Point Foundation Expands Its Community College Scholarship Program For LGBTQ+ Students

Two-year support to significantly reduce barriers for LGBTQ+ students

LOS ANGELES, March 10, 2020 - Point Foundation (Point), the nation's largest scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) students of merit, today announced the expansion of its community college scholarship program. Thanks to a new multi-year grant, Point will now offer the next generation of LGBTQ leaders two-years of financial support at community colleges. Applications are now open for the program which also includes targeted one-on-one coaching and leadership development.

Community college students represent 40 percent of the country's undergraduate population. However, due to overwhelming financial burdens, only slightly more than one third of those students are able to obtain a degree from a 2- or 4-year college within six years of enrollment.

"Whether it is a lack of funds, obligations to employment, or the care of a family member, we know of many situations that keep young LGBTQ students from reaching their academic goals," said Point Foundation Executive Director and CEO Jorge Valencia. "When you include the increased adversity and isolation that often accompany being a member of the LGBTQ community, two-year financial support becomes a central component to ensuring all students can thrive."

Point's community college scholarship is awarded to LGBTQ students who have a goal of completing a degree and demonstrated potential to grow into leaders in their communities. Recipients receive a financial award and are paired with a coach who helps them work toward personal and academic goals. Point also hosts scholarship recipients for an annual symposium where they can learn from experts on a variety of topics, including job placement, transfer student admissions, financial aid, and self care.

The community college program has seen more than 80 percent of its community college scholarship recipients report successful admission to four year colleges or universities throughout the country, including UCLA, Columbia University, and the University of Mississippi.

"Since our 2016 launch, we learned that a longer financial commitment was a central pillar changing the outcome for LGBTQ students entering community college " Valencia added. "Thanks to a generous gift, we are now able to expand our program and are confident that our new two-year community college program will empower and fuel the future for many talented LGBTQ students."

Andrew Moe, the Director of Admissions at Swarthmore College and a former recipient of a Point Foundation scholarship himself, volunteers his time as an advisor to the community college program. "Point Foundation's commitment to high-achieving LGBTQ+ community college students is unmatched," said Moe. "I am thankful for the generous donation that has enabled Point to step up and invest in community college students and hope more will follow their lead."

To apply to for the Point Foundation community college scholarship, visit https://pointfoundation.org/point-apply/community-college/

About Point Foundation: Point Foundation empowers promising LGBTQ students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential - despite the obstacles often put before them - to make a significant impact on society. Point Foundation promotes change through scholarship funding, mentorship, leadership development, and community service training. www.pointfoundation.org