Apply Today for the 2026 Sandra Winfrey Advocacy Scholarship Program!

The Virginia Apartment Management Association invites passionate individuals to apply for the 2026 Sandra Winfrey Advocacy Scholarship. Thanks to a generous donation from the Winfrey family, this scholarship aims to empower the next generation of apartment industry advocates. 

Hear from Virginia Santos of Better Housing Coalition about her experience as the recipient of the 2024 Sandra Winfrey Advocacy Scholarship.

The scholarship recipient will have the privilege of attending four pivotal industry events that will broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of advocacy in this field:

• VAMA Lobby Day 2026 | January 22nd, Richmond, VA
  VAMA Lobby Day kicks off the scholarship journey, giving participants a unique opportunity to engage directly with policymakers at Virginia’s Capitol and advocate for legislation that supports the apartment industry.
  
  
• NAA Advocate 2026 | March 24-25th, Grand Hyatt Washington, Washington DC 
  Advocate- NAA’s annual advocacy conference- is the prime opportunity to meet with your Congressional representatives by joining rental housing suppliers, property managers, owners and operators in Washington, D.C.
  
  
• 2026 Joint Democratic Caucus Retreat | June 23-26th, Omni Homestead, Warm Springs, VA
  This event will provide an opportunity for the recipient to spend time with the Leadership and members of the Virginia House Democratic Caucus and the Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus at The Omni Homestead Resort. Activities such as golfing, mixology classes, sporting clays, hiking, meals, and receptions help strengthen relationships with caucus members.
• 2026 Virginia Governor’s Housing Conference | November 18-20th, Hampton, VA 
  The Virginia Governor's Housing Conference has a broad range of attendees from many professional sectors, and consistently attracts more than 1,100 affordable housing advocates, providers and policy makers to discuss a host of important issues affecting all Virginians. 

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 invaluable support on their advocacy journey.

The selection process prioritizes candidates who meet the following 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 four key events: VAMA Lobby Day, the NAA Advocate Conference, the Joint Democratic Caucus Retreat, and the Virginia Governor's Housing Conference.

The application deadline is Friday, October 3rd, 2025, at 5:00 PM. 

APPLY TODAY!