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 2021, we are offering scholarships for three types of students. The eligibility requirements are somewhat different for each type.
For 2021, we are offering scholarships for three types of students. The eligibility requirements are somewhat different for each type.
Scholarships for Graduating High School Seniors and Recent High School Graduates
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Applicant must:
In 2021, we expect to award 10-15 scholarships to assist with post-secondary educational expenses. In 2020, we received about 75 applications for these scholarships. |
Scholarships for Community College Transfer Students
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Applicant must:
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Scholarships for Medical Students
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Applicant must be:
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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
Deadline
The application deadline for 2021 scholarships has passed. Applicants will be notified of their status by the end of February.
The application deadline for 2021 scholarships has passed. Applicants will be notified of their status by the end of February.
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.
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 videoconference, phone, or in person (if it is safe to do so then). Interviews are expected to be held on Sunday, 14 March 2021, and Saturday, 20 March 2021.
All finalists will be notified whether or not they have been selected as an eQuality Scholar by the end of April.
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
I'm a straight ally. May I still apply?
Yes, students of all sexual orientations and gender identities are eligible for all eQuality Scholarships.
I started college (or other post-secondary school) in the fall of 2020 (or earlier). May I still apply?
It depends on which scholarship you are interested in applying for:
- Scholarships for high school graduates - you are not 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.
- Medical student scholarships - you are eligible.
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen?
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.
I want to go to school outside the U.S. May I still apply?
The medical student scholarships may only be used at U.S. medical schools. The scholarships for high school graduates and community college transfer students may be used at any accredited post-secondary educational institution, whether in the U.S. or not.
If I'm awarded an eQuality Scholarship, will the scholarship funds come directly to me?
No, scholarship checks will be made payable to your school and credited to your student account.
What can scholarship funds be used for?
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.