Building Futures: Scholarship Fuels Dream to Tackle Housing Crisis

Denver, CO – May 15, 2026 – As Colorado grapples with an escalating housing crisis, a new generation of leaders is emerging with solutions in mind. Natalia Verdin, a 2026 graduate of Arrupe Jesuit High School, is one such leader. She has been named a recipient of the Building Futures Scholarship, a $5,000 award from Denver-based manufactured housing operator YES Communities, which will fuel her journey to design the very homes her community desperately needs.

Natalia will attend CU Denver this fall, where she plans to study architecture and interior design. Her ambition, however, extends far beyond aesthetics. Inspired by her father, a civil engineer, she aims to tackle one of the state's most pressing issues: the lack of affordable housing.

A Blueprint for Change

For Natalia, architecture is not just about structures; it’s about social impact. Her vision is to combine creativity and innovation to develop housing solutions that are both accessible and dignified for vulnerable communities.

“The most important part of architecture is creating spaces where people feel safe and valued,” Natalia stated. “I want to build community by designing homes that are meaningful to others, especially those who may not have access to them.”

This mission was nurtured during her time at Arrupe Jesuit High School, a unique institution dedicated to providing a premier college preparatory education for students with limited economic resources. The school's model combines rigorous academics with a distinctive Corporate Work Study Program, preparing students for both college and professional life.

“Natalia is exactly the kind of student that reminds us why we do this work,” said Michael J. O’Hagan, president of Arrupe Jesuit High School. “She came to Arrupe Jesuit with a dream, and she is leaving with the tools, the confidence and now the resources to make it a reality. We are incredibly proud of her.”

The Crisis in Our Backyard

Natalia’s career choice is not just a passion; it is a direct response to a critical need. Colorado is facing a severe housing deficit, estimated at over 106,000 homes statewide. The Denver metro area alone needs to build tens of thousands of new units annually just to keep pace with demand. This shortage has sent prices soaring, making Colorado one of the least affordable states for homeownership.

According to recent data, the median home price in Colorado has nearly doubled in the last decade, and in Denver, over 115,000 households are considered "cost-burdened," spending more than 30% of their income on housing. This financial strain puts families at risk of displacement and has contributed to a 150% increase in family homelessness in Denver since 2022.

In this challenging landscape, innovative solutions are paramount. The manufactured housing industry, in which YES Communities is a national leader, is increasingly viewed as a vital part of the solution. With an average cost per square foot significantly lower than traditional site-built homes, manufactured homes offer a high-quality, attainable path to homeownership for many Coloradans, serving nearly 100,000 residents across the state. Natalia's focus on affordable design aligns perfectly with the growing need to scale these and other innovative housing models.

A Partnership with Purpose

The scholarship awarded to Natalia is the latest outcome of a long and fruitful partnership between YES Communities and Arrupe Jesuit High School. Since 2010, the collaboration has provided tangible opportunities for students, creating 68 placements in the school's Corporate Work Study Program and awarding seven Building Futures Scholarships.

This sustained engagement provides students with invaluable real-world experience and financial support, often creating direct pathways to careers. Jesse Estrada-Segura, another Arrupe graduate, began his journey at YES Communities as an intern through the work-study program and has since become a full-time employee in the accounting division, where he has worked for six years.

The success of this partnership underscores a model of corporate social responsibility that generates a powerful ripple effect. “This partnership has transformed lives, and Natalia’s story is a beautiful example of what happens when opportunity meets determination,” O’Hagan added, expressing gratitude for the company's continued investment.

Investing Beyond the Bottom Line

The Building Futures Scholarship is a cornerstone of a broader corporate philosophy at YES Communities. The company’s "YES We Care" program formalizes its commitment to community support, having channeled over $815,000 into assistance funding since 2018. The program encompasses initiatives like "Hug a Home," which renovates resident-owned homes, and "Helping Hands," which provides financial aid to residents and team members facing hardship.

This holistic approach to community engagement demonstrates a commitment that extends beyond a single scholarship or press release. It reflects a belief in investing in the people and places where the company operates.

“We are proud to support Natalia as she takes the next step in her academic journey,” said Julie Bowlen, COO of YES Communities. “Her passion for architecture and commitment to creating safe, affordable spaces for others reflects the values we believe in at YES. We are excited to invest in her future and the impact she will make in her community.”

As Natalia Verdin prepares for her studies at CU Denver, this scholarship represents more than just financial aid. It is an affirmation of her vision and an investment in a future where thoughtful design can help build a more equitable and accessible Colorado for everyone.