RIHousing: Applicants Sought for Inaugural Michael Van Leesten Awards Program

Born and raised in Providence, Michael was dedicated to improving the lives of Rhode Islanders through his business leadership, civil rights activism, and public service.

RIHousing is seeking applicants for the agency's Michael Van Leesten Memorial Awards program, a new awards program that provides financial assistance to students pursuing a career in the construction trades or a degree in housing development. The awards program honors the life and work of Michael Van Leesten, a longtime advocate dedicated to improving the lives of Rhode Islanders through his business leadership, civil rights activism, and public service.

To support students pursuing education and training related to housing, RIHousing is offering two $5,000 scholarship awards, one for a student pursuing a career in the construction trades and a second scholarship for a student pursuing a degree related to housing development, including, but not limited to, planning, real estate development, finance, economics, or architecture. The agency is also offering a paid Research & Policy Fellowship for students to develop professional experience in housing policy, research, and analysis.

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide support to students of color with the goal of increasing opportunities for members of underrepresented groups to learn about and participate both academically and professionally within the housing field. All Rhode Island residents are eligible to apply, regardless of whether they are pursuing education and/or training in Rhode Island or another state.

The deadline for applicants is midnight on November 15, 2020. Interested applicants should visit www.rihousing.com/van-leesten-scholarships for additional information and how to apply.

We are seeking applicants interested in the housing field to continue Van Leesten's work and encourage and grow the next generation of leaders in Rhode Island. Please share this information with eligible applicants who are interested in pursuing a career in the construction trades or housing development.

Courtesy of RIHousing