The CDA offers an educational scholarship opportunity for students who reside in a CDA rental property.

Students are eligible if they are a first time college student, an adult returning to college, or someone trying to get certification to get a better job.

Students are required to fill out an application and get recommendation letters from teachers, employers, or community members.  They also write an essay on what they see for their future.

This year, we had two great students receive awards.  Here is a little bit about them!

Ali graduated this spring from Burnsville High School and plans to attend University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus, to study Computer Science. Ali was on his school’s soccer team and was also an Honor Roll student.

“I was also an active member at my local mosque, having received several awards for my completion in their many educational programs. Most recently I have been assisting my parents, who both work overtime and are in high risk, service roles during the pandemic.” He went on to share in his essay a Somali proverb: “To be without knowledge, is to be without light.”

Johnea graduated this spring from Prior Lake High School and plans to attend Georgia State University, located in Atlanta, to study Real Estate.  Johnea has been President of the Prior Lake High School (PLHS)’s Black Student Union, Board Member of the PLHS’s Student Advisory, Founder of the Young Black Excellence Chair, and Prize Winner of the Youth In Government Proposal  Johnea believes it is imperative for her to embody a vision of what it means to be a leader if she is to make a difference in this lifetime.”

She shared the following quote by T Harv Eker “If you want to change the fruits, you will first have to change the roots. If you want to change the visible, you must first change the invisible.” She stated “I believe it is imperative for me to embody my vision of what it means to be a leader if I am to make a difference in this lifetime.”

The CDA congratulations these students for their academic vigor and entering high demand fields.