Scholarships are created by companies, organizations, individuals, and foundations to create an impact in an area that typically aligns with their mission or philosophy. Many companies are creating opportunities to encourage inclusion and diversity by adding specific criteria to their scholarship requirements and policies. The criteria often spotlight opportunities for students who belong to specific groups of scholarship seekers. One of those groups are students who are members of the LGBTQ+ community. This expansion of opportunities is exciting for LGBTQ+ scholarship seekers as well as their allies.
Scholarship opportunities for LGBTQ+ students
The following are some examples of scholarships that have been created by companies and organizations for individuals who identify as LGBTQ+.
The Pride Foundation Scholarships
The Pride Foundation is an obvious place to look for scholarships for LGBTQ+ students. But did you know they allow you to apply for more than 60 scholarships with just one application? They make it easy to increase your chances of winning money for college! These scholarships are regional and available to residents of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington. The deadline for the application is January 6 each year.
Out To Protect Scholarships
The Out To Protect Scholarships are for students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender and are currently enrolled in a law enforcement program. There are three scholarships offered at $1,000 each, with winners being announced in June and December each year.
Related: Scholarship Search Spreadsheet Template
Soule Scholarship
The Soule Scholarship, provided by the Soule Foundation, is open to high school seniors from New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey who identify as an LGBTQ+ person of color and will be pursuing a college degree. An award of up to $5,000 will be given in part directly to the recipient and the other part to the educational institution. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Related: Spotlight on 5 Colleges Supportive of LGBTQ+ Students
#TransgenderFirst Scholarship
The #TransgenderFirst Scholarship is open to transgender US citizens with a high school diploma or GED who are planning to pursue or are currently pursuing a degree at a college or university. The award is for $2,500, and the scholarship has a deadline of December 31.
The Point Foundation LGBTQ Scholarship Fund
The Point Foundation's purpose is to fund the LGBTQ leaders of tomorrow for greatness. The organization offers three scholarships for LGBTQ+ students to help support intersectional identities within the larger LGBTQ+ community. Point Scholars will also have access to mentorship and coaching, leadership activities, community service opportunities, and internships. The deadlines for the three scholarships are as follows:
- The Flagship Scholarship: December 21
- Community College Scholarship: January 4
- BIPOC Scholarship: March 15
Scholarships for allies
Have you been and continue to be a supportive ally to an individual or group of individuals? Standing up with others can serve to empower and strengthen them in their fight for their rights. If you’re a scholarship seeker, being an ally can also potentially serve to increase your scholarship opportunities. The following are examples of awards that are open to LGBTQ+ students as well as their allies.
eQuality Scholarship
The eQuality Scholarship is open to high school seniors from Northern or Central California who are planning to attend college or trade school, are community college transfer students, or are medical students. Applicants who fit this criteria must also have demonstrated service to the LGBTQ+ community. Students of all sexual orientations and gender identities are eligible. This scholarship also provides information on the number of applicants who applied in the previous year. The award is $6,000 and has a deadline of January 31.
Acorn Equality Fund
The Acorn Equality Fund is a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships and grants to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons, organizations, and allies to impact lives in a positive fashion. Awards are given in five categories based on various academic, financial need, and volunteerism criteria. Scholarship amounts range up to $4,000, and the application deadline is in September each year.
Related: Scholarship FAQ: Expert Advice to Start Your Search
Remember, when applying for scholarships, your search categories should include everything about you, which means identifying who you are or who you stand up for as an ally. Don’t let opportunities pass you by!
Have you found the right school to use these scholarships toward? Check out LGBTQ+ supportive colleges on our Diversity School Profiles page!
