ARHA Kicks off Partnership with Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria

ARHA Residents part of new ARHA-SRG Scholars program take class this summer

ARHA-Residents Benefit from Six-Week History Class

(Alexandria, VA – June 20, 2023) – ARHA residents will now have a chance to earn college credits due to a new program in collaboration with the Alexandria Redevelopment & Housing Authority (ARHA), Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), The Social Responsibility Group (SRG), with support from the Friends of Frederick Douglass Memorial Cemetery, and the Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities.

The first cohort of 15 ARHA residents, who are interested in earning college credits towards an associate degree, started the coursework on Tuesday, June 13th.

“The ARHA-SRG Scholars program is providing new and important opportunities for our residents to further their education and enhance their lives,” Keith Pettigrew, ARHA CEO, said. “I am in awe of our first cohort for going out of their comfort zones and putting themselves on a pathway to earn a degree, whether our students are fresh out of high school or are older adults, education can be lifechanging. We are excited to partner with NOVA on this and look forward to continuing this partnership in future semesters so more ARHA residents can benefit.”

The six-week history class will be held at ARHA offices. It will immerse students in Alexandria’s fascinating past and highlight the dynamic achievements of African American residents from various sections of the City of Alexandria. The class will include visits to historical sites throughout the city in an educational shuttle. This includes visits to Mount Vernon, Frederick Douglass Cemetery, Alexandria Black History Museum and more. Dr. Elizabeth Clark-Lewis, professor of history from Howard University, is teaching the course. Students will earn three hours of college credit for this course from NOVA.

 “We pride ourselves at NOVA for offering an affordable world-class college education and high demand workforce training for all residents in our communities, said Dr. M. Annette Haggray, Provost of the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. “We are pleased to work with the City of Alexandria and ARHA to offer college courses that are more accessible to the community.”

The majority of the students received financial aid. Students range in age from recent high school graduates to older adults. NOVA and ARHA partnered on a similar program years ago, but this is the first time in 20 years that a NOVA course will be offered at ARHA offices for ARHA residents. Michael Johnson, Recreation and Community Specialist for the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities was instrumental in restarting the program.

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About ARHA:

For over 80 years, the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority has provided affordable housing, economic opportunities, and a suitable living environment free from discrimination for the citizens of Alexandria. Our mission is to be an industry leader in the development and management of model mixed income communities that provide the opportunity for residents to achieve self-sufficiency and to participate in economic opportunities that are made possible through this model. To learn more, visit http://www.arha.us/.

About NOVA:

Since 1965, Northern Virginia Community College has offered a world-class education at an affordable price. NOVA is the largest supplier of talent in Northern Virginia and one of the largest community colleges in the United States, comprised of more than 80,000 students and 3,400 faculty and staff members. We welcome students of all ages from all backgrounds with the ultimate goal of ensuring every student succeeds, every program achieves, and every community prospers.