Aimco Gives $146,000 to Support College-Bound Students in Affordable Housing

WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Students who live in affordable, subsidized housing will have the opportunity to pursue their dreams of higher education through a scholarship fund that is receiving a donation of $146,000 from Apartment Investment and Management Company (Aimco).   Aimco (NYSE: AIV) Senior Vice President Patti Shwayder presented the contribution to Denise Muha, Executive Director of the National Leased Housing Association, for the NLHA Education Fund, which provides tuition assistance through the AIMCO Cares Opportunity Scholarship and several other award categories.  The check presentation took place today during the NLHA Fall Seminar at the Washington Marriott.

"The 37 young men and women who have received grants from the Aimco Cares Opportunity Scholarship in 2011 are truly inspirational," said Shwayder.  "They are smart, talented and deserving of the opportunity to reach their college potential.  With this new contribution we will be able to help even more students meet their goal of self-sufficiency and to realize a brighter future."  

The donation will fund 2012 scholarships which are awarded based on financial need, scholastic merit, community leadership and volunteerism.  

"NLHA is very pleased to have Aimco as a partner in our ongoing efforts to provide educational opportunities to low-income students across the country," said Muha. "We join our scholarship recipients in thanking Aimco for its continued generosity."  

Aimco's donation is a result of the proceeds raised during the company's annual Charity Golf Classic sponsored by its philanthropic arm, Aimco Cares, and presented by RE/MAX.  More than 70 sponsoring companies raised funds for the event, held August 1 at Sanctuary Golf Course in Sedalia, Colorado.  Platinum sponsors, contributing $10,000 or more, were Moran and Company, the tournament's largest contributor; Apartment Guide; Apartment Realty Advisors; Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck; Critigen; Cushman & Wakefield; Harris Winick, LLP; Hosting.com; Jones Lang LaSalle; Kutak Rock LLP; Latham & Watkins LLP;  RealPage; Transwestern; and Wilmar.  

This year's tournament co-beneficiary is the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, which offers a national network support for military families grieving the death of a loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.  

Aimco is a real estate investment trust headquartered in Denver, Colorado that owns and operates a geographically diversified portfolio of apartment communities. Aimco, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, is one of the largest owners and operators of apartment communities in the United States. Aimco owns or manages 607 properties, and serves approximately 500,000 residents each year. Aimco's properties are located in 38 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Aimco common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol AIV and are included in the S&P 500.

The NLHA Education Fund was established as a 501(c) (3) organization to raise funds for the purpose of awarding education grants and scholarships to low income individuals residing in federally assisted rental housing owned, managed, or administered by members of the National Leased Housing Association. The National Leased Housing Association (NLHA) is nonprofit organization dedicated to the development and preservation of decent and safe affordable rental housing.

NLHA Education fund applications for the 2012-2013 academic year are due February 24, 2012.  Application packages and criteria are available on the NLHA website at http://www.hudnlha.com/education_fund/index.asp or by contacting the NLHA office at 202-785-8888.

SOURCE Aimco