Scholarships
Who We Are
The Lowell Youth Activities Program, Inc. (LYAP), is a non-profit affiliate of the Lowell Housing Authority (LHA). It is an IRS 501(c)(3) tax exempt 509(a)(1) public charity. Run by voluntary Board Members, from varying backgrounds, the Program’s mission is to aid in the advancement of Lowell Public Housing and Section 8 youth. Each year the Program awards an average of $15K in college scholarship funds to LHA youth pursuing a higher education. One hundred percent of funds raised by the LYAP go back into the Program, benefiting current and future recipients of a LYAP College Scholarship.
Support Our Mission
The LYAP’s main fundraiser is its annual Philip L. Shea Scholarship Awards Reception, where recipients are recognized for their academic and extra-curricular accomplishments, as well as for their community involvement and future aspirations. This year’s event will be held on Thursday, June 20th, 5 – 7pm. We would love for you to join us in celebrating LHA’s hardworking youth! If you are unable to attend, please consider making a monetary donation. Your continued support helps in ensuring a higher education for our youth.
We are pleased to honor Cathy Mercado as our keynote speaker at the 2024, 30th Anniversary, Philip L. Shea Annual Scholarship Awards Reception!
After buying a home as a first-generation homebuyer, Cathy decided to pursue a career in housing advocacy to help others. She joined the staff of the Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership in 2015, and quickly advanced to Executive Director in 2022. She is a lifelong resident of Lowell, and a former Lowell Housing Authority Homeownership Voucher participant. Cathy is extremely involved in the community and holds several leadership roles. She is a Board Member for Abundant Housing Massachusetts, Common Ground Housing, and the Policy Leadership Council for Citizens Housing and Planning Association. Additionally, she is a member of the Executive Committee for Lowell Development & Financial Corporation, a co-founder of Lowell Housing Coalition, and a committee member of Massachusetts Homeownership Collaborative.
Her story will no doubt inspire our scholarship recipients and all those in attendance, and we look forward to honoring her alongside our scholarship recipients!
