LGBTQ Scholarships

There are a growing number of colleges and organizations that support LGBTQ initiatives. They strive to bring more equality to college campuses. One of the ways they assist the LGBTQ population is by awarding college scholarships.

Many LGBTQ students applying to college face financial struggles. They might also lack the support of their families, making it more difficult to pay for college. LGBTQ scholarships help encourage students to pursue a college education.

Can You Get Scholarships for Being LGBTQ?

You can get college scholarships for identifying as LGBTQ. But, you can also get scholarships for being an LGBTQ ally.

Colleges and organizations award students who are active in the LGBTQ community. These are students who take on leadership roles and work to promote equal rights and change.

As an LGBTQ-identified student, you are a minority student. This means that you don’t only qualify for LGBTQ-exclusive scholarships. You also qualify for general scholarships that award minority students.

LGBTQ Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

LGBTQ scholarships differ from one to the next. Some scholarships award students with a strong academic background or financial need. 

Others award students for a strong personal statement. Scholarships may consider ethnicity, major, religion, and geographical location. 

LGBTQ Scholarships

The following are some of the best LGBTQ scholarships to apply for:

Point Foundation LGBTQ Scholarship

The Point Foundation awards 20-30 scholarships every year. Applicants must be members of the LGBTQ community. The average scholarship is $10,000. The scholarship is renewable.

The foundation provides scholarship winners with a mentor and leadership training. Applicants should show leadership, community involvement, academic excellence, and financial need. They should also be working towards bettering the LGBTQ community.

Traub-Dicker Rainbow Scholarship

The scholarship awards $1,500 or $3,000 to graduating high school seniors or college students. Graduate students may also apply. Applicants must be female students who identify with the LGBTQ community.

Pride Foundation Scholarships

More than 50 LGBTQ students win up to $10,000 every year. Applicants must live in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. To apply, they must submit essays and a letter of recommendation.

Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Scholarships

PFLAG awards scholarships to LGBTQ students through its local chapters. Applicants must be LGBTQ graduating high school seniors or allies. Applicants must be able to show interest in servicing the LGBTQ community.

League Foundation LGBTQ Scholarship

The League Foundation awards seven scholarships every year. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors who identify as LGBTQ. They must have a minimum 3.0 high school GPA.

Applicants must attend an accredited college, university, or vocational school. They must submit two personal statements and two letters of recommendation. They should have a history of community involvement.

Colin Higgins Courage Award

LGBTQ students who have overcome hardships or discrimination can win $10,000. They also win an all-expense-paid trip to New York or Los Angeles. Applicants must be nominated to apply.

Gamma Mu Foundation Scholarships

The Gamma Mu Foundation awards scholarships to gay men under 35. One member of the broader LGBTQ community also wins a scholarship.

Applicants should be from rural and underserved areas. They should be leaders in the LGBTQ community with a strong academic background. Scholarships range from $1,000-$2,500.

National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals Scholarships

The organization awards two $5,000 every year to LGBTQ students or allies. They must be pursuing careers in STEM. There is one undergraduate scholarship and one graduate scholarship. Applicants must submit an essay and three recommendation letters.

Queer Foundation Queer Scholars Program

The foundation awards $1,000 to up to 3 high school seniors. Applicants must write a personal statement. They must have an interest in studying queer theory or queer legal or social issues. Winners receive a mentor, adviser, and tutor.

The Association of LGBT Journalists Leroy F. Aarons Scholarship Award

Every year, an LGBTQ undergraduate or graduate student wins up to $5,000. Applicants must be pursuing a career in journalism.

To apply, they must submit 5 work samples. This may include news articles, video projects, or photographs. They also must produce and submit a news story or multimedia package.

Transgender Scholarship and Education Legacy Fund

TSELF awards scholarships to transgender students. They must be pursuing careers in religion, social services, healthcare, law, and education.

Tips for Winning a LGBTQ Scholarship

• Get involved in the LGBTQ community- Start getting involved at least a year before applying for scholarships. You will need to prove your commitment to the community.

• Read the fine print of scholarships- This is important when you are applying for all scholarships. Scholarships may publish your name on their website or hold a ceremony for winners. If you aren’t out yet, you might not be okay with this.

• Pay attention to details- Scholarships for LGBTQ students differ from one to the next. One scholarship may award students who identify as LGBTQ. Others award students who are an ally of the community. Don’t spend time applying for scholarships you don’t qualify for.

• Get strong letters of recommendation- Get letters of recommendation from people who can vouch for your commitment to LGBTQ rights. Build solid relationships with teachers and the head of your local GSA.

• Write a strong personal statement- Set yourself apart from the crowd. What have you done to overcome personal challenges? What are your goals and how will the scholarship help you achieve them?

Final Thoughts

Many LGBTQ students strive to break down barriers and make changes in the world. College scholarships help them afford college and make their endeavors possible.