Niagara Pride announces LGBTQ+ scholarship application portal open

Niagara Pride announced the 2023 Jean Hopkins Memorial Scholarship portal is now open and accepting applications from high school students. 

The scholarship program was established in 2021 and consists of a one-time $500 award to help aid in the costs of pursuing educational opportunities beyond high school. A press release noted, “This scholarship is aimed primarily at benefiting those LGBTQ+ young adults, and allies, who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing social justice, reducing inequities, and increasing the overall health of their community.

“The scholarship was established in memory of Jean Hopkins, a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls and fierce advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Jean devoted her life to helping other people, from helping her friends and relatives with projects around their houses, to being active in church and community activities, to working with several LGBTQ+ organizations.”

To apply, visit https://forms.office.com/r/URSmp0X7tw. The application deadline is April 30. Winner(s) will be announced in June.

Applicants must be 18 years of age, or able to provide parental consent to apply for the scholarship; currently a senior in high school with a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 2.5 or a minimum B average; be pursuing full-time registration for the fall semester of the 2023-24 school year at an accredited community college, four-year public or private college or university, certificate program, or vocational/technical/trade program; identify as LGBTQ+ and/or has demonstrated support of the LGBTQ+ community; and reside in Western New York.

In order for an application to be considered complete, one will need to submit via email to the scholarship committee ([email protected]) a resume detailing work experience, extracurricular activities, and volunteering experience; provide an unofficial high school transcript that includes the first semester of the 2022-23 school year; offer proof of acceptance and enrollment in the 2023-24 school year at an accredited community college, four-year public or private college or university, certificate program, or vocational/technical/trade program; complete the online application, including three short essays from a list of 10 topic choices (https://forms.office.com/r/URSmp0X7tw); and sit for a 30-minute interview, either in person or via Zoom.

Niagara Pride is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving LGBTQ+ individuals and families in Niagara County and WNY. It offers educational programming, engages in charitable works, and presents social programming to create a safe and welcoming environment for all those who identify as LGBTQ+ living throughout the region.

For more information about Niagara Pride, visit www.niagarapride.org, email [email protected], or check out the Facebook page for Niagara Pride (serving all of WNY).