It’s back to school for three very diligent students that have received educational scholarships for their first year of college either directly through the CDA or from a sponsoring agency.

Osman Abdullahi graduated from high school in Burnsville as a distinguished member of the National Honor Society. Osman is attending the University of Minnesota where he is studying Computer Science. He would like to eventually work toward a Ph.D. in this or a related discipline.

As one of seven children, Osman is grateful for all he and his family have been given through their housing program as well as the opportunities to apply for scholarships. As Osman stated in his scholarship essay,

“My family came to the United States as refugees, seeking a place that would be safe enough, have plenty of opportunities, and a place to call home.  With all the difficulties that have emerged from such a situation, housing was not one of them. This is thanks to public housing.”

-Osman

Osman won three scholarships! A $1,000 educational scholarship from the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO); the very prestigious national Bollinger Scholarship for $8,850 from the Public Housing Authority Directors Association (PHADA) (Osman and his brother were able to travel to Fort Lauderdale to accept his award with expenses paid by PHADA!);

Osman was also awarded a CDA-sponsored Scholarship in the amount of $1,000.  Osman started his first year of college with $10,850 in scholarships!

Salma Hassan was awarded a CDA Educational scholarship in the amount of $1,000. Salma knew her freshman year that she wanted to go into medicine, and is a certified Emergency Medical Responder.  Salma started at the University of Minnesota this fall and plans on majoring in neuroscience in the pre-med track.

“Knowing that I can make an impact on someone’s life only strengthens my interest in wanting to pursue a medical degree”

-Salma

Fathi Horor was awarded a CDA Educational scholarship in the amount of $1,000. Fathi worked as a nursing assistant during high school and stated that “I want to really make a difference in the world and be a prime example to those who are at a disadvantage.”  Fathi was accepted at many colleges but decided to start her college career at Normandale Community College in the nursing program.

The Scott County CDA is very proud of the hard work and dedication these students have put toward their educations. Congratulations and much success in your college careers!