June is recognized as Pride Month to commemorate the Stone Wall Riots. Since 1970, demonstrations across the country and around the world celebrate the progress of the LGBTQ+ community; a community that has faced marginalization, attacks and scrutiny in many facets of society. Although there has been significant changes on the social and legislative levels, many of our peers still struggle to show up as their authentic selves in the classroom, board room or even at the dinner table. Prejudice and discrimination are the main culprits of inhibiting the push for equality but I have hope in our generation.
While this month is to celebrate how far we’ve come as a society, there’s still room to reimagine the standard. LGBTQ+ youth in schools across the country continue to face bullying, exclusion, and discrimination, putting them at physical and psychological risk. What’s even more sobering is from a 2019 study done by the Trevor Project, 71% of LGBTQ youth reported discrimination due to either their sexual orientation or gender identity. And while getting an education is a goal for many, 10% of LGBTQ+ students who experienced verbal harassment did not plan to go to college (source). Let’s not forget the added burden of finding the funds to pursue higher education on top of the internal battle of finding and living one’s truth. One thing is for certain is there are scholarships that do not discriminate. Check out the scholarships and resources catered specifically for LGBTQ+ students.
- Speak Out Scholarship (Boston, MA)
- Victor Agnoni Visual Arts Foundation Scholarship
- Human Rights Campaign Scholarship Database
- Charlotte Pride Scholarship (Charlotte, NC)
- Queens of the Castro Scholarships (California)
- New York Ramblers Scholarship
- Hampton Roads Pride Scholarship
- GRTF Academic Scholarship (Grand Rapids, MI)
- The Johnathan Lax Scholarship Fund for Gay Men (Philadelphia, PA)
- Live Out Loud Young Trailblazers Scholarships (Tri-State Applicants only)
- UMKC Scholarship Resources for LGBTQIA+ Students
- Nerd Wallet List of Resources
- Unigo’s List of Resources
- College Resource Network Scholarship List
- Gograd.org List of Scholarships
- Out to Innovate Scholarship
- Pride Foundation Scholarships
- Bob Cat Pride Scholarship
- LGBTQ+ Scholarship List for Law Students
- LEAGUE Foundation Scholarship
- APHA Scholarship
- NLGJA Scholarship for Journalists
- APA Research Grant
International Students
- Bill 7 Award (Canada)
- NGPA Scholarship
As a cisgender heterosexual woman, I may never fully understand the trials and internal battles my LGBTQ+ peers may face, however, I know for certain that I can always align myself to be an ally. It does not matter who you are or how you identify as, your education should serve as a passport, not a debt sentence. With all of the things in this world to stress about and fight for, your upward mobility should not be one of them. With pride (all puns intended), The Scholars Toolkit is committed to helping students. Reimagining the standard isn’t just a cute catchphrase, it’s our mission.
