Clean Slate E3 and NEED Welcome 7 New Students to Scholarship Program, Announce $160,000 in Scholarship Awards

Clean Slate E3, the nonprofit affiliate of the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP), and its partner organization NEED are once again empowering HACP students with scholarships for post-secondary education for the 2023-2024 academic year. This year, Clean Slate E3 & NEED have awarded scholarship funds to 7 new recipients and 24 returning students, totaling 31 awards.

Clean Slate E3 began as a forum for youth, and has grown into a scholarship program that has helped dozens of HACP students pursue higher education goals. The Clean Slate E3 Scholarship Program was launched in 2009. In the years since, Clean Slate E3 and partner organization NEED have granted over $600,000 in scholarships to HACP students. During the program’s history, 158 students have been granted scholarship awards. Clean Slate E3 scholars currently receive annual scholarship allocations of $5,000 for up to four years of post-secondary education – for each scholarship $4,000 is provided directly from Clean Slate E3 while NEED provides a 20% match or $1,000 per student per year.

Clean Slate E3 scholarships have supported students that have attended colleges and universities all over the country, from local schools like the University of Pittsburgh and Carlow, to out of state colleges like Howard University and North Carolina A&T University.

Mayor Ed Gainey expressed that the dedication shown by The HACP and their non- profit affiliate will have a considerable and positive influence on the lives of these students. “It’s truly gratifying to witness such a high level of interest in the program, and I take immense pride in the fact that both Clean Slate E3 and NEED have wholeheartedly stepped up to back the incoming class of students,” said Gainey. “Their support and commitment will undoubtedly make a significant difference in these students’ educational journey.”

The scholarship is available to all residents of the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh, including students who reside in Low-Income Public Housing or those who participate in the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors who are in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of 2.5, and will be attending school on a full time basis.

HACP has been a prominent supporter of students who wish to further their education. The Clean Slate E3 Scholarship has provided opportunities for those who need the extra funding for college and the continuing efforts and long standing commitment to these students has been a rewarding experience for all. Clean Slate E3 was incorporated in 2009 to further HACP’s mission of supporting students in their efforts to attain educational and professional advancement to achieve a higher quality of life. The nonprofit takes its namesake from “Clean Slate” a youth outreach program launched by the HACP in 1998 and currently celebrating its 25th Anniversary.

Michelle Sandidge, Chief Community Affairs Officer for the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh, reflected on the growth of the nonprofit and the HACP’s history of supporting resident empowerment efforts. “We launched Clean Slate 25 years ago in order to lift up the young minds that live in our communities and connect them with a path to launch. Today, we can look back and reflect upon the success the program has achieved while continuing to invest in young HACP residents through Clean Slate E3.”

HACP, Clean Slate E3, and NEED share a profound commitment to empowering students to achieve their full potential. This year, they are exceptionally proud to expand the scope of their program, furthering their mission to make a positive impact on even more students’ lives. Together, they strive to create greater opportunities for educational growth and success.

Dr. Marcia Sturdivant, Prescient and CEO of NEED, expressed delight in supporting the remarkable collaboration with Clean Slate E3, designed to assist our city’s most vulnerable students. “Individually we can change lives, but together we can change communities,” said Dr. Sturdivant. “This partnership represents a powerful force for positive change and provides valuable opportunities for those in need.”

Through the years, the Clean Slate E3 Scholarship Program has been made possible by charitable donations provided by employees of the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh and major donations provided by organizations including but not limited to: The Heinz Endowments, the Pepsi Bottling Group, Highmark Wholecare, Paramount Pictures, McAuley Ministries, and PNC Bank.

For additional information about Clean Slate E3, visit: https://hacp.org/programs-services/scholarship-fund/