Scholarship Application

To open a scholarship application in your word processor, click here.

Or email queerfoundation@queerfoundation.org.

To promote effective writing by, about, and/or for queer youth, the Queer Foundation offers to the winners of the 2009–10 high school seniors English essay contest $1,000 scholarships to attend the U.S. college or university of their choice in the 2010–11 academic year to study queer theory or related fields.

THEME

The theme of the 2009–10 high school seniors English essay contest is pink ink ("We write not only about different things; we also write differently"—Brecht).

The following approaches are suggestions only.

  1. We're Here and We're Queer: Interviews with Queer Teenagers and Their Friends
  2. Living Healthy as Queer Teenagers
  3. Queer Youth around the World
  4. Getting Smart: Education Issues of Queer Teenagers

Judges will award points based on originality, accuracy, objectivity, and effectiveness (the ability to change readers' opinions, attitudes, or behavior). Grammar, sentence structure, spelling, and punctuation count. All entries become the property of the Queer Foundation. Contest winners must agree to the use by the Queer Foundation of their names, images, and biographical information in promotional efforts related to the Queer Foundation Effective Writing and Scholarships Program.

How Are Queer Scholars Selected?

Successful gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals and their friends volunteering their time identify and coach talented and academically gifted queer youth in writing an essay dealing with the announced theme. Their friends can also submit essays. A panel of judges will evaluate the essays. Authors of winning essays will be invited to an interview and, upon passing the interview and reference check, will be awarded $1,000 scholarships to the U.S. college or university of their choice.

What Support Do Queer Scholars Receive and What Is Expected of Them?

Queer Scholars receive mentoring, academic advising, and tutoring to enable them to succeed in their studies. In return they are required to (a) maintain a suitable grade point average as determined by the college, (b) practice self care, and (c) give back to the community through doing community service, authoring queer studies papers, and/or mentoring high school or other college students.