Council for Affordable and Rural Housing Foundation Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Council for Affordable and Rural Housing Foundation
Intro
Applications for the 2026 CARH Scholarship Foundation awards are now being accepted. The application deadline is February 28, 2026.
Who is eligible
Applicants must meet the following baseline requirements:
- Live in a CARH-member property (documentary proof will be required), except as noted below for certain graduate applicants.
- Be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
- Demonstrate financial need.
In addition to the baseline requirements, applicants must satisfy one of the following category-specific education requirements:
- Traditional students: Currently preparing to graduate from high school or have earned a high school diploma (or equivalent) within the past five years; must show scholastic or work achievement and be accepted to or enrolled full-time at an accredited two- or four-year college or university.
- Non-traditional students: Hold a high school diploma or equivalent and have been out of school for five years or more; must be accepted to or enrolled full-time at an accredited two- or four-year college or university and demonstrate scholastic or work achievement.
- Technical/Trade/Vocational students: Accepted to or attending an accredited technical, trade, or vocational program or school.
- Graduate students: Have a bachelor’s degree and be accepted to or currently enrolled in a graduate program at an accredited university.
Important residency exception for graduate applicants
Former recipients of CARH Scholarship Foundation awards who apply as Graduate School applicants are eligible to apply even if they no longer reside in a CARH-member property; the CARH residency requirement does not apply to these former recipients.
Documentation required
All applicants must supply proof of acceptance and/or current enrollment at an accredited institution appropriate to their category. Residency verification, citizenship or permanent residency documentation, and evidence of financial need will also be required.
Scholarship category commitment
The Foundation encourages applicants pursuing Technical/Trade/Vocational education and those entering Graduate School. Provided there are qualified candidates in those areas, at least one scholarship will be awarded in each of those categories.
Types of applications (choose the one that matches your situation)
- Traditional Student Application: For students who are current high school graduation candidates or who received a high school diploma (or equivalent) within the last five years.
- Non-Traditional Student Application: For individuals with a high school diploma or equivalent who have been out of formal schooling for five years or longer.
- Technical/Trade/Vocational Application: For students enrolling in or attending an accredited technical, trade, or vocational program.
- Graduate Student Application: For applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree and are entering or enrolled in a graduate program. This application is also open to prior CARH Scholarship Foundation recipients (who are exempt from the CARH residency requirement).
Application contents and rules
Applicants must submit a complete application package, which includes:
- A full biography and any supporting materials requested.
- A record of academic history and achievements.
- A detailed statement of educational goals and a clear explanation of financial need.
- Letters of reference.
- An essay responding to the prompt provided in the application form.
Please follow all instructions carefully. Incomplete applications or those missing any requested information will not be considered. Only one application per person will be accepted, and you must submit the correct application for your category by the February 28, 2026 deadline.