Higher education can be an expensive endeavour. However, if you are part of the LGBTQ+ community, a scholarship can be an excellent way to pay for some or all of your education without any extra financial burden. As we’ve previously mentioned in our article, Financial Tips for LGBTQ+ People, some LGBTQ+ people are put at a disadvantage financially due to discrimination and other factors. As a result, a scholarship can be an excellent way for LGBTQ+ people to afford their educations.
We’ve outlined some of the top LGBTQ+ scholarships in the nation and everything you need to know to access them. That way, you can easily access them and apply for the ones you qualify for.
The Association of LGBT Journalists Leroy F. Aarons Scholarship Award
The Association of LGBT Journalists provides up to $5,000 each year to an LGBTQ+ undergraduate or graduate student wanting to undergo a journalism degree or career.
How to qualify for this scholarship: Applicants need to show their journalism skills in the application by submitting five work samples. These can include news articles, audio or video projects, or photographs published in a school or local publication. In addition, they must produce and submit one news story or multimedia package based on one of the suggested LGBTQ+ topics in the application instructions.
Dates to apply: Every spring.
Gamma Mu Foundation LGBTQ+ Scholarships
This organization awards scholarships to gay men under 35. In addition, they give one award each year to a member of the broader LGBTQ+ community. Scholarships generally range from $1,000 to $2,500.
How to qualify for this scholarship: The organization prioritizes students from rural and underserved communities, those who have experienced discrimination, students with proven leadership skills within the LGBTQ+ community, and students with strong academic backgrounds.
Dates to apply: The deadline is in March.
League Foundation LGBTQ+ Scholarships
The League Foundation provides seven awards every year to graduating high school seniors who identify under the LGBTQ+ spectrum.
How to qualify for this scholarship: The application involves two personal essays, two letters of recommendation, and a record of community involvement. In addition, applicants can get “extra credit” if they are involved in an LGBTQ+-related extracurricular activity or project.
Dates to apply: The deadline is in April.
Live Out Loud Educational Scholarship
Live Out Loud, a nonprofit based in New York, awards three $10,000 scholarships yearly to graduating LGBTQ+ high school seniors in New York, Connecticut, or New Jersey. In addition, the organization looks for students actively involved in their communities.
How to qualify for this scholarship: The application needs two letters of recommendation and two essays. Finalists will undergo an interview.
Dates to apply: The deadline is in March.
National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals Scholarships
NOGLSTP awards two $5,000 scholarships yearly to LGBTQ+ students or active allies pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, or math. In addition, each year, one award will be given to an undergraduate student with at least two years of college credits and one to a graduate or professional student.
How to qualify for this scholarship: The application involves writing an essay and three reference letters.
Dates to apply: The application period opens every April until the first Saturday of June.
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Scholarships
PFLAG, a nonprofit that helps families and loved ones of LGBTQ+ folks, gives out national awards and local scholarships to LGBTQ+ high school students and allies that are graduating every year. The national awards go from $1,000 to $5,000.
How to qualify for this scholarship: They prefer students who have already done service work in their communities. In addition, applicants must be graduating seniors going to college for the first time.
Dates to apply: The deadline is in April.
Point Foundation LGBTQ +Scholarships
Point Foundation gives about 20 to 30 new scholarships to students yearly who are “out” as members of the LGBTQ+ community. The average annual award is $10,000 and can be renewed for up to four years. In addition, the organization offers recipients mentorships, leadership training, and professional connections.
How to qualify for this scholarship: The foundation chooses applicants based on their track record of leadership and community involvement; their academic achievement; their need for financial help; and those striving to empower the LGBTQ+ community.
Dates to apply: The deadline is late January.
Pride Foundation Scholarships
This foundation provides over 50 scholarships to LGBTQ+ students and allies in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. The average amount for a scholarship was $3,250 in 2015; however, past recipients have received as much as $10,000.
How to qualify for this scholarship: Applicants must fill out one application which involves writing an essay and obtaining a letter of recommendation.
Dates to apply: The period for the application opens in mid-October.
Queer Education Foundation Queer Scholars Program
The Queer Education Foundation awards $1,000 every year to up to three high school seniors who win the organization’s essay contest. In addition, those who are selected for this scholarship will also have access to mentoring, advising, and tutoring through the organization. The winners of the application are expected to give back by providing mentoring and community services.
How to qualify for this scholarship: Applicants must be interested in studying queer theory or a related field, like queer legal or social issues.
Dates to apply: The deadline is in February.
Takeaway
If you plan on pursuing higher education and are worried about the cost, the LGBTQ+ scholarships we mentioned can be an excellent way for you to afford your education.
For more LGBTQ+ resources, check out our LGBTQ+ Lifestyle Guide.
