Point Foundation (Point) is the nation’s largest higher education scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) students. Point’s multifaceted support of its scholarship recipients (“scholars”) extends far beyond direct financial contribution toward the cost of their education. Each scholar is paired with a mentor and participates in leadership development programs and events.
Point Foundation considers many factors when assessing scholarship applicants, including academic performance, leadership skills, financial need, personal goals and the applicant’s involvement in the LGBTQ community. Attention is also given to students who have lost the social support of their families and/or communities as a result of revealing their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Each person who applies for a Point Scholarship is evaluated on the totality of their situation.
Point’s scholarship application is available online during a designated scholarship application period, generally November through January. The scholar selection process begins with a thorough review of all applications by a trained team. The selection process concludes with in-person interviews of finalists by Point board members and staff. Point announces its new scholar class in June for LGBTQ Pride Month.
Point Scholars agree to maintain a high level of academic performance and give back to the LGBTQ community through the completion of an individual community service project each year. After graduating, Point Scholars become part of the organization’s alumni network, connecting them with caring individuals and professional contacts throughout the nation. Point awarded its first scholarships in 2002 and has since invested more than $35 million in the support of its scholars. Point Scholars and alumni are the future leaders of the LGBTQ and allied community, and they are at the forefront of creating greater acceptance, respect and tolerance in society for all people.
Eligible applicants also:
- Must be enrolled or intending to enroll at an accredited college or university based in the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska, in the fall of the year they are applying for. Students enrolled or intending to enroll in a college or university in a United States territory are NOT eligible.
- Must be “out” as a person who identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community.
- Must be enrolled full-time for the full academic year.
- Must be enrolled in a degree-granting undergraduate or graduate/ doctoral program. Post-doctoral research programs are not eligible.
- Students studying at community colleges, online programs, or trade schools, are NOT eligible.
- Community college students must be transferring to a four-year college or university.
- Must be at least a senior in high school.
- If selected as a finalist, the finalist must be in North or Central America in late April and be available to fly to Los Angeles in order to remain eligible for the scholarship. All travel expenses will be covered by Point.
For more information, visit their website.
