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.
Scholarships for Graduating High School Seniors and Recent High School Graduates
Applicant must:
  • be a resident of or attend a high school in northern or central California (see map of specific counties);
  • have completed or expect to complete high school or equivalent between 1 Jul 2016 and 30 Jun 2021; and
  • plan to attend or began attending an accredited post-secondary institution (college, university, or vocational/trade school) for the first time in 2021.
Students residing in or attending high school in San Mateo or Santa Clara County are eligible for the PFLAG San Jose/Peninsula Scholarships. Applicants for the James Ricciardelli Memorial Scholarship must intend to major in the performing arts.

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
Applicant must:
  • be a resident of or attend a community college in northern or central California but may study elsewhere (see map for specific counties);
  • have graduated or expect to graduate from community college between 1 Jul 2016 and 30 Jun 2021; and
  • plan to attend or began attending an accredited 4-year college or university for the first time in 2021.
In 2021, we expect to award one or more of these scholarships. In 2020, we received about 10 applications for these scholarships.
Scholarships for Medical Students
Applicant must be:
  • enrolled or committed to enroll by the interview date in an accredited medical school in California or a California resident attending an accredited medical school elsewhere in the United States;
  • in good academic standing;
  • not be completing medical school in Spring 2021; and
  • not have received an eQuality graduate student scholarship before.
In 2021, we expect to award one or more scholarships to assist with medical school expenses. In 2020, we received about 20 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

Deadline
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.
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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.

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.