Avesta Housing has named the recipients of its 2024 educational scholarships. The $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually to Avesta Housing residents who are enrolling in a post-secondary education program — such as college, graduate school, trade school or certificate program — in the next 12 months.

This year’s recipients are:

• Gertrude Armelle Akimfura, Westbrook: Gertrude plans to attend the University of Southern Maine and become a licensed child therapist. Her career choice was inspired by her mother, who counsels homeless adults, and her own experiences, which includes starting a babysitting club with her cousins and volunteering at the community center of Portland Community Squash. She also works two jobs to help pay her family’s bills. “I am very thankful that I won this scholarship, because it will really help,” she said.

• Nancy Assoutovi, Portland: Nancy plans on attending Southern Maine Community College to work toward a nursing degree, which was inspired by her own experiences as a patient in the U.S. healthcare system. She intends to use the scholarship money to purchase school supplies. “I love the Avesta community, because it gives the same chances to everybody,” Nancy said. “I know everybody who applied for this scholarship is hoping for a good future, and that’s what it will do for me. It will help give me a better future.”