Interested in Government Affairs? Apply Today for the Sandra Winfrey Advocacy Scholarship!

The Virginia Apartment Management Association is now accepting applications for the inaugural Sandra Winfrey Advocacy Scholarship, a remarkable opportunity for passionate individuals to deepen their engagement in the rental housing industry. With a generous donation of $4,500 from the Winfrey family, this scholarship aims to support the next generation of apartment industry advocates.The scholarship recipient will have the privilege of attending three pivotal industry events that will broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of advocacy in this field:

VAMA Lobby Day 2024 in Richmond, VA - January 25, 2024: 
Kicking off the scholarship journey, VAMA Lobby Day offers participants the chance to engage directly with policymakers and advocate for policies that benefit the apartment industry.

NAA Advocate 2025 at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, DC - March 12-13, 2024:
In the heart of the nation's capital, this event will provide invaluable insights into national advocacy efforts, offering a platform to collaborate with like-minded individuals from across the country.

Virginia Governor’s Housing Conference at the Virginia Beach Convention Center- November 13-15, 2024: 
Concluding the scholarship program, this conference is an opportunity to engage in discussions on state-level housing issues and network with industry leaders.

The Sandra Winfrey Advocacy Scholarship will cover all costs associated with attending these events, including registration fees, travel expenses, and accommodations, up to the value of the scholarship fund. Furthermore, recipients will receive mentoring and guidance from seasoned industry professionals, offering valuable support on their advocacy journey.

To be eligible for the 2024 Sandra Winfrey Advocacy Scholarship, applicants must exhibit a strong passion for the apartment industry and a dedication to advocating for its growth and improvement. The selection process prioritizes candidates who meet specific criteria:

• Previous Reliable Participation: Candidates should have a track record of reliable participation as volunteers on a VAMA committee at the local or state level, demonstrating their commitment to the industry.
• Lack of Legislative Committee Membership: Preference will be given to applicants who are not currently on the legislative committee or lack previous advocacy experience, ensuring the scholarship benefits those in need of advocacy development.
• Commitment to Industry Events: Applicants must submit written support from their  organization and commit to attending all three key events: VAMA Lobby Day, NAA's Advocate Conference, and the Virginia Governor's Housing Conference.

The Sandra Winfrey Advocacy Scholarship Program stands as a testament to the Winfrey family's unwavering belief in the power of advocacy and their commitment to empowering emerging industry advocates. If you share Sandra Winfrey's passion for advocacy and aspire to make a difference in the apartment industry, we wholeheartedly encourage you to apply. 

The application deadline for this transformative scholarship opportunity is Friday, December 1, 2023, at 5:00 PM. Apply today and be the change-maker our industry needs!