Robert Hoffman Realty has pledged to give a $1,500 scholarship each year for the next six years to area students graduating high school in Freeborn County to help them and their family with their moving and housing expenses their first year out of high school, according to a press release.

The scholarship is named in honor of Albert Lea student Aaron Farris, who is active in student government and local politics. The students the scholarship is targeting will be students active in student government and local politics.

Robert Hoffman, the broker of Robert Hoffman Realty, is a 1996 graduate of Albert Lea High School. He was the student council president and active in youth in government while attending Albert Lea schools. Robert Hoffman also graduated and attended Riverland Community College and St. Cloud State University.

Angie Hoffman, the owner of Robert Hoffman Realty, was home-schooled in Albert Lea.

The Hoffmans attended the inaugural year of the leadership program in Albert Lea 11 years ago where they met. The couple has been married for 10 years.

“As small business owners, we understand that it is very difficult to voice political opinions in the current political climate without potentially greatly affecting your business,” Robert Hoffman said. “We appreciate Aaron standing up for himself and want other students to understand it does not get any easier after high school to have an opinion and voice it without being attacked, but if you feel strongly about something it is worth debate.”

He said as real estate professionals they know the expense of first moving out after high school for students and families.

“It is especially difficult to balance volunteering and work when the cost of living can be so expensive and work is very necessary,” Robert Hoffman said. “We hope this modest scholarship helps students and their families out a little that have chosen to help others themselves and enjoy student government and politics.”

To qualify for the scholarship, students must fill out an application and explain their involvement in student government, their volunteer/work status with any local political groups or their future goals in public service.

Scholarship applications are available by contacting Robert Hoffman Realty at 507-402-4692.