Point Foundation opens 2007 application season

Point Foundation opens 2007 application season
Copyright by Gay Chicago Magazine
January 16, 2007

LOS ANGELES, CA - Point Foundation, the national nonprofit foundation supporting academic achievement in higher education among LGBT youth, announced the opening of its 2007 application season. Students who will be enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs for the 2007-08 school year are eligible to apply for the prestigious, multiyear scholarships. The application deadline for this year’s scholarships is March 1.

Point Foundation Board Chair Bruce Lindstrom, who founded the organization with his partner Carl Strickland in 2001, is looking forward to the selection process, which begins with written online applications and concludes with face-to-face interviews with selected finalists in April.

“The application and selection process is rigorous but rewarding,” he said. “It’s quite inspiring to meet so many outstanding LGBT students who represent this community’s future leaders. Our staff, trustees and directors look forward to the process with great anticipation. To be a part of this process is both a great honor and a great responsibility,” he concluded.

Point Scholarships are substantial. While the average scholarship award is approximately $12,500, Point supports scholars with additional programs. For example, the Point’s mentoring program, leadership training and summer leadership conference create a multifaceted support network for scholars extending far beyond their time in school. The average amount of financial support devoted to each scholar is greater than $30,000 which includes scholarship funding, mentoring and success and leadership training.

Point Scholars agree to maintain a high level of academic performance and to give back to the LGBT community through completion of an individual community service project. In addition, scholars are matched with mentors from the professional world thought Point’s formal mentoring program; the mentors serve as role models and provide personal support to their assigned scholars. The mentoring program and Point’s professional support network equip scholars with skills to ensure a lifetime of leadership, success and well-being.

Point Scholars are chosen for their demonstrated leadership, scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities, involvement in the LGBT community and financial need. Particular attention is paid to students who have lost the financial and social support of their families and/or communities as a result of revealing their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Since its inception in 2001, Point Foundation has invested more than $2 million in the education of outstanding LGBT students.

For more information, visit www.pointfoundation.org. For information on how to apply for a Point Scholarship, visit www.pointfoundation.org/apply.html.