Scholarships for LGBTQIA+ Students

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community and its allies have made significant strides toward equality in the past few years. The legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015 and LGBTQIA+ adoption in 2016 were huge. But discriminatory laws aren’t the only challenge faced by people who identify as LGBTQIA+.

Members of this community are more likely to experience hate crimes than any other group, for example. Similarly horrifying: LGBTQIA+ high schoolers are more likely to suffer rapes and attacks than their peers. They may experience bullying, depression, name-calling, and feelings of uncertainty or shame before or after coming out.

On a smaller scale, but still important: These students may struggle to find an LGBTQIA+ identifying role model, like a teacher, mentor, or guidance counselor, and miss out on specific resources and support in school. It’s not uncommon for these students to get behind in their learning.

Some organizations are not only recognizing these challenges, but encouraging LGBTQIA+ students to continue their education despite the adversity. How? Scholarships! There are hundreds out there, and you might meet the requirements for some open toLGBTQIA+ students.

For students across the nation who are making the world better for the LGBTQIA+ community:

• The League Foundation has five scholarships for LGBTQIA+ students. It evaluates applicants based on their leadership roles in LGBTQIA+ activities, among other criteria. Applications open in January and close in April each year. Students will be required to submit their transcripts, two personal essays, two letters of recommendation, and proof of acceptance to an accredited North American institution.

• The Point Foundation values applicants who demonstrate leadership and service to the LGBTQIA+ community. High-achieving students who demonstrate financial need receive priority. The application will open on November 1 and close in January.

• The Queer Foundation invites LGBTQIA+ high school seniors to participate in an essay contest; the prize for winning is a $1,000 scholarship to study queer theory or a related field at a U.S. institution. Its theme changes from year to year, but the foundation always evaluates essays on their arguments, grammar, and originality.

• Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) chapters around the country award scholarships to LGBT+ students (and their allies) who are making the world a better place. Requirements and awards vary based on location.

LIVE OUT LOUD Educational Scholarship:

The LIVE OUT LOUD Educational Scholarship recognizes graduating high school seniors with financial need and a proven track record of leadership and community service. Students can earn up to $10,000 by completing an application, submitting two letters of recommendation, writing two essays, and participating in an interview.

The following websites maintain databases of these hundreds of opportunities. Sure, it may require a little digging to find the right scholarships for you, but just think of the payoff!

• CollegeScholarships.org

• Fastweb.com

• FinAid.org