledged institution in Fall 2026. - Recipients must comply with any enrollment conditions required by CONN NAHRO. History and Purpose of the Award The John J. Kelly Memorial Scholarship is a memorial award administered to support higher education access for residents of CONN NAHRO member housing communities. The award honors John J. Kelly and is supported through scholarship fundraising activities that include collaboration with the CONN NAHRO Golf Committee. Its primary purpose is to remove financial barriers so qualified students from member communities can continue their education. Key takeaways - Memorial scholarship named for John J. Kelly. - Supported in part by CONN NAHRO Golf Committee fundraising efforts. - Purpose: expand higher education access for CONN NAHRO member community residents.