Can LGBTQ students find specific scholarships for college?

I'd love to know if there are scholarships available for LGBTQ students heading to college. How do I find them, and what are the typical criteria for applying? Any recommendations would be much appreciated.

Absolutely, there are many scholarships available that are specifically tailored for LGBTQ students heading to college. When applying for scholarships, the process and criteria can vary widely depending on the specific scholarship, but generally, they may look at things like GPA, extracurricular activities, leadership experiences, personal essays, and demonstrated commitment to the LGBTQ community.

One notable scholarship is the Point Foundation Scholarship which is the nation's largest scholarship organization dedicated to helping out LGBTQ students. They not only provide financial support, but also mentorship and leadership development opportunities. Another is the LEAGUE Foundation Academic Scholarship which awards scholarships to self-identified LGBTQ+ students graduating from high school who have been active in the LGBTQ+ community.

Even beyond these, many regional and local organizations offer scholarships for LGBTQ students, such as the Pride Foundation Scholarships for residents of the US Pacific Northwest.

In terms of finding scholarships like these, you should utilize online databases that aggregate scholarship opportunities, such as Appily, where you can search for LGBTQ-specific scholarships. Your local LGBTQ community center, if you have one, may also have resources or information about scholarship opportunities.

Remember, scholarships aren't just about financial need or academic prowess. Many organizations are looking to support students who demonstrate a commitment to their communities or causes that the scholarship represents, so don't forget to highlight your involvement with LGBTQ+ advocacy or organizations in your application!