PFLAG Denver Chapter Scholarship Overview
The Denver chapter of Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG Denver) is proud to announce our 2017-2018 annual scholarship program. Along with the national PFLAG organization, and multiple chapters across the country, we recognize that the cost of post-secondary and vocational training could deprive some very deserving students of the opportunity to advance their education.
Our goal is to recognize, assist, and encourage young people who have demonstrated outstanding, direct support to the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) community and advocated equality for all. PFLAG Denver will award one or more $2,500-$5,000 scholarships annually to exceptional Colorado high school students, or graduates from Colorado high schools who are in their first or second year in college, with the expectation that they will continue to create meaningful change on their campuses and in their communities. The purpose of these scholarships is to reward outstanding LGBTQ students and straight allies, to encourage them to continue and complete post-secondary education, and to promote a positive image of LGBTQ youth.
Scholarship Requirements and Details
Evaluation will be based upon demonstrated leadership, scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities, and involvement in the LGBTQ community. The applicant must:
1. Complete the attached PFLAG Denver application in its entirety, including all required supplemental forms. Hand-written applications and essays will not be accepted.
2. Graduate from a Colorado high school in the year she or he applies for a scholarship, or have graduated from a Colorado high school before attending a university, college, or vocational/trade school.
3. Have been a resident of Colorado for at least two years.
4. Plan to attend an accredited university, college, vocational, or trade school the following year (for graduating Colorado seniors), or continue in your collegiate pursuit the following year (for college freshman and sophomores).
5. Self-identify as LGBTQ or as a straight ally.
6. Provide an official, sealed copy of their transcripts showing a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better, or equivalent.
7. Provide two sealed letters of recommendation that detail the student’s accomplishments: one from a knowledgeable teacher, professor, instructor, advisor, or administrator; a second from a non-relative outside of school—for example, a mentor, coach, supervisor, or community leader.
8. Sign the consent-and-release section of the application form agreeing to the outlined terms and conditions.
9. Mail the completed application to PFLAG Denver Chapter, P.O. Box 18901 Denver, CO 80218-0901. Submissions must be postmarked by Tuesday, February 28, 2017.
10. If invited to do so, accept an invitation, and participate in a phone interview by one, or more, of the scholarship committee members.
Recipients will be notified no later than April 24, 2017. If selected, you will be invited and encouraged to attend the May PFLAG Denver awards ceremony on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to identify as an LGBTQ individual to apply?
No, we recognize that many young people who either do not identify as LGBTQ, or who avoid labels altogether, have made great contributions to the LGBTQ community as allies. However, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, applicants must be able to demonstrate their dedication to issues that affect the LGBTQ community.
Are current post-secondary or vocational students eligible to apply?
The award is currently available to Colorado high school students, vocational students, and college freshman and sophomores who graduated from a Colorado high school and who are enrolled in a program during the academic year 2016-2017. We realize many students attend a variety of accredited high schools and vocational schools.
Are online degree-seeking candidates eligible to apply?
Yes, we do provide scholarships to students seeking degrees online as long as the school is accredited.
When is the application deadline?
All applications must be postmarked by 11:59 p.m. MDT on February 28, 2017.
When will I be notified regarding my application status?
Scholarship recipients will be notified no later than April 25, 2017.
If I receive the award, what can I spend the funds on?
The award must only be used for the payment of tuition, fees, books, essential transportation, or living expenses at the post-secondary institution specified, when you receive the award.
Will I be required to submit verification of how I used the award?
Yes, scholarship recipients must submit a short summary at the end of the scholarship year describing how the funds helped further their education.
Is the award renewable?
No, the scholarship is awarded for the academic year 2017-2018 only.
What information will be publicly available about me if I am selected?
You will be required to submit a photo, and short biography about yourself for use on PFLAG Denver’s website and in promotional materials. This will include your name, college/university, a little about your past activism and future plans related to the LGBTQ community. We will not reveal your sexual orientation/gender identity if you prefer.
Is there a recognition event for award recipients?
Yes. Recipients will be recognized and are expected to take part in the May PFLAG Denver Awards Ceremony on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 7:30pm. Some recipients have also elected to receive a re-presentation of their award at their school’s award ceremony.
Whom do I contact with other application questions or concerns?
If you have any questions related to the scholarship program, please call the PFLAG office at 303-573-5861, or email with “scholarship” in the subject line.
2017-2018 Scholarship Application Checklist
I have collected all of the following items in one packet (please check):
Completed application, starts on page 4 of this document.
Four essays responses.
One sealed letter of recommendation from a teacher, advisor or administrator from school.
One sealed letter of recommendation from a non-relative outside of school.
Sealed official academic transcript from your high school and current post-secondary institution (if applicable)
Signed consent and release section.
Place your cursor on each shaded text field to type your entries; click check boxes to select. Use separate sheets of paper to answer the essay questions. Once you have filled in all fields, print the form, fill in your name, signature and date, and mail the application with all other requested information on the checklist to PFLAG Denver Chapter, P.O. Box 18901 Denver, CO 80218-0901. Submissions must be postmarked by February 28, 2017.
1. Personal Information
Name: Click to enter Name
Address: Click to enter Address
City: Click to enter City State: Click to enter State Zip: Click here to enter Zip
Personal Phone: Click to enter Personal Phone
Personal Email: Click to enter Personal Email
School Attending: Click to enter School Attending
School Phone: Click to enter School Phone
Preferred method of contact:
I identify as (check one):
LGBTQ
Straight Ally
Preferred Pronouns: Click to enter pronouns
How did you find out about the PFLAG Scholarship Program (please be as specific as possible)?
Click to enter text
What is your Cumulative GPA? Click to enter GPA
What are your ACT and/or SAT scores? Click to enter scores
2. Plans and Goals
Please list schools you have applied to, or post-secondary institution in which you are currently enrolled, and please note your status for each, as applicable (i.e., planning to apply, applied and waiting for a response, accepted for admission, etc.).
Click to enter text
What are your post-secondary education goals (i.e., major, area of focus, etc.?)
Click to enter text
3. Essays
On a separate, type-written page, please answer the following four questions with 250-300 words per question.
a) Describe, in detail, your community involvement, your roles in each activity, and any special awards or recognition that you have received in the past four years. Additional consideration will be given to activities and leadership roles relating directly to LGBTQ youth and communities.
b) Based on your unique life experience, tell us what challenges you’ve faced, or obstacles you’ve overcome that have resulted in personal growth.
c) Can you describe how you have demonstrated leadership both in and out of school?
d) Describe your personal passion for social justice and diversity, what you achieved in promoting equality and anything else that will help us understand why you deserve this scholarship.
4. Consent and Release
I affirm that all information I have provided is true and accurate. I hereby authorize the members of the PFLAG Denver Scholarship Committee to review and discuss my grades, essays, and other records concerning me that are maintained by my school or are submitted by me for consideration. I grant this authorization because I would like to be considered for a PFLAG scholarship.
Name______
Signature______
Date______
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