In continuation of Pride Month, we’re spotlighting LGBTQ+ campus organizations. Today, we’re taking a look at a scholarship foundation that directly serves students in the LGBTQ+ community: The Point Foundation.

Founded 20 years ago, “Point Foundation (Point) is the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) students of merit. Point promotes change through scholarship funding, mentorship, leadership development, and community service training.”

The organization serves students in four main areas:

• Scholarship Funding
• Mentorship
• Leadership Development
• Community Service Training

The main goal of Point is to prepare students for post-collegiate life by giving them the proper tools “to become pillars of society.” 

Their motto says it all: "Point Foundation empowers promising lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential – despite the obstacles often put before them – to make a significant impact on society."

In addition to being “out” and part of the LGBTQ+ community, in order to be considered for the scholarship, students must be enrolled or have plans to be enrolled at an accredited college/university while pursuing a degree-granting program. Applicants must also have:

• A proven track record of leadership and community involvement
• Strong academic achievement
• Plans to work for the betterment of the LGBTQ+ community
• Financial need

Point is an essential component of the LGBTQ+ community and their work “...is vital because nearly one-third of LGBTQ students drop out of high school to escape violence, harassment, and isolation they face there. As a result, many LGBTQ students say they are not planning to pursue opportunities for higher education.” 

Applications are typically open each November through January and are only accepted through their online database.

Are you a recipient of The Point Foundation scholarship? Let us know in the comments!