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 most scholarships.

For 2023, we are offering scholarships for four 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:
  • 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 2018 and 30 Jun 2023; and
  • plan to attend or began attending a U.S. accredited post-secondary institution (college, university, or vocational/trade school) for the first time in 2023.
In 2023, we expect to award at least 10 scholarships to assist with post-secondary educational expenses. In 2022, we received about 60 applications for these scholarships.
Adolph Y. Bremerman, Jr. Scholarships for Oakland Unified School District Graduates
Applicant must:
  • have graduated or expect to graduate by 30 Jun 2023 from an Oakland Unified School District high school (including charter schools);
  • identify as a member of the LGBT+ community; and
  • plan to attend a U.S. accredited college or university after Spring 2023.
Unlike the other scholarships, this one may be renewed once for a total of $12,000.

In 2023, we expect to award four scholarships to assist with college educational expenses.
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 2018 and 30 Jun 2023; and
  • plan to attend or began attending a U.S. accredited 4-year college or university for the first time in 2023.
In 2023, we expect to award one or more of these scholarships. In 2022, we received six 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;
  • pursuing a MD or DO degree;
  • in good academic standing;
  • not be completing medical school in Spring 2023; and
  • not have received an eQuality graduate student scholarship before.
In 2023, we expect to award two or more scholarships to assist with medical school expenses. In 2022, we received 12 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 2023 scholarships has passed.

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, 12 March 2023, and Saturday, 18 March 2023.

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?​
​It depends on which scholarship you are interested in applying for:
  • Bremerman Scholarships for Oakland Unified High School Graduates - you are not eligible
  • All other eQuality Scholarships - students of all sexual orientations and gender identities are eligible.
I started college (or other post-secondary school) in the fall of 2022 (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. 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.
  • Bremerman and medical student scholarships - you are eligible as long as you will continue beyond Spring 2023.
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?
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 California.
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.
My medical school is not fully accredited (preliminary, provisional, or on probation). May I still apply?
Yes, students at any accredited medical school in California, regardless of accreditation status, are eligible to apply. The U.S. Department of Education maintains a list of accredited schools at www.ed.gov/accreditation.
I'm pursuing a graduate degree in a health-related field but not medicine specifically. May I still Apply?
The medical student scholarships are only available to students pursuing MD and DO degrees at accredited California medical schools. In past years, eQuality awarded scholarships to graduate students in some other health-related fields, but we are no longer doing so.

Graduates of Oakland Unified School District high schools may apply for the Adolph Y. Bremerman, Jr. scholarships, regardless of their field of study.