August 2025 – Esler Companies is celebrating its 2025 class of Door of Opportunity Scholars, awarding 100 scholarships to help students pursue education beyond high school. These scholars join a growing network of 404 recipients supported since the program’s launch in 2021, representing more than $5 million invested in education and community impact.
The Door of Opportunity Scholarship program was created to remove financial barriers for students with limited means who demonstrate self-reliance, optimism, and a drive to make a difference. Scholarships are awarded for a wide range of educational paths, from trade schools and community colleges to four-year universities, all with the goal of opening doors to meaningful employment and brighter futures.
“In every scholarship application, we see a story of grit, resilience, and hope,” said Matt Esler, CEO of Esler Companies. “These students remind us that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not, and that is what this program is here to change.”
A Diverse Group of Future Leaders
The Door of Opportunity Scholarship supports students from a wide range of backgrounds. More than half are the first in their families to attend college, many as first-generation Americans. Nearly one in four hold immigration statuses other than U.S. citizenship – including refugees, asylum seekers, and DACA recipients – shaped by experiences of resettling from war-torn countries, navigating the immigration process, and starting over in a new place.
One student shared, “During some of my lowest and most challenging moments, receiving the Door of Opportunity scholarship reminded me that I wasn’t alone. Someone believed in me. That support gave me the strength to keep going, to pursue my goals, and to dream even bigger.”
The program has reached students across a multitude of racial and ethnic backgrounds. This diversity brings a range of perspectives and ambitions that will continue to shape the communities these scholars go on to serve, and it is reflected in their goals, passions, and career paths.
Olamide Adekoya
Victoria Arroyo Aguiar
Nosiba Boukhris
Kristian Carlson
Gabrielle Lowe
Hans Manish
Manuel Martinez
Marieli Martinez
Artem Meshcheriakov
Hafsah Raja
Ikeoluwa Sowemimo
Peter Wamala
Gulmira Yesilyurt
Stories of Determination and Purpose
For many recipients, the scholarship lifts financial barriers that once felt impossible to overcome. One scholar, a refugee from a conflict zone, is studying nursing to serve immigrant and underserved populations. Another, the first in her family to attend college, is earning a degree in education so she can return to teach in the same public school district where she grew up. In Oklahoma, a student is pursuing mechanical engineering with plans to design sustainable farming equipment for rural communities.
Alexandra Esler, Director of Digital Marketing, said, “Each of these scholars is building a future for themselves, their families, and their communities. Being part of that journey is deeply meaningful to all of us.”
Local Impact Across Esler Territories
In 2025, scholars came from 17 different states, with the largest numbers from Esler Companies territories in Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and New England. They are rooted in the same communities as Esler teammates, making the program’s impact deeply personal and local. These are future teachers, nurses, engineers, business leaders, and skilled tradespeople who are likely to bring their talents back to the communities that shaped them.
Five Years of Growth
In just five years, the Door of Opportunity Scholarship has grown from supporting 56 students with $756,000 in 2021 to awarding $1.38 million to 100 students in 2025. Since its inception, the program has provided more than $5.43 million in scholarships to 404 students across the country. The first graduating class in 2021 has already gone on to careers and advanced studies in healthcare, technology, public policy, and education.
Alumni include:
- A first-generation scholar from Colorado with a Criminal Justice & Psychology degree, now working in public safety.
- A Texas graduate in Structural Engineering building a career in construction and infrastructure.
- A Colorado Cinema Studies graduate working in film production.
A Pennsylvania graduate with a Political Science & Criminology degree from Howard University, now preparing for law school.
Funded By Love & Every Window Installed
The Door of Opportunity Scholarship is part of Esler Companies’ Renewal Cares Window of Giving program, which reflects the organization’s commitment to giving back. For every Renewal by Andersen window installed, $6 goes toward funding community initiatives, including paid volunteer time for teammates, local donations, a 3:1 corporate match, and the Door of Opportunity Scholarship.
The program is powered by the people of Esler Companies. Teammates from across the business volunteer to review applications, interview students, and help choose the recipients. Customers play a role, too. Every Renewal by Andersen window they purchase contributes to funding the Window of Giving program, turning home improvement projects into scholarships, community service, and local support that directly benefit the places they call home.
Meet The Scholars
To see the faces, hear the voices, and feel the impact of this year’s program, watch the 2025 Door of Opportunity Scholarship video:
About Esler Companies
THE RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN | ESLER COMPANIES STORY
The Esler Companies is the holding company for Renewal by Andersen of Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, North Texas, Central Texas, Greater Philadelphia, Southern New England and Portland, Maine, with sales and marketing engines in Northborough, Massachusetts & Austin, Texas.
Renewal by Andersen is the full-service window-replacement division of Andersen Corporation, the owner of the most trusted family of window brands in America. RbA was founded with a mission to redefine the industry and to offer a different—and better—window-replacement experience. Renewal by Andersen has seven company-owned locations, and over 100 independently owned “affiliates” across the United States.
About Esler Companies & Renewal Cares Window of Giving
The Esler Companies Renewal Cares Window of Giving program is our way of expressing love in our communities. For each Renewal by Andersen window installed, $6 goes towards funding various initiatives, including paid volunteer time for our teammates, local donations, a 3:1 corporate match, and more. We are committed to investing in the communities where we do business and strive to empower our teammates with the time and tools they need to engage with nonprofits they care about.
