Chapter Scholarship Programs

Many PFLAG chapters have scholarship programs of their own. The following is not an exhaustive list, but includes some of the programs that are available through our chapter network.

California

PFLAG Sacramento

PFLAG Sacramento awards $1,000+ scholarships each spring. Known as the Follensbee-Hansen Scholarship (named for PFLAG Sacramento chapter founders Rev. and Mrs. Merrill Follensbee and Jean Hansen), individuals of any age wanting to attend a higher learning institution (including trade schools, vocational programs, community colleges and universities) are eligible. In addition, applicants must identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. For all details including eligibility requirements, visit the website PFLAGsacramento.org. For any questions, please send an email to [email protected]. Application deadline is May 30, 2020.

PFLAG San Diego

Since 1998, PFLAG San Diego County has overseen the awarding of over 225 scholarships in the amount of $530,000 to LGBTQ+ students from high school seniors through graduate school. Over the past few years, 19-21 scholarships have been awarded including: community college, trade/vocational schools, STEM, and art scholarships. Scholarships range from $2000-3500; applicants may apply on-line between mid-December through mid-March: pflagsdc.org/scholarships/. For scholarship questions, [email protected].

PFLAG San Jose/Peninsula

Seniors attending high school or residing in San Mateo or Santa Clara counties are invited to apply for $3000.00 scholarships to attend two-year or four-year colleges or business/technical schools in the fall. Up to eight scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors of any gender identity or sexual orientation, whose history, activities and personal plans demonstrate support for justice and equality for the GLBTQQ community. Generally, applications are available in late January, and the deadline for submission is late March. Winners are notified in mid-April, and they are celebrated at a chapter meeting in early May. Information and applications are available on the chapter website: pflagsanjose.org.

Colorado

PFLAG Denver

Our goal is to recognize, assist, and encourage young people who have demonstrated outstanding, direct support to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) community and advocated equality for all. PFLAG Denver will award one or more $1,000.00 scholarships annually to exceptional Colorado high school students, as well as first- and second-year Colorado college students, with the expectation that they will continue to create meaningful change on their campuses and in their communities. The purpose of these scholarships is to reward outstanding LGBTQ students and straight allies, to encourage them to continue and complete post-secondary education, and to promote a positive image of LGBTQ youth. PFLAG Denver’s scholarship application is available at pflagdenver.org/scholarship-header/scholarship-application/.

Connecticut

PFLAG Hartford

Please help share this information with any youth who may be interested in applying. The 2019 PFLAG Hartford and Helen and Bob Brill Scholarship application is attached to this e-mail and it is located on the PFLAG Hartford website. The application can be found at pflaghartford.org/brill.html. This is a scholarship opportunity for LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, etc.) and/ or Allies, ages 16- 24. Questions should be emailed to Amy Emery at [email protected].

Florida

PFLAG Jacksonville

This program has awarded over $250,000 to local students who self-identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender since it was founded in 1995. The $2,000 individual scholarships are available to both undergraduate and graduate students, and awardees can re-apply in subsequent years. For more information, check the PFLAG Jacksonville website at pflagjax.org/scholarship.html.

Georgia

PFLAG Blairsville

In 2016 The Sandy Lane Scholarship was born. With help from generous donors we are able to offer a scholarship in the amount of $1,000.00 to a graduating senior. This scholarship will reward an outstanding LGBTQ student or straight ally and encourage them to pursue post-secondary education. Find out more at pflagblairsville.org/scholarship/.

Illinois

PFLAG Council of Northern Illinois

The PFLAG Council of Northern Illinois (PCNI) and Synchrony scholarship is a $2500 unrestricted scholarship for Illinois LGBTQ+ undergraduate, graduate, and continuing students, from 17 to 28 years of age. The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage LGBTQ+ people to continue their educational and career aspirations after high school. The application closes March 30, 2024. Access more information and the application through this form. This scholarship is made possible by a generous grant from the Synchrony Foundation and the Synchrony Pride+ Network in partnership with PCNI. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

PFLAG Sauk Valley

PFLAG Sauk Valley offers two scholarships in the amount of $500 each. Graduating seniors from area high schools (Whiteside, Lee, and Ogle counties) who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender or who are strong allies of the LGBTQI community, as demonstrated by participation in ally organizations, are eligible. Interested students must submit an application form, a 300-word essay explaining involvement in the LGBTQI community, and two letters of recommendation. Grade point average will also be taken into consideration; a personal interview may be required. Unless an earlier deadline is established by an applicant’s school, the due date for applications, including accompanying paperwork, is the first Friday in April. Applications should be mailed to PFLAG Sauk Valley, c/o First Presbyterian Church, 410 2nd Avenue, Sterling, IL 61081. For an application please email [email protected].

Indiana

PFLAG Indianapolis

PFLAG Indianapolis offers two $1,000 scholarship for Indiana students accepted for enrollment by an accredited institution of higher learning or a vocational institution. The deadline for applications is June 15th, and the awards are made the first week of August. The Betty Salwak Memorial Scholarship is awarded to an LGBT/Gender Expansive graduating high school senior or graduate who demonstrates an interest in service to the LGBT+ community. The Dina Wakulchik Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior or graduate ally of the LGBT/Gender Expansive community who demonstrates an interest in service to the LGBT+ community. Learn more and apply at indypflag.org/our-work/scholarships.

Kentucky

PFLAG Louisville

This scholarship is intended to assist the applicant with their post-secondary education. Qualifying applicants should:

• Be a resident of Kentucky or be attending a post-secondary education institution in Kentucky.
• Not have been awarded this scholarship in the past. Those who have applied and were not awarded the scholarship are encouraged to re-apply.
• Be enrolled as a full-time student for the period of the scholarship.

For more information, please visit the PFLAG Louisville website at pflaglouisville.org/PFLAG_Louisville/Scholarship.html.

Louisiana

PFLAG New Orleans

Visit PFLAG New Orleans’s website (pflagno.org) for information on the requirements, application form, contact information, etc. The program provides approximately twenty-five scholarships a year, each a minimum of $1,000. Applicants must be Louisiana residents. Students from other states attending a Louisiana school are not eligible unless they have previously established residency in Louisiana.

Maryland

PFLAG Howard County

PFLAG Howard County offers one $2000 scholarship each spring to recognize outstanding lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBTQ) and straight ally students. This scholarship aims to encourage the pursuit of post-secondary education for self-identified LGBTQ and straight allies and foster a positive image of LGBTQ young adults in society. Application packets, with outlined eligibility criteria, can be found on the PFLAG Howard County website at pflaghoco.org/education-programs/.

Massachusetts

PFLAG Cape Cod

Each spring, PFLAG Cape Cod awards several thousand dollars to a graduating senior from high schools across the Cape and Islands who will be furthering their education at an institution of higher learning. Students chosen for these awards have shown, through their actions and example, support and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. Find out more at pflagcapecod.org/scholarship.html

 

PFLAG Greater Boston

Each year at their annual Pride & Passion event held in the spring, Greater Boston PFLAG (GBPFLAG) awards scholarship funds to one high school senior (for up to 4 years of consecutive enrollment in a 2 or 4 year college or technical/vocational school in the next academic year) who has demonstrated leadership in improving their school’s climate for LGBTQ youth. Applicants must be planning to enroll in a 2 or 4 year college or technical/vocational school in the next academic year. All students are welcome to apply: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, or straight. People of color and trans youth are encouraged to apply. The applications open in early January. For application and more information, visit gbpflag.org/initiatives-scholarships/

Michigan

PFLAG Detroit

PFLAG Detroit offers three $500 scholarships to college students who are connected directly with LGBTQ issues. Applicants need not identify as LGBTQ, but must work in areas that are related to the LGBTQ community. Applicants must complete an application form, the deadline for which is May 31st. Applications are screened by the Scholarship Committee and awards are made by July 31st. For more information please see pflagdetroit.org.

Missouri

PFLAG Springfield/SWMO

PFLAG Springfield/SWMO invites LGBTQ+ folks who are current residents of Southwest Missouri and pursuing higher education or vocational education to apply for three scholarships of $2,500 each. The scholarship is generously funded by Springfield Black Tie. Applications are due February 1. For more information and the application, please visit pflagswmo.org.

Nebraska

PFLAG Omaha

Purpose of the scholarship is to recognize outstanding lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and allied high school seniors and post-secondary students, to encourage the pursuit of post-secondary education for self-identified LGBT and allied students, and to foster a positive image of the LGBT community. To be eligible for a PFLAG Omaha Scholarship, applicants must be a graduating high school senior or pursuing a first bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree or a vocational training degree; not received this scholarship in a previous year; self-identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) or as an ally who supports LGBT individuals or groups and supports equality for all; a resident of the state of Nebraska or Western Iowa; applying to attend a post-secondary educational institution during the next academic year; and interested in service to the LGBT community. Apply at pflag-omaha.org/scholarships/.

North Carolina

PFLAG Greensboro

PFLAG Greensboro has established the Carter Stroupe Memorial Scholarship. This $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually in the spring. An applicant must be a resident of Guilford, Rockingham, Randolph, or Alamance County in North Carolina and must be either a student who is LGBTQ or a straight ally. The applicant must demonstrate service to the LGBTQ community or a desire to serve the LGBTQ community. The applicant must be a high school senior or an undergraduate college student. The application is available online at pflaggreensboro.org.

PFLAG Flat Rock / Hendersonville

The James Faucett Memorial Scholarship is dedicated to assisting LGBTQ+ and allied students to further their education to become successful adults. The scholarship is funded by grants, individual donations, and fundraising efforts. Jim was an active member of PFLAG Flat Rock/Hendersonville who was taken from us much too soon. He initiated this scholarship for students who are proactive for the LGBTQ+ community. The James Faucett Scholarship (2) is awarded in amounts of up to $2,000 and will be distributed to the college after receipt of a letter of acceptance and verification of enrollment. For more information and to apply, email [email protected].

PFLAG Lexington, NC

The Adam Everhart Equality Scholarship ($2,000) is dedicated to the memory of Adam Everhart. He was a creative mind who loved his family and friends. The scholarship is available to a graduating senior who is continuing their education. The recipient must be someone who is either part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally who loves and advocates for those around them regardless of their sexuality, gender, race, religion, or ethnicity. It is not a requirement to identify as LGBTQ+ but the candidate must be supportive. For more information email [email protected].

PFLAG Salisbury/Rowan

PFLAG Salisbury/Rowan will award seven (7) $1000 scholarships each spring. Our scholarships are awarded to Rowan County high school or home schooled seniors who are LGBTQ or a straight Ally. Our applicants should demonstrate service and support of the LGBTQ community. In 2020 we will have given over $70,000 in scholarships to those continuing their education to college or technical/ trade schools. For more information, visit the chapter’s website.

Ohio

PFLAG Cincinnati

PFLAG Cincinnati has an extensive scholarship program. Since the program’s inception in 1992, PFLAG Cincinnati has awarded over $125,000 in scholarships to over 100 talented and deserving gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and straight-supportive college students. Information on the program and application forms are available at pflagcincinnati.org/scholarships. The awards are for higher education but students may apply while still in high school. Applicants must be a resident of or attending college in the Greater Cincinnati area, be 17 years old by April 18th, and have proven record of positive involvement with the LGBTQ community. Applicants must not be a prior winner of this award and must submit an application with required supporting materials.

PFLAG Dayton

PFLAG Dayton will award one $2,000 scholarship to an LGBTQ student and one $2,000 scholarship to a straight ally. This year the Greater Dayton LGBTQ Center has asked the PFLAG Dayton Scholarship Committee to administer an additional $1,000 scholarship for an LGBTQ student. In total, there are now three (3) scholarships available for qualified students — one for a straight ally for $2,000, and two for LGBTQ students, one for $2,000 and one for $1,000. LGBTQ students may apply for both the PFLAG and the LGBTQ Center scholarships, but can only be awarded one or the other. For more information, go to pflagdayton.org/scholarship.

Oklahoma

PFLAG Norman

PFLAG Norman’s Harrington Scholarship is a $3000 scholarship presented to an outstanding Norman resident who is a part of the LGBTQIA+ community and would like to help move equality forward. The goal of the applicant should be to attend a post-secondary educational institution/accredited facility. For more information, visit the chapter’s website at PFLAGNorman.org.

South Carolina

PFLAG Spartanburg

PFLAG Spartanburg offers two $1000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors entering an institute of higher education. These scholarships are for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or ally students demonstrating an interest in service to and/or support of the LGBTQ community. For more information see pflagspartanburg.org.

Texas

PFLAG Houston

The scholarships in the Houston area are awarded by the PFLAG/HATCH Youth Scholarship Foundation (HATCH stands for Houston Area Teen Coalition of Homosexuals). Students must be between the ages of 17 and 23 and must either live in or attend a college in the Houston area. Amounts range from $2,000 over 2 years to $10,000 over 4 years. Deadline is May 1 each year and awards are presented in person at the July meeting of PFLAG Houston. For more information, please visit the website at: pflaghouston.org

Virginia

PFLAG Norfolk / South Hampton Roads

The purpose of this scholarship is to reward outstanding LGBTQIA students who have thrived in the face of adversity, and to inspire our next generation of leaders in Hampton Roads. PFLAG Norfolk / South Hampton Roads is offering multiple $1,000 (one thousand dollar) scholarships to go toward post-secondary education. The applicant must be a self-identified member of the LGBTQIA community. They must have applied for or are currently attending an accredited post-secondary or vocational institution. The scholarships will be rewarded to residents of the greater Hampton Roads Community at the time of application.

Washington

PFLAG Bellevue

LGBTQ and straight allies may apply for PFLAG Bellevue’s scholarship program through pflagbellevue.org. Students qualifying as seniors in Bellevue’s service area will be forwarded by the Pride Foundation to PFLAG Bellevue for review. Depending upon the number, need, and strength of applications, the scholarship amount varies from $500 to $1,500.

Wisconsin

PFLAG Mount Horeb

The $1,000 PFLAG Mount Horeb Social Justice Award will be given to a graduating senior of Mount Horeb Area School District of any gender identity or sexual orientation, whose history, activities and personal plans demonstrate support for justice and equality for the LGBTQ+ community. The recipient is free to use the award in any way they feel they would like, and is not tied to being used for further education. Please contact Sue Huntenburg at [email protected] with any questions.

PFLAG River Falls

The purpose of this scholarship is to help enable the recipient to continue adding value to the Queer community with the intent to drive awareness of equity, pride, and personal safety. Queer means a part of the LGBTQ+ community. The scholarship may be used for college, technical education, military, working in a non-profit, on-the-job learning and even living expenses during your post-high school activities. Any 2025 graduating High School Senior in St. Croix County or Pierce County, Wisconsin who desires to inspire the next generation of Queer youth may apply. The scholarship of $1,000 will be awarded to someone who has demonstrated and desires to achieve impactful initiatives in the Queer community. Apply here.