Scholarship Program Makes College Possible for LGBTQ Students

Author: Point Foundation
Published: 15th Oct 2014 - Updated: 23rd Jan 2016
Peer-Reviewed Publication: N/A
Additional References: Education and LGBT Publications

Summary: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students seeking financial assistance for undergraduate or graduate school education encouraged to apply for scholarship.

Main Document

Point Foundation (Point) is the nation's largest scholarship-granting organization for LGBTQ students of merit and currently provides financial assistance and programmatic support to 80 full-time students. Students enrolling in undergraduate or graduate programs for the 2015-2016 academic year are eligible to apply for Point's multiyear scholarship.

• Students may submit Part I of the application until 11:59 p.m. PST January 20, 2015.
• Qualified applicants will be invited to submit Part II of the application, which will open from November 2, 2014 until 11:59 p.m. PST February 2, 2015.
• The 2015 Point Foundation Scholar Class will be announced in June 2015.

Students may receive nominations from third parties, such as parents, educators, advocates, and friends. These people may nominate a student online or share an informational flyer (PDF) with the young person in mind.

"As a first-generation college student, my parents have very limited resources to support me in my pursuit for higher education," said scholar Isaias Guzman, who studies at the University of California, Berkeley. "With the support of Point Foundation, I have been able to achieve the dream of attending college and continuing my work for justice and equality."

Point's rigorous selection process for awarding scholarships requires candidates demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills, community involvement, and financial need. Attention is given to applicants who lost financial and social support as a result of revealing their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

"Thousands of bright, LGBTQ young people are unable to better themselves and society because they are confronted by intolerance and a lack of resources," said Jorge Valencia, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Point Foundation. "Through our supportive network of peers, mentors, and allies, Point can open doors for these bright students to thrive in school, the community, and life."

Point's support for scholars extends beyond direct financial contribution toward the cost of their education. Each scholar is paired with a mentor and participates in leadership development training with fellow Point Scholars, including the annual Leadership Conference.

Point Scholars also work with these mentors to give back to the LGBTQ community by completing an individual community service project each year. After they graduate, scholars become part of Point's growing alumni network, connecting them with caring individuals and professional contacts throughout the nation.

Thanks to the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations, Point has invested $18 million in education and support of 264 LGBTQ scholars since its founding in 2001. Point Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and relies on donors to fund its scholarships and related programs.

Additional Point Scholar testimonials are on Point's YouTube channel, and Point Scholar and Alumni activities and accomplishments are highlighted on the ViewPoint blog.

Point Foundation empowers promising LGBTQ students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential - despite the obstacles often put before them - to make a significant impact on society. Since 2001, Point has invested $18 million in the education and support of Point Scholars, making it the nation's largest scholarship-granting organization for LGBTQ students of merit. The Foundation promotes change through scholarship funding, mentorship, leadership development and community service training.

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