The Point Foundation Reaches Out to LGBTQ Students

The Point Foundation (Point), the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for LGBTQ students is inviting qualified students to apply for one of many prestigious, multi-year scholarships.

Through partnerships with various philanthropic individuals, corporations, and nonprofit organizations, the Point Foundation has created an impressive network of scholarship programs, professional guidance, and mentoring opportunities for students who are underprivileged or have been “socially marginalized” by reason of sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.

"Our Point Scholars represent the best and brightest in our community, coming from diverse educational fields, genders and gender identities, sexual orientations, racial backgrounds, economic circumstances and geography,” said Bruce Lindstrom, co-founder of the Point Foundation.  “Our scholars are chosen for their demonstrated leadership, scholastic achievement, involvement in the LGBTQ community, and financial need.”

Applicants will have until January 14, 2013, to submit Part I of the Point Scholars application, which is now available online.  Part II of the application is submitted only by students notified that they qualify and will be due by January 28, 2013.

Students who will be enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs for the 2013-14 school year are eligible to participate. That means seniors in the process of applying to college may compete for the scholarships.

Successful candidates must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills, community involvement, and financial need.  Attention will also be paid to students who have lost the financial and social support of their families and/or communities as a result of revealing their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Point announced the selection of 29 scholarship recipients in June of 2012, bringing the number of students currently receiving financial assistance and programmatic support to 77.  Since 2001, Point has invested more than $14 million in the education and support of 222 scholars.

The average amount of annual scholarship support is approximately $25,000, per scholar/per year.  So this is a significant program for qualified students.

To learn more about the Point Scholars and begin the application process, visit the Point Foundation website. And check out the Campus Pride website for information on issues affecting LGBT students and LGBT college fairs.