The Olom-Porzel College Scholarship

Originally established as the Susan Lawrence Olom College Scholarship on October 15, 1995, the scholarship was renamed on February 27, 2017, by proclamation of the Mayor of the City of Falls Church in order to recognize another original supporter and lifelong advocate of Aurora house, Leah Porzel. 

At the first official meeting of the Aurora House Citizens' Advisory Committee held on October 3, 1989, Mrs. Olom was elected chairperson, a position she retained until 1993. She tirelessly guided the committee through the budgeting, planning, construction, and furnishing of the Aurora House, and worked faithfully with the director and staff to create a safe haven for all Aurora House girls. Mrs. Porzel provided unwavering support and compassion for Aurora House residents and the program by serving on the committee as an original member, chairperson, and later, a member emeritus, until her death in 2016.  

Scholarship Application In English 
Scholarship Application In Spanish 

College/Technical Education Assistance

The scholarship fund is dedicated to Mrs. Olom and Mrs. Porzel to commemorate both their belief in higher education and their commitment to adolescent girls. Understanding the tremendous effect college enrollment can have on the self-esteem and personal growth of young people, the Olom-Porzel scholarship fund provides tuition assistance to any young woman who has been a resident of Aurora House. It is designed to encourage girls to pursue a college or technical education by providing them with at least partial payment of their educational costs.

The Olom-Porzel scholarship is non-competitive and seeks to provide some assistance to every student who makes a request. The Aurora House Girls' Group Home Citizens' Advisory Committee will consider requests by examining financial need, tuition costs, and the resources available to the fund.

How to Donate

Funding for the scholarship is solely comprised of charitable contributions. Individuals or organizations desiring to support this fund may make donations payable to the Friends of Aurora House, and mail them to:

Olom-Porzel Scholarship Fund
c/o Aurora House
420 S. Maple Ave.
Falls Church, VA 22046