How to Apply
1. Check Eligibility
Applicants for all scholarships must have demonstrated service to the LGBT+ community. Applicants of all sexual orientations and gender identities are eligible.
For 2026, 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 Recent High School Graduates | Applicant must:
In 2025, we received about 60 applications for these scholarships. |
Scholarships for Community College Transfer Students | Applicant must:
In 2025, we about 10 applications for these scholarships. |
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
The link to the online application will appear here in early November.
Note that we plan to use an AI-detection service to check parts of submitted applications.
Deadline
The application deadline is January 31, 2026.
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, 15 March 2026, and Saturday, 21 March 2026.
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 LGBT+ community
- Leadership
- Hardship or special circumstances
- Academic achievement
Frequently Asked Questions
Students of all sexual orientations and gender identities are eligible.
It depends on which scholarship you are interested in applying for:
- Scholarships for high school graduates - you are not eligible. If you only took college classes before graduating from high school, you are eligible.
- Scholarships for community college transfer students - if you transferred from a community college to a four-year college/university and started in the fall, you are not eligible. If you only took classes at a four-year school before transferring, you are eligible.
We do not ask for Social Security numbers nor citizenship/residency status. If you meet the residency or school requirements above and are accepted to and attend an accredited post-secondary school, you may apply.
No, eQuality Scholarships may only be used at accredited post-secondary educational institutions in the U.S. The medical student scholarships may only be used at accredited medical schools in northern or central California.
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 if you use scholarship funds for expenses other than tuition, fees, books, and required supplies, they may be considered taxable income. You should consult with your tax advisor or your school's financial aid office.
