LGBT students entering online universities can apply for scholarships

LGBT students entering online universities can apply for scholarships

Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community who wish to enter campus-based or online degree programs may finance their educational pursuits through scholarship programs, such as the one currently available from the Point Foundation.

The organization has opened the application process for its Point Scholars program, which provides multi-year scholarships to exceptional LGBT students.

Awardees will receive between $25,000 and $33,000 per year in the form of financial aid, leadership training, volunteer opportunities and mentoring services.

To date, the organization has disbursed more than $4.5 million through its scholarship programs. This year, the Point Foundation will partner with the Palette Fund, Phyllis Mandler, Gary Elden as well as Johnson and Johnson to create four additional awards.

The organization received "a record-breaking number of applications" for the scholarships last year and expects "to get an even greater number" for this year's award, said Jorge Valencia, executive director and CEO of the Point Foundation.

Winners will be selected based on academic excellence, leadership skills, community service experience and demonstrated financial needs.

Beginning December 11, qualified students may apply for the awards through February 12 of next year.