The Niagara Falls Housing Authority has established two (2) $1,200 annual scholarship opportunities for high school graduating seniors. The scholarships were developed through various fundraising events. Additionally, Niagara Falls Housing Authority staff pay $1.00 each Friday to “dress down,” with all proceeds benefiting the scholarship fund.

Doris W. Jones $1,200 Memorial Scholarship

To honor the memory of Doris W. Jones, a long-time resident of affordable housing who worked tirelessly to promote self-sufficiency and improve the overall quality of life for affordable housing residents, the Niagara Falls Housing Authority established the Doris W. Jones $1,200 Memorial Scholarship.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicant must be a high school senior.All residents of the city of Niagara Falls are welcome to apply, however Niagara Falls Housing Authority will receive preferred status in the process.
• Student must have at least a “C” average during his/her senior year.
• Student must provide an original and official copy of his/her high school transcript.
• The application form must be completed in its entirety.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation – one (1) from an educator (teacher, guidance counselor or principal) and one (1) from a non-family member.
• Student must submit a typewritten essay on the following topic: “The importance of community service in the development of leaders” (250 word minimum).
• Student must provide a description of extra-curricular activities, awards, community service, employment and other accomplishments.
• Student must provide written evidence of acceptance at a two (2) or four (4) year university/college or a certified trade school prior to award of scholarship.

Nathaniel Smith $1,000 Memorial Scholarship

Husband, father, mentor, friend. Nathaniel Smith was all of these and more. Nathaniel Smith was a positive role model in the Niagara Falls community and an advocate of education. He was very active in the community and served on numerous committees. Nate fought a long, courageous battle against multiple sclerosis. Even in sickness he was an inspiration to all who came in contact with him. He was very determined to live each day to the fullest and to be all that he could possibly be. To honor his memory, the Niagara Falls Housing Authority established the Nathaniel Smith $1,000 Memorial Scholarship.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Competition is open to all high school seniors or high school graduates who are not already attending a college, university or certified trade school and who meet all of the eligibility requirements. Student must be a resident of the City of Niagara Falls.
• Student must have maintained at least a C grade point average during junior and senior years to be considered for the scholarship or must show a sustained marked improvement over their junior year grades.
• Applications must include the student’s transcript, which reflects all of his/her junior through senior year. Complete senior transcripts may be requested of scholarship finalists prior to award of scholarship.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation – one (1) from an educator (teacher, guidance counselor or principal) and one (1) from a non-family member.
• A 250-500 word essay explaining how the candidate would use a college degree to enhance the quality of life in his/her community and explain his/her life’s goals and objectives.
• Student must provide written evidence of acceptance at a two (2) or four (4) year university/college or a certified trade school prior to award of scholarship.
• Student’s family income must exhibit a financial need. All applicants must submit a copy of the Student Aid Report, which is received from the U.S. Department of Education after submitting the application for Federal Student Aid (FAF).

Applications for the Housing Authority’s Doris W. Jones and Nathaniel Smith Memorial Scholarships are available at your at your high school guidance office, the Niagara Falls Housing Authority Administrative Offices, 744 Tenth Street, and all site rental offices.  Scholarship applications for 2019 will be accepted beginning in April.