Support Groups and Financial Resources for LGBTQ Students

Written by: Daniel Gleich

Being an LGBTQ student in high school can sometimes feel like navigating a maze of challenges, from facing discrimination and bullying to struggling with acceptance from friends and family. It's no secret that the journey can be tough, but the good news is that there's a whole community out there to help you succeed. If you're looking at colleges and trying to decide where to go, you have plenty of options; there are lots of LGBTQ-friendly schools out there where you can be yourself without fear. There are also lots of scholarships for LGBTQ students that can help you pay for your education. And when you just need someone to talk to, someone who gets what you're going through, you'll find that there are plenty of support options, from clubs at school to community organizations to hotlines to call. All of these resources are out there to help you not just survive but thrive.

• GSA Network Back to School Queer Survival Guide: Check out this zine to find advice for how to be your authentic self and what you need to know to make sure that your needs are met during the school year.
• GLAAD's Amplify Your Voice Resource Kit: Learn about how to stand up for your LGBTQ friends and be a good ally to others when they need support.
• oSTEM Scholarship Program: This page provides information about the scholarship opportunities available through oSTEM, which supports LGBTQ+ students in STEM fields.
• PFLAG Chapter Scholarship Programs: PFLAG is a great organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ people, and they offer college scholarships to students all over the country.
• Transgender Equality: Know Your Rights at School: Find information about the legal rights of trans students and what you can do if those rights are violated from the National Center for Transgender Equality.
• Choosing the Right Major: LGBTQ students have traditionally been more likely to choose majors in the social sciences or the arts, but increasing numbers are pursing majors in a variety of fields, including ones historically dominated by straight, cisgender people.
• GLSEN Tips for LGBTQ Students: Whether or not you are out at school, you can set a good example for others and create a more welcoming school environment by doing things like asking people their pronouns and connecting with your school's GSA.
• Horizons Foundation LGBTQ Scholarships and Fellowships: Find out about the financial help available from this California-based foundation.
• Markowski-Leach Scholarship for LGTBQ Students: The Markowski-Leach Scholarship was created to help increase the numbers of positive LGBTQ role models.
• The Association for Queer Anthropology's Kenneth W. Payne Student Prize: If you have an interest in queer anthropology, you may be able to win this prize to help support your education.
• Leroy F. Aarons Scholarship Award for Aspiring Journalists: This scholarship is offered by NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists in honor of Leroy Aarons, a prominent journalist and author who founded the NLGJA.
• Rich Chicotel LGBTQ+ Leadership Award: This award is focused on supporting MBA students who are committed to mentoring and community service.
• Stonewall Community Foundation Scholarships: The Stonewall Community Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for LGBTQ students.
• Out for Education Scholarships: This organization offers financial help for LGBTQ+ students from Houston or going to college in Houston.
• LEAGUE Foundation Scholarships: High school seniors who are part of the LGBTQ+ community can apply for funding from this organization to support their education.
• Pride Foundation Scholarship Opportunities: This page provides information on the dozens of scholarships offered by the Pride Foundation to students in the Northwest.
• Point Foundation Flagship Scholarship: Learn how to apply for this program that includes scholarships as well as leadership development resources and community support.
• LGBTQ+ Student Scholarship Database: Check this database put together by the Human Rights Campaign to find scholarships that you can apply for.
• ACLU Know Your Rights Student Guide: This page includes a guide for LGBTQ+ students outlining their rights in educational settings, including information on dealing with discrimination, understanding legal protections, and advocating for yourself at school.
• eQuality Scholarship Collaborative Application: Read about the requirements for the different types of scholarships offered by the eQuality Scholarship Collaborative and learn how to apply for them here.
• Lambda Legal Support for LGBTQ+ Students: Learn about your legal rights and what this organization does to stand up for students when their rights are violated.
• Title IX Protections: Federal law includes protections against discrimination on the basis of sex as well as sexuality and gender identity.
• LGBT National Youth Talkline: If you need someone to talk to about issues related to your sexuality or gender identity, the LGBT National Youth Talkline can help. This hotline provides confidential support from trained volunteers who are also part of the LGBTQ+ community.
• We Rise LGBTQ Scholarship: This scholarship from the Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation was set up to invest in education for LGBTQ students going to college or a vocational training program in the Bay Area of California.
• Top 50 LGBT-Friendly Colleges: Find a school where you can feel safe and supported by starting with this list.
• LGBTQ College Culture Guide: Read about the challenges that LGBTQ students can face in college and learn tips for choosing a supportive school for your education.
• Best Schools for LGBTQ Students: Explore the top ten LGBTQ-friendly colleges and find information about other campuses that might be a good fit for you on this page.
• LGBTQ College Experience Guide: Learn about the challenges you may face on campus and find tips for choosing the right school on this page, which also includes information about supportive organizations and common questions that students ask about life as an LGBTQ student.
• Scholarships for LGBTQIA+ Cybersecurity Students: This page focuses on programs that assist LGBTQ students majoring in cybersecurity.
• LGBTQ Scholarships: Check out this list of top LGBTQ-focused scholarship programs to find more places where you might want to apply for funding.
• Prism Foundation Scholarship: The Prism Foundation's scholarship program supports students making a positive impact on both the LGBTQ community and the Asian and Pacific Islander community.
• STEPS Scholarships and Resources for LGBTQIA+ Students: Explore more opportunities for funding your education on this page.