Scholarships Specifically for Students Identifying as LGBTQ
In the pursuit of higher education, financial assistance can be a significant hurdle for many students. However, for LGBTQ students and allies, there are numerous scholarships that cater specifically to their community.
The League Foundation, for instance, considers applicants with a proven track record of leadership and community involvement, strong academic achievement, financial need, and work for the betterment of the LGBTQ community.
Beyond this, there are several other scholarships worth exploring.
The Pride Foundation, operating in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, offers scholarships to LGBTQ and allied students. These scholarships vary in amount and can be used for tuition, room and board, books, or study abroad. The Pride Foundation application automatically enters students for over 60 scholarships, with awards averaging around $4,160 and some as high as $12,000.
The 49 Fund Scholarship, administered by The Central Florida Foundation, awards up to 10 students $4,900 each. Applicants must identify as LGBTQ, have at least a 2.5 GPA, and reside or have attended high school in specific Florida counties.
The Markowski-Leach Scholarships are offered to LGBTQ students who act as positive community role models regardless of financial need or major. The award is $2,000, and eligible recipients must attend universities in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Other notable scholarships include the Point Foundation Flagship Scholarship, which provides up to $12,000 for undergraduate to doctoral LGBTQ students, and the GSBA Scholarship Fund, which offers up to $7,500 for LGBTQ and allied students in the Northwest states.
The Point Foundation Scholarship also provides recipients with mentorship, leadership training, and professional connections. The deadline for the Point Foundation Scholarship application is late January.
The Gamma Mu Foundation awards scholarships to gay men under age 35 and one award each year to a member of the broader LGBT community, with scholarships typically ranging from $1,000 to $2,500.
The Queer Foundation Queer Scholars Program awards $1,000 each year to up to three high school seniors selected as winners of the organization's essay contest.
The NOGLSTP scholarship application period opens each April and runs through the first Saturday of June, awarding two $5,000 scholarships each year to LGBTQ students or active allies who are pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering or math.
PFLAG, a nonprofit organisation, gives national awards and local scholarships to LGBTQ high school graduating seniors or allies each year, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. To qualify, PFLAG favours students who have already done service work to make their communities more inclusive.
When considering private loans to cover additional college costs, it's essential to shop around and compare private student loans before choosing a lender. To determine how much you can afford to borrow for college, use NerdWallet's student loan affordability calculator.
Remember, to qualify for federal grants, work-study programs and student loans, and some additional scholarships, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Lastly, the Association of LGBT Journalists Leroy F. Aarons Scholarship Award gives up to $5,000 each year to an LGBT undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a journalism career. The Live Out Loud Educational Scholarship awards three $10,000 scholarships each year to graduating LGBTQ high school seniors in New York, Connecticut or New Jersey.
These scholarships, along with those typically listed, can be found through dedicated LGBTQ scholarship resources and local community foundations. Always remember to research, apply, and take advantage of these opportunities to help alleviate the financial burden of higher education.
- The Pride Foundation offers scholarships for LGBTQ and allied students, with awards averaging around $4,160 and some as high as $12,000.
- For students who act as positive community role models and identify as LGBTQ, the Markowski-Leach Scholarships provide a $2,000 award.
- The association, PFLAG, gives national awards and local scholarships to LGBTQ high school graduating seniors or allies, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
- To help alleviate the financial burden of higher education, students should consider utilizing education learning resources such as the NerdWallet student loan affordability calculator and the FAFSA, which can qualify them for federal grants, work-study programs, and student loans, as well as additional scholarships.
