SpeakOUT Boston, the first LGBTQIA speakers bureau in the United States, has officially opened their fifth annual scholarship program for LGBTQ+ students. The deadline to apply is midnight, Friday, April 8.
“Students have experienced so many challenges over the past two years due to COVID, and LGBTQ+ students have not always been able to access the safe spaces that support them socially and emotionally,” said Executive Director Ellyn Ruthstrom. “SpeakOUT is committed to lifting up the higher education aspirations of LGBTQ+ students through our scholarship program and we seek to expand their opportunities, even in this small way.”
“Every year we are impressed by the amazing youth who share their personal stories with us, and we look forward to this year’s new opportunity to help their dreams come true,” Ruthstrom said.
LGBTQ+ students who apply for the scholarship must attend high school or college/university/community college in New England, must hold a 3.0 GPA minimum and must be enrolled in a college/university for the fall 2022 semester. SpeakOUT is committed to awarding at least two scholarships of $500 each and will expand the awards as fundraising permits.
This year, one of the scholarships is again being designated for a transgender student of color. All awardees are also invited to attend one of SpeakOUT’s Speaker Trainings for free.
To apply, students submit an essay, a letter of recommendation from a teacher/professor/mentor, and a transcript of their grades. Find complete details on the SpeakOUT website at SpeakOUTBoston.org/scholarship. All materials should be submitted by midnight, Friday, April 8 by emailing scholarship@SpeakOUTBoston.org.
SpeakOUT trains members of the community to tell their personal stories in schools, colleges, faith communities, businesses, public libraries and many other venues to open up a dialogue with our audiences and create safer spaces for LGBTQ+ people. Speakers come from all walks of life and share stories about coming out or transitioning, falling in love, working in their professions, discrimination and harassment they have endured, and other topics that help to increase awareness about LGBTQ+ experience.
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