John J. Kelly Memorial Scholarship

The mission of the CONN-NAHRO Scholarship Committee is to assist students living in CONN-NAHRO member communities to attain higher education.

The Scholarship Committee, in collaboration with the CONN NAHRO Golf Committee, is proud to announce that the 2026 John J. Kelly Memorial Scholarship applications are now available!  

CONN NAHRO invites current undergraduate college students in Connecticut to apply for one of the available $3,500 John J. Kelly Memorial Scholarships for students continuing their education. Annually, three or more scholarships are awarded to students who live in CONN NAHRO member housing authority communities or Section 8 housing who may not be able to take advantage of higher education opportunities due in part to their economic circumstances.

The application process is administered by the CONN NAHRO Scholarship Committee. Recipients are recognized at the Scholarship Luncheon during the CONN NAHRO Annual Convention in August.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

1. Individuals who are enrolled as full-time students at a two-year or four-year institution of higher learning working toward an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, or a full-time Vocational/Certificate program for the Fall 2026 term; and,
2. Who reside in, or are assisted with their housing by, a CONN NAHRO member housing authority or agency; and,
3. Are residents in good standing.

Criteria:

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Candidates must attain a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale during their college coursework.

Application:

The Scholarship application must be complete and include the following items to be considered:

1. Completed John J. Kelly Memorial Scholarship Application Form
2. A written recommendation from the Executive Director/CEO or Designee from the applicant’s CONN NAHRO member housing authority or community (must be a signed original document or electronic signature).
3. The applicant’s college transcript.
4. Three (3) additional written letters of recommendation (must be a signed original document or electronic signature).
5. A 250 to 500-word essay on the subject: Tell us about a time when you had a belief or idea challenged?
6. A list of the applicant’s accomplishments, including awards, honors, sports, community service, extracurricular activities, employment, etc.
7. Proof of Financial Aid and any other sources of financial assistance to be received by the applicant (must be received by June 17, 2026).

Selection Criteria:

The selection criteria is based on a point system for each of the following elements:

30 points        Need

25 points        College grades, class rank, and Graduate Record scores

20 points        Essay content

20 points        Work experience, extracurricular activities, and community service.

5 points          3.0 Grade point average or higher

5 points          Not previously awarded a CONN NAHRO scholarship

Funding

Scholarship awards will be funded by September 1, 2026. CONN NAHRO reserves the right to revoke the scholarship and require repayment of the scholarship if the recipient does not attend the identified educational institution in the Fall of 2026.

Where Do I Submit the Application?

It should be given to the Executive Director/CEO of your CONN NAHRO member housing authority, who will submit your completed application and attachments to the Committee.  Do NOT submit you application directly, the application MUST be reviewed and submitted by the member housing authority.

Applications must be completed and received by the CONN NAHRO Scholarship Chair no later than 5:00 p.m. (EDT) on the due date.