Aimco Raises More Than $122,000 for Scholarships for Students in Affordable Housing

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Students who live in affordable, subsidized housing will have the opportunity to apply for scholarship grants through an educational fund that is receiving a donation of $122,500 raised in the 7th annual Golf Classic sponsored by Aimco Cares, the philanthropic arm of Apartment Investment and Management Company (Aimco), and presented by RE/MAX.  Aimco Senior Vice President Patti Shwayder presented the donation to Denise Muha, Executive Director of the National Leased Housing Association, which administers the scholarship through its Educational Fund, yesterday during the NLHA Fall Seminar in Washington.  

"The Aimco Cares Opportunity Scholarship Fund is designed to help exceptional students fulfill their dream of higher education – students who otherwise might not see college as financially feasible," said Shwayder. "The scholarship program is an expansion of our Aimco Cares initiative, which encourages volunteer activities throughout the country.  Strong participation in the communities in which we work and live and support for our young people seeking higher education are two important components of Aimco Cares, and of our company's corporate citizenship values."

"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."  

Since its inception, the annual golf classic has raised more than one million dollars for charitable causes.  This year's co-beneficiary is the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, which offers a national network of peer-based emotional support, case work assistance, crisis intervention and grief counseling for family members who have suffered the loss of a loved one in the line of duty.  More than 120 golfers participated in the 2010 Aimco Cares charity tournament with more than 50 companies providing sponsorships to raise funds for the event, including Platinum Sponsors Critigen; Cushman & Wakefield; ista; Jones Lang LaSalle; Latham & Watkins LLP; Millman Surveying; Realpage; Stein, Ray & Harris; Wilmar; and ZMG Construction, Inc.

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 817 properties, including approximately 129,000 apartment units, and serves approximately 500,000 residents each year. Aimco's properties are located in 43 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 2011-2012 academic year are due February 25, 2011.  Application packages and criteria are available on the NLHA website at www.hudnlha.com/educationfund or by contacting the NLHA office at 202-785-8888.

SOURCE Aimco