Scholarships for Youth Engagement

Each year, the PFLAG Washburn-Chequamegon Bay awards up to three Ashland and Bayfield County high school seniors a scholarship of $1000 each. The recipients of these awards are those who demonstrate a contribution to equality for all people through initiatives that advocate for, support, or educate the community related to the needs of underrepresented populations, including the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other (LGBTQ+) communities.

This scholarship is open to all Ashland and Bayfield County seniors regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Example Applicant Activities

• Been active in the formation or continuation of a Gay Straight Alliance.
• Consistently used LGBTQ+ materials in his/her/their coursework.
• Organized an event promoting equality and safety for LGBTQ+ and/or other
underrepresented groups.
• Been an active part of community efforts involving LGBTQ+ and/or other
underrepresented issues.
• Faced and sought to overcome obstacles related to the LGBTQ+ and/or other
underrepresented people.

Requirements

• Graduating high school senior.
• Resident of Ashland or Bayfield County.
• Intent on attending an institute of higher education in the fall.
• Completion of enclosed application by the deadline.

The 2024 Scholarship application is here!

Application deadline is April 30, 2024

Additional scholarships

Flagship Scholarship from Point Foundation

Flagship scholarship recipients receive financial support, access to multiple leadership development programs, mentorship or coaching, and the support of a community of scholars and alumni.

Amount: Financial award based on need, renewable for up to four years of support.

Funding Period: Four years support maximum.

Opens: October 26
Deadline: December 21

Gamma Mu Foundation Scholarship

The Gamma Mu Scholarships Program provides support to gay men who want to further their education at a college, university, or vocational or professional training program. In addition, effective 2016, the Gamma Mu Scholarship Program will award two scholarships annually (“The Folisi & Goodwin Scholarship in Memory of Ray Williams” and "The Phil Papel Memorial Scholarship" to two students from the broader LGBT community. These programs support a wide range of educational options, including vocational and technical training, associate, bachelors and graduate degrees. The Foundation will not fund online education degree programs. Scholarships are offered for full-time study beginning at an accredited institution or program of the student's choice.

Deadline: March 31.

The Out to Innovate Foundation Scholarship

The Out to Innovate™ Scholarships, established in 2011, are intended for LGBTQ+ undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) programs. The scholarships are designed to promote academic excellence and increased visibility of talented LGBTQ+ students in STEM careers. We are pleased to announce that Motorola Solutions Foundation has funded the Out to Innovate Scholarships for the 2023-2024 academic year for technology and engineering students, which includes first ($5000) and second ($2500) place graduate and undergraduate scholarships. BHE Foundation has funded several $5000 scholarships for engineering students. And individual philanthropy has funded two general STEM scholarships for $3000.

Deadline: June 4, 2023

PFund Scholarship by the PFund Foundation

PFund’s scholarship fund is used to provide scholarships to LGBTQ+ learners from the upper Midwest at all stages of their educations. In 2022, PFund Foundation distributed a record $125,000 to 50 queer students from across the upper Midwest.

There is one application window per year for PFund Foundation scholarships, typically opening on January 15 and running for 8 - 10 weeks.

John Reinert Scholarship by the Out to Protect Organization

The John Reinert Scholarship award is for individuals who identify as gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, or transgender and who are pursuing a career in law enforcement by attending a basic law enforcement training program.  This could be a basic police academy, sheriff’s academy, corrections academy, or 9-1-1 dispatcher academy.  We believe that one of the best ways of eliminating homophobia in law enforcement is by having positive and visible role models from the LGBT community serving in ranks of the law enforcement profession.  We also recognize the courage required to “come out” and to be “out” on the job as a law enforcement professional.  Our scholarships reward those individuals who have the courage and willingness to be visible role models in law enforcement.