Research consistently supports access to stable housing and higher education are keys to economic opportunity
PORTLAND – Recognizing that economic opportunity is rooted in housing stability and access to quality education, the Portland Housing Authority is honored to announce this year’s recipients of the Thomas Valleau Scholarship. Named in honor of the late Thomas Valleau, one of PHA’s longest-serving commissioners, the scholarship is awarded annually to Portland Housing Authority residents who are pursuing higher education.
“Thomas Valleau was a steadfast advocate for PHA residents and was particularly committed to expanding access to higher education. His passing makes this inaugural year especially meaningful, as his legacy of service and mentorship continues through the students who benefit from the program he helped strengthen,” said Shirley Peterson, chair of the Portland Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners.
This year’s Thomas Valleau Scholarship class includes 11 students pursuing education in a range of fields from many institutions, including Champlain College, St. Michael’s College, Southern Maine Community College, Husson University, the University of Southern Maine and the University of Virginia.
In total, PHA awarded $40,000 in scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year, made possible by the generous support of longstanding donor partners such as the KeyBank Foundation, as well as personal donations made in memory of Thomas Valleau, and contributions from the Portland Housing Services Corporation and the Portland Housing Development Corporation. Since 2014, the KeyBank Foundation has awarded $110,000 in scholarships to Portland Housing Authority residents.
Brigitte Ritchie, KeyBank’s regional corporate responsibility officer for Maine, noted the impact of this ongoing partnership: “KeyBank is committed to supporting organizations and programs that prepare individuals for thriving futures. Financial empowerment is key to this, and access to higher education can forge that path. This is why we’re so proud to support PHA and the Thomas Valleau Scholarship Program, which closes opportunity gaps and opens doors to a brighter future for students.”
Recipients of this year’s Thomas Valleau Scholarship shared with PHA what this scholarship means not only for them, but for many, their families as well.
Jamila Abdurahman, a recent Portland High School graduate headed to the University of Southern Maine to study nursing, shared, “Higher education is more than just a goal, it’s a promise to myself and my parents. I hope to make a difference in people’s lives just as my parents did mine.”
Fatuma Ukash, a master’s student at the University of Southern Maine studying social work, emphasized the importance of education for her family’s future: “Every step brings me closer to achieving the life my parents dreamed of and the future I envision for my children.”
Madalena Tela, finishing her associate degree at Southern Maine Community College and headed to Husson University to study pre-med, spoke about how the scholarship will allow her to focus on her long-term goals, “One of the greatest gifts this scholarship can offer me is time. Time to study with focus, time to build connections and relationships within the field, and above all, time to explore innovative ideas that could shape my future career.”
For those interested in applying to next year’s Thomas Valleau Scholarship program, or other scholarships, the application process typically opens in February, with a submission deadline in May. Eligible applicants must be on the lease for Portland Housing Authority’s Public Housing or Voucher programs. For more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit https://www.porthouse.org/301/Thomas-Valleau-Scholarship-Program
Established in 1943, the Portland Housing Authority provides long-term, affordable fair rental housing and assistance to around 3,200 low-income families, seniors and disabled individuals through its federally subsidized housing programs. PHA houses over 6,000 residents, about 8.6% of the City’s population. PHA believes that providing safe, quality, affordable housing gives residents the stability and opportunity for success they need and deserve. For more information, visit www.porthouse.org.
KeyBank Foundation is a nonprofit charitable foundation that supports organizations and initiatives aimed at improving financial wellness, education, and community development. Through strategic philanthropy, KeyBank Foundation works to create thriving communities and drive meaningful, lasting change.
In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $185 billion as of June 30, 2025.