For many residents living in public and affordable housing, the cost of higher education can feel out of reach. HAI Group’s Resident Scholarship Program was created to help change that by supporting residents who are working toward their educational goals and investing in their futures.Through financial assistance and national recognition, the program helps students pursue college, technical training, and other postsecondary education opportunities that can lead to long-term stability and career growth.
A long-standing commitment to resident success
Since its inception, the Resident Scholarship Program has awarded nearly $2 million in scholarships to more than 500 students nationwide. What began as a way to give back to resident communities has grown into a national program that reflects HAI Group’s commitment to strengthening affordable housing and the people who call it home.
The program is open to residents of housing authorities and affordable housing properties insured by an HAI Group company. Scholarships are awarded first to eligible prior recipients who reapply, and remaining scholarships are then awarded to new applicants through a random drawing, in accordance with the program’s official rules.
How the program makes a difference
Scholarship funds can be used to help cover tuition, books, fees, and other education-related expenses. From HAI Group’s perspective, the program is designed to help reduce financial barriers, allowing students to stay enrolled and continue progressing with their education. Manager of Enterprise Support Heather Cibula has overseen the scholarship program for several years and has seen that impact firsthand.
“For the past four years, managing the Resident Scholarship Program has been an incredibly gratifying experience," Cibula said. "Although I’ve never met the recipients in person, our ongoing communication has allowed me to feel connected to their journeys. Working with some students throughout all four years of their eligibility, their appreciation for the opportunity has been both clear and deeply rewarding. As a parent of a daughter who recently graduated from college, this work truly hits home, and I see firsthand how invaluable this program is for students who need additional financial support to pursue their education and plan for the future.”
Meet some of the 2025 and 2026 scholarship recipients and hear, in their own words, what receiving this support has meant to them.
Voices from 2026 scholarship recipients
Skyla Houston
Year in college: Graduate student
Program: Master of Development Practice
“This scholarship is helping my education by allowing myself to focus on choosing my classes for the upcoming semester, making sure that I have everything in order before I leave to go back to school and spending time with my family and friends. It gives me peace of mind that I don't have to worry about taking out a loan or saving up every last cent in order to pay for college.
“Being able to go to school is a privilege I never take for granted, and receiving this scholarship is a blessing to help further my education and become the successful young woman that I have always wanted to be. My family works extremely hard to supply me with what I need to succeed and having the ability to help them by doing well in school and getting my degree while having a scholarship is all they ask of me. I am very appreciative and will work 10x's harder to prove I am deserving of this opportunity.”
Ashee Groce
Year in college: First-year graduate student
Program: Master’s in Development Practice
“Receiving the HAI Group Scholarship is deeply personal to me. As someone who has experienced housing insecurity, this support represents so much more than financial assistance; it is a testament that with hard work, perseverance, and faith, doors can open even after life’s greatest challenges. As I begin my Master of Development Practice, this scholarship allows me to focus on becoming the kind of leader who creates opportunities for others. It reminds me that my story is not defined by where I’ve been, but by the impact I am determined to make.”
Voices from 2025 scholarship recipients
Sherrica Fuller
Year in college: Senior
Major: Nursing
“As a single mother pursuing a nursing career, I’ve faced challenges that required strength, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. This award eases the financial weight of my education and allows me to remain focused on my calling to serve others through nursing. It represents hope, encouragement, and confirmation that perseverance, faith, and hard work do not go unnoticed."
Mya Pickens
Year in college: Senior
Major: Marketing
"I'm incredibly grateful for this scholarship, especially as I enter my senior year of college, my most important and demanding year yet. This support is lifting a major financial burden and allowing me to focus fully on my studies, growth, and preparing for what's next. [HAI Group's] generosity is not just helping me finish strong, but it's solidifying the foundation for my future.”
Tera Priest
Year in college: Junior
Major: Social Work
“Receiving the HAI Group Resident Scholarship has meant so much to me. It reduced financial stress and allowed me to focus on my education instead of worrying about how to pay for school. Knowing there was support behind me showed me that my goals were achievable and worth pursuing.
The scholarship helped cover essential expenses such as tuition and books, allowing me to complete my associate’s degree in psychology without interruption. Since then, I have begun working as a P.R.S.S. at Hope Community Services Urgent Recovery Center and am pursuing licensure as a behavioral case manager. I am also starting my bachelor’s degree in social work at East Central University, with plans to continue on to earn my master’s degree.
I have received the scholarship for two years, going on three, and the continued support has played a key role in helping me reach goals I once thought were unattainable. I am deeply grateful to be part of the HAI Group scholarship community, and for the lasting impact this program has had on my educational journey.”
Eh Hser Taw
Year in college: Senior
Major: Management Information Systems (MIS)
"This scholarship has aided me in tons of ways, such as helping with tuition costs and other financial burdens. When I was first applying or thinking about attending college, I was reluctant to go, but with the help of this program, I was encouraged to pursue it. The process of receiving the scholarship was straightforward. I am a first-generation student, and I would not have attended or figured out what I wanted to study if it weren’t for the help of this program."
