As we continue to celebrate Pride Month, it’s important to recognize the many challenges the LGBTQ+ community faces, including the financial burden of paying for college. Many students often deal with this issue, however, research by the
Williams Institute and UCLA showed that 35% of LGBTQ people aged between 18 and 40 have federal student loans compared to 23% of those
who identify as non-LGBTQ+. According to the Center for LGBTQ Advancement & Research, struggles with family support, discrimination, and mental
health barriers explain the crucial impact student loan debt has had on the LGBTQ+ community. With more than $93.2 billion in federal student loan debt, it’s important that we cater to the needs of LGBTQ+ students as they tackle their post-secondary
education by providing resources and scholarships that can help support them at a mental and emotional level while striving to achieve their career goals.
There are several elements that have often played a role in causing a risk for negative outcomes to LGBTQ+ students because of health and academic factors such as substance
misuse, suicidal ideation, depression, and academic or co-curricular disengagement. This has been seen to create a barrier between students and their educational goals, making it difficult to pursue a good academic standing at a university while also
maintaining mental and emotional stability. Below you will find scholarships and resources that can not only alleviate the financial pressure LGBTQ+ students face, but also methods and guides that can best support them as they conquer their academic
aspirations.
Scholarships:
Point Foundation | LGBTQ College Scholarships: The largest LGBTQ+ scholarship-granting nonprofit that lists several scholarship opportunities for students in the community. Scholars not only
receive financial support, but also access to multiple leadership development programs, mentorship or coaching, and a community of scholars and alumni.
Pride Foundation Scholarships: Made eligible to LGBTQ+ student leaders across the Northwest US and includes over 60 scholarships.
Better Brothers Los Angeles Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded to assist with all academic related costs, range from $500 to $5,000, and are open to Black LGBTQ+ youth
across the country.
Gamma Mu Foundation Scholarships: Scholarships may be used for tuition, books and supplies, or any other college-related costs and range from $1,000 and $2,500.
Jed Foundation: Provides an online resource center with access to informative support webinars, literature reviews, and tips on self-care.
The Trevor Project: Offers trained counselors to contact for support, stories shared by other members of the LGBTQ+ community, informative guides, and access to a network of LGBTQ+ friends
in their online platform TrevorSpace.
Campus Pride: Provides resources, programs, and services to support LGBTQ and ally students on college campuses across the US including direct service to 600+ colleges through the
Campus Pride Index to increase safety and implement LGBTQ-inclusive policies, programs, and practices.
CenterLink the Community of LGBTQ Centers: Offers several programs categorized by action, health and youth centers that provide essential services, as well as promoting growth, wellness,
and connectivity to their communities.
PFLAG Resources: Offers access to stories from other LGBTQ+ members, resources for LGBTQ+ members, allies, and family members, locate local chapters and online communities, and several
other resources from other organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community.
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