Albuquerque, NM, September 27, 2023 – The Greater Albuquerque Housing Partnership (GAHP) is pleased to announce the winners of its 2023 Building A Better Albuquerque Scholarship. The Building a Better Albuquerque Scholarship fund provides financial assistance to teens, young adults, and non-traditional students living in and around the communities GAHP serves. This scholarship can be applied to any type of post-secondary education, including community college, trade school, and licensures. Applicants were evaluated on their academic goals, community involvement, and how they felt they could contribute to building a better Albuquerque.
The three 2023 recipients are Hayley Jones, Viviana Mata, and Mia Terrazas, all of Albuquerque.
Hayley Jones is pursuing her nursing degree at Central New Mexico Community College (CNM). For Jones, nursing is a way to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others, especially within her own community. “By acquiring the knowledge, skills, and expertise in the field of nursing, I will be equipped to make a positive impact on the community's health and well-being. I can engage with the community to address social determinants of health and work towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for all residents,” states Jones.
Viviana Mata is attending CNM pursuing a degree in Hydrology. In addition to her studies, Mata has volunteered with the East San Jose Community Garden, the South Valley Soccer Club, and a folklorico dance group. Her goal is to continue her studies at UNM at the School of Engineering, specializing in Civil Engineering for Hydrology. “I hope that by completing my education I will be able to make a positive contribution to the world. I hope to achieve sustainability through success in my education and through my contribution to the environment,” explains Mata.
Mia Terrazas is originally from Tierra Amarilla, NM and is a student at CNM studying to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. To further her academic goals, Terrazas volunteered at Lovelace Hospital in the CT and Ultrasound departments. Terrazas explains, “I see my education contributing to building a better Albuquerque because the more people get help mentally and physically, the better our neighborhoods become and the healthier they get. This degree will empower me to contribute to a healthier community.”
The scholarship is awarded annually, and the next cycle opens in the spring of 2024. You can read more about this year’s recipients and information at