Here are the top scholarships for LGBTQ students to study in the US

There are an increasing number of scholarships available to help the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) community. While LGBTQ+ scholarships are uncommon or unheard-of in some nations, such as the US, they are very frequent in others. Depending on where you plan to study, this kind of support may or may not be accessible for the students. 

Scholarships are an excellent way to fund a college education, and they can significantly reduce the amount of money that transgender and other LGBTQ students will need to spend to complete their college degrees. While many students do not apply for scholarships because they believe they are far too competitive to win or that they do not award enough money to make it worthwhile, those students could not be more wrong. In the United States, an estimated $46 billion was made available to students through scholarships and grant money last year. That is free money just waiting to be claimed by eager LGBTQ students hoping to reduce their out-of-pocket college expenses.

Check the breakdown below for an overview of some of the scholarships for LGBT students that are currently available in the US. Remember that certain programs call for you to be a resident or enrolled student.

LGBT scholarships to study in the US

• The Queer Foundation – LGBTQ+ scholarships are available to any students, from any country, who have not yet completed high school and intend to enroll in a US college or university. Candidates must submit an essay, and those who are chosen will get scholarships worth $1,000.
• The Pride Foundation – Scholarships for LGBTQ+ leaders in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, both present and future.
• The LEAGUE foundation – Scholarships for LGBTQ+ students starting their first year at an American or Canadian university. To apply, you must be a citizen of the US.
• National Organization for Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals – Scholarships for undergraduate or graduate degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics for LGBT students or active advocates of the LGBTQ+ community. Two scholarships at $5,000 each will be given to successful applicants each fall.
• The Point Foundation – Large organization that awards scholarships to LGBTQ students, based on academic performance. Successful candidates receive financial assistance, are matched with mentors, and are offered chances to take part in leadership development activities.
• Pfund – Scholarships for LGBT people who live in Minnesota or are enrolled in a post-secondary school there.
• Roy Scrivner Research Grants – Grants of up to US$10,000 for graduate students to carry out research that promotes the study of LGBT family psychology and LGBT family therapy.
• Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays – Awards are given to people who self-identify as LGBTQ or as allies who are heterosexual. Despite not being active this year, the scholarship program will return, so it’s still worth investigating.
• Human Rights Campaign and Scholarship Database – A useful tool for looking into LGBTQ funding possibilities and scholarships by state.
• The Rainbow Scholarship – Open to LGBTQI students presently enrolled as undergraduates at US universities who wish to pursue post-secondary studies overseas.
• Stonewall Foundation Scholarships – A charity that gives scholarships that offer distinctive study opportunities and experiences while focusing on the significant needs of the LGBT community, notably in New York. The application period for this year’s academic year, 2020–21, begins on July 1st, 2020.
• The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender, Health, Education and Research Trust – Gives LGBT students in the US who are studying the health sciences scholarships.
• The Gamma Mu Foundation – Grants and scholarships are made available to homosexual men who choose to pursue higher education at a college or university or through a program of vocational or professional training. Recently, they expanded the funds to groups serving subpopulations of the LGBT community who have unique needs, such as kids, elders, and victims of domestic abuse.
• The Kay Longcope Scholarship Award – An LGBT student of color who intends to pursue a career in journalism and is dedicated to advancing the NLGJA’s purpose of fair and honest coverage of the LGBT community can receive up to $3,000 in tuition aid. Students who identify as LGBT and want to pursue a career in journalism can also apply for the Leroy F. Aarons Scholarship Award.
• ALLIES Scholarship for Student Leadership Development – Scholarships are available for full-time students at Northern Michigan University who have demonstrated documented leadership, support, or involvement in organizations, activities, or issues that promote awareness and acceptance of the LGBT community on campus.
• Out to Innovate Scholarships – Scholarships are available for LGBTQ+ undergraduate or postgraduate students pursuing degrees in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics). Applicants must have completed two years of post-secondary education at an accredited university and have a GPA of at least 3.0.