The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) proudly announces its 6th Annual “Open House in the Village” Scholarship Banquet, a signature event that celebrates and uplifts the educational achievements of public housing and voucher community youth. The event takes place Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 6p at the Virginia Union University’s Claude G. Perkins Living and Learning Center, 1813 – 1899 Bath Street, Richmond VA 23220.
This year marks a significant milestone, as 20 high school graduates — the largest group ever recognized by the program — will be honored as they prepare to take their next steps toward higher education and career training.
Set to take place this summer, the banquet will spotlight these outstanding students as they transition into four-year colleges, universities, and technical or trade schools, representing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers. This event underscores RRHA’s mission to support and empower its residents by providing real opportunities for advancement through education.
“Educational achievement is one of the most powerful tools we have to break the cycle of poverty. This event is about more than celebration — it’s about transformation, support, and investing in the futures of our young people.”
–CEO Steven Nesmith
Each honored student will receive essential items for college success to help kickstart their college journey, made possible through the generosity of RRHA’s sponsors and community partners. RRHA extends heartfelt gratitude to all program sponsors and supporters. Their contributions help ensure that these first-time college students and technical trainees begin their life journeys with the tools, resources, and confidence they need to succeed.
Among the 20 students, 14 have earned acceptance into four-year colleges and universities to further their education. Two of them have received scholarships from the Virginia Association of Housing Community Development Officials (VAHCDO), and three students are preparing to commence career training programs. This event is just one example of RRHA’s commitment to foster educational excellence and career readiness among the youth in our communities.
The following are the RRHA graduating seniors, college-bound students and career bound students and the college and career paths they have chosen:
- Ti’Shaun Smith Bates (Mosby) – Virginia State University
- Jamonte Baker (Mosby) – Undecided
- Karmishia Braxton (Gilpin) – Virginia Union University
- Trevion Brown (Hillside) – Undecided
- Heaven Cary (Fairfield) – Virginia State University
- Joi Claud (Whitcomb) – Richard Bland College
- Leon Davis, III (Fairfield) – Norfolk State University
- Shyne Farrior (Gilpin) – Hampton University
- Aries Franklin (Gilpin) – Virginia State University
- Alana Hamilton (Whitcomb) – Virginia State University
- Ky’dree Holloway (Creighton) – Undecided
- Davonte Hines (HCVP community) – Longwood College
- Jadon Morris (Fairfield) – Undecided
- Bill Perry, Jr. (HCVP Community) – Undecided
- Bless Powell (Whitcomb) – Virginia State University
- Datwon Roberts (Gilpin) – J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
- Dale Robinson, Jr. (Mosby) – J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
- Caleb Smith (Whitcomb) – Undecided
- Janisha Wilkins (Gilpin) – Old Dominion University
- Coreyon Winston (Mosby) – Chowan University
*VAHCDO scholarship winner
Those interested in learning more and contributing a tax-deductible donation toward RRHA’s scholarship program for these students can contribute online at rrha.com/scholarships.