Point Foundation Reaches out to LGBTQ Students

UC Santa Cruz is listed among 25 LGBT-friendly college campuses

The Point Foundation (Point), the nation’s premier 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 21, 2014, 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 February 3, 2014.

Students who will be enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs for the 2014-15 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.

Although exact numbers vary from year to year, the Point Scholarship application process is highly competitive.  In 2013, Point received 2,176 applications, and 26 individuals were selected as scholarship recipients. 

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.