Summary
The John Sasso Memorial Scholarship was established to enhance the educational and professional development of National Community Development Association (NCDA) members who work in housing, community and economic development in communities throughout the country.
NCDA has established this scholarship fund in memory of John Sasso, NCDA’s founder and first Chief Executive Officer, who passed away on August 2, 2016. John was a driving force in the community development field. He began his career in Pawtucket, Rhode Island as the Deputy Director of the Redevelopment Agency in the early 1960s, and became the Director of the Model Cities Program in Pawtucket in 1968. He then became the first Executive Secretary of the Model Cities Directors Association in Washington DC, which changed its name to the National Model Cities and Community Development Directors Association. In 1979, John created The National Community Development Association(NCDA) and became its Director until retiring in 2002. He was a tireless advocate for communities and empowerment of citizens and this scholarship fund will be used to assist NCDA professionals who serve to improve the lives of
communities that serve those in need.
The John Sasso Memorial Scholarship Program will offer scholarships for conference attendees and courses administered by NCDA. This scholarship embraces the memory of John Sasso and the principles he established as a community development leader. NCDA embraces the principle that housing and community development professionals require training and education at the highest level to enhance professional development. The John Sasso scholarship is designed to assist members in reaching that goal.
Who is Eligible?
- Applicant must be an employee of and sponsored by an organizational member of
NCDA. - Organizations are limited to two scholarships in total
- Applicant must plan to attend a training offered by NCDA on a tuition reimbursement
basis or attend a national or regional NCDA Conference. - Applicants must have five years are less work experience in housing/community
development
Two opportunities for assistance:
1) Professional Development Training
Interested applicants may apply for a scholarship to attend a NCDA sponsored training held
throughout the year. Each scholarship will be reimbursed to the payee upon completion of the
course/training and submission of required documents. Applicants may choose one NCDA
training. NCDA Professional Development provides professionals with opportunities to advance
their careers by learning firsthand from recognized industry experts. Eligible applicants must have
five years or less experience in housing/community development. The maximum award available
for a training scholarship is $500.00. A total of two professional development training
scholarships will be awarded annually.
2) NCDA Conference
Interested applicants may apply for a scholarship to attend a NCDA sponsored conference held
throughout the year. Each scholarship will be reimbursed to the payee upon completion of the
conference and submission of required documents. Eligible applicants must have five years or
less experience in housing/community development. Interested applicants may attend a NCDA
conference. A total of two professional development training scholarships will be awarded
annually.
Typically, NCDA hold two conferences annually;
- Annual Meeting – Usually held in June of each year in a sponsor NCDA membership
community - Winter legislative Meeting – Usually held in Washington DC in January
The maximum award available for a conference scholarship is $500.00. A total of two conference
scholarships will be awarded annually.
Interested recipients will be required to complete a Scholarship Application and complete all the required
elements within the application.
The maximum amount available for a scholarship is $500.00. You or your agency must be a member of
the National Community Development Association (NCDA).