Over the years, Frank Barefield, Past President of GBAA (twice), Past President of the Alabama Apartment Association (twice), and Past Regional Vice President of the National Apartment Association has been a passionate advocate on behalf of the industry and made so many contributions to our community. He has always understood if we want our industry to continue to grow and thrive, we must provide opportunities for the advancement of careers as property professionals through education. Frank Barefield also knows that many are unable to cover the cost on their own and their employers do not provide further education as a benefit.

The Greater Birmingham Apartment Association (GBAA), through the generosity of Frank Barefield has established a scholarship fund to provide professional development opportunities for those who are unable to afford course fees on their own or through their employer.

The Frank Barefield GBAA Scholarships will be awarded to industry professionals ready to advance their careers through The National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI) credentials and/or professional classroom educational offerings through the GBAA. Recipients will have course registration fees covered for the following NAAEI credential programs:

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• Certified Apartment Manager® (CAM)

• National Apartment Leasing Professional® (NALP)

• Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor® (CAPS)

• Certified for Apartment Maintenance Technicians ® (CAMT)

• ​Certified Apartment Supplier (CAS) + Supplier Success Program

• Certified Pool Operator

• EPA Certification

 

This scholarship must be used within 12 months of award and can be used to attend classroom-delivered or online programs. GBAA staff will work with each scholarship recipient to find a local or NAAEI credentials are available online. Any travel expenses are the responsibility of the recipient.

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SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

To be considered for The Frank Barefield GBAA Scholarship Program, you must submit a completed application form, your resume, your personal statement and a letter of reference from your supervisor or a senior-level employee at your company. Documents must be uploaded in a PDF format.

 

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for The Frank Barefield GBAA Scholarship, candidates must be:

• currently employed full-time as an apartment industry professional;

• must have been employed with the same company for a minimum of 6 months and in the multifamily industry for a minimum of 12 months;

• your employer must be a member of the GBAA in good standing;

• be committed to using the scholarship funds within 12 months (failure to complete the course within the time allotted will require payment back to the GBAA for another scholarship at 50% of the cost of the original scholarship awarded)

 

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Eligible applicants must receive a minimum score of 75 points out of a total of 100 to be considered for a scholarship.  Applicants are scored based on the following criteria:

• Personal Statement: 50 points

• Letter of Recommendation: 50 points

 

REVIEW PROCESS

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Applications are due by November 8th of each year.   All completed applications that meet the above eligibility requirements will be reviewed and scored by Past-Presidents of the Greater Birmingham Apartment Association. Applicants will receive an "Acceptance" or "Denial" letter via email on or before the 1st day of December of the year in which they apply. If you are denied, you may reapply at any time. Those awarded scholarships will be contacted by GBAA staff to discuss classroom-delivered and online credential options.