Point Foundation Scholarships

Website: The Point Foundation

Description

Point Foundation, established in 2001, was initially funded by a grant from Bruce C. Lindstrom & Carl T. Strickland. Point Foundation is what it is today—the premier national LGBTQ non-profit organization designed to nurture the LGBTQ leaders of the next generation – because of the generous support of others. Point Foundation empowers promising LGBTQ students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential – despite the obstacles often put before them – to make a significant impact on society.

By identifying and supporting these scholars, Point hopes to provide a greater level of acceptance and respect within future generations for all persons, regardless of sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity. We honor our scholars - their leadership, their acumen, their early involvement in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer causes, and their pledge to make the world a fairer and better place for all.

There are many factors when assessing the applicants such as; academic performance, leadership skills, financial need, personal goals, and the applicant's involvement within the LGBTQ community. Attention is also give to students who have lost the social support of their families and/or communities as a result of revealing their sexual orientation. Each person who applies is evaluated based on the totality of their situation. 

The selection process does include an in-person interview which is in Los Angeles, CA. if chosen the applicant is to be one of the finalist. The scholars also have to agree to maintaining a high level of academic performance and give back the LGBTQ community through the completion of an individual community service project each year. After graduating, they will become part of the organization's alumni network, connecting them with caring individuals and professional contacts throughout the nation.

Point Scholarships are awarded on a "last provider" basis. Point fills in the gaps and provides funds not provided by other scholarships, grants, loans, work/study programs, etc. It is the responsibility of those selected as Point Scholars to secure as much outside funding as possible. Point is not intended to be, and cannot be, the sole source of support because there is no guarantee that the financial support will be the same each year, nor will it be provided each year. The scholarship amounts funded by Point each year depends on other financial support that Point Scholars receive from individuals, other foundations or grants, as well as the financial health of Point.

Eligibility
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR A POINT SCHOLARSHIP?
Point Foundation considers many factors when assessing scholarship applicants, including:
  • A proven track record of leadership and community involvement
  • Strong academic achievement
  • Working for the betterment of the LGBTQ community
  • Financial need

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. 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 on April 20-22 and be available to fly to Los Angeles in order to remain eligible for the scholarship. All travel expenses will be covered by Point.
Student Type
  • freshman
  • sophomore
  • junior
  • senior
  • graduate
Citizen Type
  • US Citizen
  • Permanent Resident
  • International or Other Visa Status
  • Undocumented
Procedure
History

Established in 2001, Point Foundation fully funded its first class of Point Scholars in 2002 with seed capital from Bruce Lindstrom & Carl Strickland – a total of eight amazing individuals.

In the intervening years, Point has supported scholars from around the U.S. who are studying at some of the country's best institutions in a wide range of academic fields. In 2013, the Foundation supported 76 scholars at their respective colleges or universities, and there were 145 Point Alumni who had earned their higher education degrees and gone on to pursue their life goals.

Contact Information
For questions and concerns, please email applications@pointfoundation.org.
 
LA Office

5055 Wilshire Blvd, Ste 501
Los Angeles, CA 90036

NY Office
1357 Broadway, Ste 401
New York, NY 10018

Office: 323.933.1234
Toll-free: 866.33.POINT
Fax: 866.39.POINT
Email: info@pointfoundation.org