College Scholarships For WNY LGBT Students

Buffalo— A growing number of scholarships are devoted exclusively to students who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender(lgbt). Some scholarships are available nationally, and other scholarships are exclusively devoted to students from specific geographic regions. These populations have become much more visible within higher education, but still face formidable social challenges. Scholarships reflect the trend in diversity: encourage students of all backgrounds to participate to their highest potential.

Two local lgbt organizations currently are offering scholarships to local lgbt students who are furthering their education after high school.

Gay & Lesbian Youth Services of Western New York (GLYS) has three different scholarship programs that are available.

The Tom Hammond Memorial Scholarship

Started in 2005, this scholarship is named for the late Tom Hammond, a GLYSWNY Founder, and has been made possible through the generosity of his sister, Sue Hammond. Tom Hammond, who died in 1992, a was a Therapist and lgbt activist in Buffalo and Western New York during the 1970's and 1980's.

The Tom Hammond Memorial Scholarship is offers $500.00 to current GLYSWNY members (includes students actively involved in their school’s Gay Straight Alliance) or GLYSWNY alumni 25 years of age or younger (on 10/29/2012). Candidates must have completed 1 semester/equivalent of college, vocational or proprietary school. Must be enrolled during the semester scholarship is awarded (carrying 6+hours). Minimum grades for schooling completed: 2.0on 6+ hours or equivalent. This scholarship is administered by GLYSWNY.

Application and information for this scholarship opportunity is available at the GLYSWNY web site.

The Dr. Hank Mann Memorial Scholarship

This $500 Scholarship was provided by the late Dr. Hank Mann. Dr. Mann was a SUNY Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of exceptional education at Buffalo State. His national and international service earned him many additional honors in the field of exceptional education.

The scholarship is for gay, lesbian, bi and transgendered students graduating high school and entering their first semester of college in the fall of 2012, with preference given to students in racial minorities.

This scholarship is open to students who are Current GLYS members or students who are active in their schools Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA) or equivilent activity group, who are entering their first semester of college. Candidates must be graduating high school in 2012 and entering college in fall, 2012. This scholarship is administered by GLYSWNY.

Application and information for this scholarship opportunity is available at the GLYSWNY web site.

HSBC GLOBE Diversity Committee

This $500 scholarship is for youth who live in WNY and participate in their school’s GSA or equivalent activity groups. This scholarship is for a high school senior or college student whose home address is in the eight counties of Western New York. Candidates must have participated high school or college Gay Straight Alliance, Rainbow Alliance, or other diversity club. Funds for this scholarship have been granted by the lgbt employee group GLOBE of HSBC Bank. This scholarship is administered by GLYSWNY.

Application and information for this scholarship opportunity is available at the GLYSWNY web site.

embraceWNY Education Scholarship

embraceWNY is a local nonprofit organization that provides grants to local lgbt groups and activities and provides scholarships to local students that attend a college within the eight counties of Western New York(WNY).

The embraceWNY scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors in WNY graduating (or earning equivalency-GED) from an accredited high school in WNY. Applicants must have been actively involved in an LGBT/Allies organization during secondary education.

embraceWNY is the organizer of the annual Buffalo Brunch event held each spring. embraceWNY has given grants and scholarships to area students and local organizations such as Pride Buffalo, Gay & Lesbian Youth Services, Buffalo Bears Life Memorial Park and the Madeline Davis LGBT Archives.

Application and information for this scholarship opportunity is available at the embraceWNY web site

Story Curteuous Of OutCome Buffalo's LGBT News Paper.