If you're a lesbian, gay, transgender or bisexual college student and you're searching for college scholarships, you'll be happy to know that there are a growing number of organizations that have set aside money to help LGBT students pay for their education. Some of these scholarships are open to all LGBT students (and sometimes heterosexual allies as well), and others are available to students who meet specific criteria such as major or geographic location.
When looking for scholarships, be sure to check with local gay organizations to find out if what's available in your community. Keep in mind that most scholarships are awarded on the local level as opposed to the national level, so this may be your best source of funding. In addition, check with your college's financial aid office to see the school offers any scholarships for LGBT students. You'd be surprised at how many schools offer this kind of financial assistance.
Here are some scholarships that are open on the national level to LGBT students in the United States.
Point Foundation
This national scholarship fund seeks to assist LGBT students with both financial support and mentorship. They award approximately $1 million a year, and the average recipient was awarded $13,600 in 2006. Recipients need to maintain a 3.5 GPA and complete an extensive community service project. The Point Foundation is especially interested in helping students who have been cut off financially from their parents because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, but all students may apply. For more information, call 1-866-33-POINT.
LEAGUE Foundation Scholarships
The LEAGUE (Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender United Employees at AT&T) Foundation awards approximately seven scholarships a year to LGBT high school seniors who have at least a 3.0 GPA, are involved with community service, and who have been accepted to an accredited U.S. university or college. Their awards include the Matthew Shepard Scholarship, named after the gay University of Wyoming student who was murdered in 1998, and the Laurel Hester Memorial Fellowship, a New Jersey police lieutenant who successfully lobbied the state for partnership benefits. Awards range from $1500 to $2500. For more information, call 703-691-5734.
Live Out Loud Annual Scholarship
Live Out Loud, a New York organization that seeks to empower LGBT youth, annually awards $2500 to three LGBT graduating high school seniors based on community service, contributions to the LGBT community, academic credentials, and financial need. For more information, call 631-586-2887.
Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Scholarships
PFLAG annually awards scholarships of $2500 and $1000 to high school seniors who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, and to heterosexual students who are allies. To qualify, applicants must "demonstrate an interest in service to the GLBT community." Many local PFLAG chapters offer scholarships as well. For more information, call 202-467-8180.
The Queer Foundation Effective Writing and Scholarship Program
This foundation sponsors an essay contest in which high school students write about issues concerning LGBT teens. Winners receive $1000 scholarships. For more information, call 206-999-8740.
See also: Gay-friendly college campuses
Naomi Rockler-Gladen - Instructional designer and freelance writer, Naomi Rockler-Gladen writes some of Suite101's most read work.
