Point Foundation Scholarships provide financial support and other benefits to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) students who are marginalized because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Through multi-year scholarships, leadership training, and mentoring, the foundation aims to enable its scholars to overcome obstacles and secure the benefits of higher education.
Point Scholarships are awarded on a “last provider” basis, filling gaps and providing funds not provided by other sources of financial aid for financially needy students. Individual awards vary according to individual need as well as the foundation’s annual success in fundraising. In addition to financial assistance, Point Scholars receive mentoring from professionals in their fields of interest and take part in a variety of community-building and leadership-development activities.
Candidates must be attending college or graduate school in the U.S., although there are no citizenship restrictions for applicants.
Strong academic performance is one characteristic the foundation seeks in scholarship applicants, and it also values proven leadership skills and a desire to make a difference in the world. Each person who applies for a Point Scholarship is evaluated on the totality of his or her situation—marginalization, financial need, academic achievement, personal merit, leadership, involvement in the LGBTQ community, professional experiences, and personal and future goals are all taken into consideration.