Many of you perhaps do not know about scholarships for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) students, but yes, they exist. In the U.S., the scholarships are available both on national level and regional level. Here are some of the most popular scholarships for LGBT students in the U.S., but make sure to check on local LGBT communities or college of choice, since some of the other scholarships are not listed here.
1. LGBT Scholarships from The Point Foundation
The Point Foundation pays attention to LGBT students who have lost both financial and social supports from their families or surrounding communities for revealing their sexual orientations or gender identities. They provide money for tuition, books, room and board, as well as leadership programs.
2. Live Out Loud Foundation Scholarships
The Live Out Loud Foundation supports LGBT students to become positive role models in careers and education. For graduating seniors, or those who have put off college for one year from the New York Tri-State area, including New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey the Live Out Loud Foundation offers three $2500 scholarships.
3. Malyon-Smith Scholarship Award for graduate psychology students
In order to support advanced researches about sexual orientations and gender identity, the Maylon-Smith Scholarship annually awards up to $1,000 for graduate psychology students who have interests in these fields of research.
4. The LGBT Heart Scholarship Fund for health professionals
This scholarship is available for students in health professions who are seeking to promote the health and well-being of the LGBT community. Scholarships are available on an annual basis to out LGBT students pursuing advanced (Master level or higher) degrees in the health professions.
5. Queer Foundation Scholarship Fund
The Queer Foundation holds annual essay contest for LGBT youths with the prize of $1,000 college fund. Moreover, the winner of the essay contest can join in activities of promoting acceptance toward LGBT issues to high school students across the country.
6. National Gay Pilot’s Association Scholarship
As the name implies, the applicants of this scholarship program must pursue a career as a professional pilot, as well as demonstrating their contributions to LGBT community.
7. COLAGE LGBT Children Scholarship
COLAGE (Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere) has $1,000 scholarship fund to support the undergraduate students with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender parents.
8. LGBT Scholarship from The League Foundation at AT&T
The League Foundation at AT&T offers $1,500 scholarships and special $2,500 scholarships to LGBT U.S. high school senior students who have significant involvement in community service, acceptance to an accredited U.S. college or university, and a cumulative 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
9. NWSA Lesbian Studies Scholarship
For students who are pursuing careers in social work, and are interested in studying lesbians, the National Association of Social Workers Lesbian Caucus Award provides $500 research award to continue their works.
10. LGBT Journalism Scholarship
The National Gay and Lesbian Journalists Association Leroy F. Aarons Scholarship Award is for LGBT students pursuing a career in journalism.