The Point Foundation (Point) enables promising lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) students to reach their full academic and leadership potential, though they often face obstacles, to make a significant impact on society.
Point is committed to building community and enabling the new generation of LGBTQ leaders to succeed. Point achieves this goal through scholarship funding, mentoring, leadership development, and community service training, and is the largest scholarship organization for LGBTQ students in the country.
Point's work is critical because nearly a third of LGBTQ students drop out of high school to escape the violence, harassment, and isolation they face there. Therefore, many LGBTQ students stated that they do not intend to pursue higher education opportunities.
How We Work
The founders of Point are a handful of successful entrepreneurs who are eager to help LGBTQ students in need pursue higher education degrees and provide career guidance and guidance from which they will benefit. Since its inception in 2001, Point has been seeking partnerships with individuals, businesses, and charitable foundations to provide our academics with financial support, career guidance, and networking.
In addition to providing financial support for education, Point also provides leadership development training through its programs, conferences, and internship opportunities. Point also pairs each student with a successful professional mentor.
Mentors help students design and complete an annual community service project. Point requires each student to use it as a way to give back to the community.
Eligible applicants also:
All nationalities (Students enrolled in USA college or university)
Point Foundation considers many factors when assessing scholarship applicants, including:
-- I still don’t know where I am going to go to university, can I apply to become a Point Scholar?
Yes. You do not need to register or be admitted to a specific course/university to apply to become a points scholar.&
-- Is there an age limit for applying to become a points scholar?
No, there is no age limit to qualify as a points scholar. As long as you plan to study full time, you can apply at any point in your education or career.
-- Can I apply for a scholarship to study in the spring semester by submitting an application during the fall application period?
No. Point only awards scholarships for a full academic year or more, beginning next fall semester.
-- If my career goal is not specifically for the LGBTQ community, can I still apply?
Yes, Point chose scholars who it believes have contributed to the LGBTQ community and will continue to do so in the future. Some scholars will choose to focus on a career in the LGBTQ community, while others will use their skills and influence in other ways instead of working full-time on LGBTQ issues.
Talent and willingness to contribute to society are the key characteristics of Point Scholar. Point welcomes accomplished scholars in various fields.
-- I am not sure if I am qualified (or determined) to be economically disadvantaged or marginalized, but I am sure that I have many other advantages (leadership history, dedication to a certain field, etc.). Should I still apply?
Yes, you may be eligible and must apply. Point's selection committee will weigh all aspects of each person's application. Point supports students who have diverse needs and show high achievement and high performance records.
-- Are the point scholarships limited to a specific geographic area?
The Point application process is open to all college students, regardless of citizenship status. However, the applicant must participate in an accredited institution located in the United States (including Hawaii and Alaska). Students attending colleges or universities on the territory of the United States are not eligible.
-- Does Point provide scholarships for undocumented students?
Yes, as mentioned above, for international students, Point’s application process is open to all college students, regardless of their citizenship status. Undocumented students are eligible and will be assessed as international students.
-- If I am selected as a finalist, will there be a face-to-face interview?
No, we will virtually enter the final stage. Students will be required to submit videos. Those who have reached this stage are provided with more detailed information.
-- If I apply but have not been selected as a Point Scholar, can I reapply?
Yes, the applicant can reapply in the second year. Point will not keep copies of the semi-final or final materials that you previously requested. Each returning applicant should submit the most up-to-date and competitive information as much as possible, rather than repeating their previous application.