How to Apply
1. Check Eligibility
Applicants for all scholarships must have performed significant and sustained service to the LGBTQ+ community. Applicants of all sexual orientations and gender identities are eligible.
For 2027, we are offering scholarships for two types of students. The eligibility requirements are somewhat different for each type. If you have questions, please email us before spending time on the application or deciding not to apply because you're unsure whether you're eligible.
Scholarships for Graduating High School Seniors and High School Graduates | Applicant must:
In 2026, we received about 50 applications for these scholarships. |
Scholarships for Continuing Post-secondary Students | Applicant must:
|
We may ask you to establish your residency by providing a copy of:
- a utility, phone, or cable bill with your name (or parent/guardian's name) and address
- your California driver's license or ID
2. Apply
Note that we plan to use an AI-detection service to check parts of submitted applications. The link to the online application will appear here in early November.
Deadline
The application deadline is January 31, 2027.
3. Wait
Volunteers will review each application and score them based on the selection criteria (see below). Each application is typically reviewed by at least 10 volunteers.
All applicants will be notified whether or not they have been selected as a finalist to be interviewed by the end of February.
4. Interview
Finalists will be interviewed by Zoom videoconference or phone. Interviews are expected to be held on Sunday, 14 March 2027, and Saturday, 20 March 2027.
All finalists will be notified whether or not they have been selected as an eQuality Scholar by the end of April.
Selection Criteria
The criteria on which scholarship recipients will be selected include:
- Service to the LGBTQ+ community
- Leadership
- Hardship or special circumstances
- Academic achievement
Frequently Asked Questions
Students of all sexual orientations and gender identities are eligible.
Yes, starting in 2027, current college students are eligible to apply, as long as you will be continuing your undergraduate education after May.
We do not ask for Social Security numbers nor citizenship/residency status. If you meet the eligibility requirements above, you may apply.
No, eQuality Scholarships may only be used at accredited post-secondary educational institutions in the U.S.
No, scholarship checks will be made payable to your school and credited to your student account.
eQuality Scholarships may be used for any education-related expenses that can be charged to your student account. Note that you may be restricted to use scholarship funds for only tuition, fees, books, and required supplies; if we do not impose that restriction and you do use your scholarship for other purposes, those funds may be considered taxable income. You should consult with your tax advisor or your school's financial aid office.
