10 STEM Scholarships for LGBTQ+ Students
- STEM has long had diversity challenges, and scholarships can expand access for LGBTQ+ students.
- LGBTQ+ degree-seekers have more financial challenges than cis and straight students.
- A sizable list of generous, STEM-centric scholarships is available to LGBTQ+ students and their allies.
LGBTQ+ students encounter many unique hurdles as they navigate college programs. LGBTQ+ STEM majors face a lack of representation and financial barriers.
Thankfully, organizations offer scholarships to encourage more LGBTQ+ students to get into STEM. Read on to find the best scholarships for LGBTQ+ STEM students and their allies.
Why STEM Needs More LGBTQ+ Students
In the past, STEM — science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — existed as a group of disciplines skewed heavily toward men. And while efforts to expand gender representation have drawn more female-identifying individuals to the STEM field, extending more financial resources to LGBTQ+ students can further diversify the discipline.
LGBTQ+ students also tend to encounter more financial roadblocks than their peers. As a result, scholarships play a critical role in expanding academic access and easing the economic stress of sky-high tuition rates. Nonprofits like Campus Pride offer a clearinghouse of LGBTQ+ scholarships for STEM fields and beyond.
10 Scholarships for LGBTQ+ Students in STEM
Alongside other historically excluded groups, LGBTQ+ students have access to a sizable list of scholarships to promote diversity and expand educational access. Continue reading to explore 10 of the top scholarships for LGBTQ+ STEM students and their allies.
NOGLSTP Out to Innovate Scholarship
Who Is Eligible: This scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in various STEM fields. Applicants must hold a minimum 2.75 GPA and participate in groups that advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Application Deadline: June 2023
Scholarship Amount: Up to $5,000
The National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals offers an annual scholarship for students who identify as LGBTQ+ community members. Applicants must have at least two years of post-high school academic experience and verify their active participation in groups and programs promoting LGBTQ+ causes.
PG&E Better Together PrideNetwork Scholarship
Who Is Eligible: California high school and community college graduates enrolling at a postsecondary institution
Application Deadline: TBA
Scholarship Amount: $6,000
Pacific Gas & Electric’s Better Together PrideNetwork Scholarship offers a generous $6,000 award for students of any gender or sexual orientation. Applicants must demonstrate service to the LGBTQ+ community and high school completion or a GED equivalent. Ten awards are available annually, and applicants must be a resident of northern or central California.
Edie Windsor Coding Scholarship
Who Is Eligible: This award is open to LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary individuals wanting to complete a coding boot camp.
Application Deadline: TBA — fill out the interest form to be notified
Scholarship Amount: Up to 50% of coding bootcamp tuition
Edie Windsor, the plaintiff at the center of the Supreme Court’s 2013 rejection of the Defense of Marriage Act, is the inspiration for this coding boot camp scholarship. Applicants should plan to enroll in a coding bootcamp and must identify as an LGBTQ+ woman or nonbinary individual.
eQuality Scholarship for Medical Students
Who Is Eligible: Future or currently enrolled medical students can apply and must demonstrate service to the LGBTQ+ community.
Application Deadline: TBA
Scholarship Amount: $6,000
The eQuality Scholarship is for students enrolled or enrolling in a California-based medical school. Award winners demonstrate a dedication to serving the LGBTQ+ community, strong leadership skills, and academic achievement. In addition, this award prioritizes candidates who can document economic hardship or unique circumstances.
The Deloris Carter Hampton Scholarship
Who Is Eligible: Applicants must be residents of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington.
Application Deadline: January 2023
Scholarship Amount: Varies
The Deloris Carter Hampton Scholarship offers awards to LGBTQ+ students and their allies who demonstrate active participation in the community. Graduate and undergraduate applicants must pursue degrees in dance, education, or women’s health. Winners typically show financial need.
James Crump Memorial Scholarship
Who Is Eligible: Students must be Northwest residents (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington) but can study outside the region. Applicants should plan to enter a helping profession, including nursing, social work, or teaching.
Application Deadline: December 2022
Scholarship Amount: Varies
The James Crump Memorial Scholarship offers an annual award to Northwest residents who plan to pursue helping careers such as nursing, social work, education, or counseling. Those interested must actively advocate for LGBTQ+ equality and civil rights. Award winners typically identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Pride in Diversity Scholarship
Who Is Eligible: Applicants must be members of the LGBTQ+ community pursuing a STEM-related degree.
Application Deadline: October 2023
Scholarship Amount: $2,500
Aronow.io offers its annual Pride in Diversity Scholarship that aims to expand access to STEM education for students who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community. The Pride in Diversity award gives preference to applicants living with financial challenges and those dealing with medical bills associated with transitioning.
Sikora Drake STEM Scholarship
Who Is Eligible: Eligible award recipients include those identifying as female, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and first-generation college students. Applicants should plan on pursuing a STEM degree.
Application Deadline: November 2023
Scholarship Amount: $3,000
The Sikora Drake STEM Scholarship earmarks funding for underrepresented students interested in a STEM-related career. This award is available to those identifying as female, along with BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and first-generation college students. Applicants craft a short essay explaining their interest in STEM education and how diversity benefits their intended field.
Malyon Smith Scholarship Research Award
Who Is Eligible: Eligible award winners must be full-time psychology graduate students tackling research involving sexual orientation and gender identity.
Application Deadline: March 2023
Scholarship Amount: $1,000
This annual $1,000 scholarship is available to graduate psychology students who focus their academic research on various issues involving gender identity and sexual orientation. Applicants must include a copy of their curriculum vitae, a description of their research, and a recommendation letter from a faculty member.
National Gay Pilots Association Scholarship
Who Is Eligible: Eligibility varies between scholarships, but applicants typically hold a student pilot certificate and must demonstrate their work on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community.
Application Deadline: July 2023
Scholarship Amount: Varies
The National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA) offers scholarships and awards amounting to more than $750,000 each year. Scholarships start at $1,000 and top out at $10,000. Some of the NGPA’s awards include pilot training, professional development, multi-engine training, and funding for those who have a documented record of LGBTQ+ advocacy.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute professional financial advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Readers of this website should contact a professional advisor before making decisions about financial issues.
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