GENERAL OVERVIEW OF CENTER SCHOLARSHIPS AND ELIGIBILITY

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR CENTER SCHOLARSHIPS?

Applicants for all Center scholarships must be 23 or younger and have participated in The Center’s services and programming as a member and/or client within the past two years. If you are not currently connected to The Center, please visit us or call 212.620.7310 to find out about programs we offer that may meet your needs and interests.

Youth of color and trans, gender non-conforming, non-binary, two-spirit, intersex youth and youth with multiple marginalized identities are highly encouraged to apply.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

2021 SCHOLARSHIP DESCRIPTIONS AND AWARD AMOUNTS

Imperial Court Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is made possible by The Imperial Court of New York, a 501c3 not-for-profit organization that has raised millions of dollars for worthy causes since its inception in 1986. The New York Court has gained recognition in the tri-state New York City region for the tireless work it has done on behalf of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. The mission of the Imperial Court of New York is to raise funds for organizations, including but not limited to those supporting the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community; HIV/AIDS services organizations; social service organizations and youth enrichment programs. It seeks to provide a safe, social environment for people with the same interests as those of the membership and to create and promote positive community awareness of the ideals of the International Court System.

Recipients of the Imperial Court Scholarship Fund will receive $1000. Two awards are available.

The Harry Bartel Memorial Scholarship Fund of Stonewall Community Foundation

This scholarship is an endowed fund in memory of Harry Bartel. Harry was born in Queens, NY and raised in Scottsdale, AZ. In 1991, Harry and his spouse, Brian Landeche, opened Splash Bar in Manhattan. Throughout his life, Harry was an advocate of education and concerned that LGBT youth who were separated from their families or experiencing other hurdles might not have access to secondary education. It is in his memory that his family, friends and the patrons of Splash Bar have provided this endowment.

Recipients of the Harry Bartel Memorial Scholarship will receive $2000. One to two awards are available.

Her/Him/Them for STEM Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is made possible by contributions from S&P Global, a valued supporter of Center Youth programming. S&P and Center Youth believe that LGBTQ+ young people can and should play an important role in making contributions to STEM fields. This scholarship was created to encourage LGBTQ+ students who are working towards STEM degrees to continue their work in these increasingly important fields and to increase LGBTQ+ representation in STEM fields. As such, this scholarship is geared toward participants who are enrolled in college and are working towards a degree in a STEM field. This scholarship can also be applied as a stipend for a pre-arranged internship that will provide the student with hands-on experience and a professional network within a STEM field of practice (for example, a science or engineering lab).

Fields of study will be considered STEM-eligible based on their inclusion in this U.S. Department of Education report, pages 5-10. Priority is given to students who have participated in Center programming for at least 12 months prior to applying and who can demonstrate a need for financial aid.

Recipients of the STEM Scholarship will receive $2000. Two awards are available.

FAB “Finish A Bachelor” Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is made possible by the contribution of Jeffrey Sharlach, a long-time supporter of youth programming at The Center. Sharlach has recognized that many students experience barriers mid-way in their education, and aims to support individuals who have already achieved milestones in their academic career. As such, this scholarship is geared toward participants who have successfully completed at least 50% of the bachelor’s degree requirements of a degree-granting accredited college or university. Priority is given to students who have participated in Center programming for at least 12 months prior to applying and who would otherwise not be able to finish their degree in a timely manner without financial aid.

Recipients of the Finish A Bachelor (FAB) Scholarship will receive $2000, renewable for a second year for any recipient who continues to make satisfactory progress toward a bachelor’s degree (for a total award of up to $4000). One award is available.

DEADLINE AND NOTIFICATION

All applications are due by Sunday, June 6, 2021 at midnight. Late applications will not be considered. Finalists will be notified by Monday, June 14, 2021.

HOW TO APPLY FOR CENTER SCHOLARSHIPS

All applicants must:

• Complete the application form online.
• Submit a personal statement of no more than 750 words explaining what the LGBTQ community and community service means to you, what your educational goals are, and what your financial need is.
• Please note, if selected you will be expected to provide documentation from your school that confirms your enrollment in an upcoming semester and a short bio.

STEM applicants must also upload:

• Documentation that they are in a STEM program or STEM internship.

FAB applicants must also upload:

• A transcript of your college courses indicating total credits completed and GPA.

RECEIVING YOUR AWARD

All scholarship awardees will be invited to receive their award at The Center’s annual Garden Party, the Pride week kick-off celebration in late June, to receive checks and recognition, and enjoy food and fun. Attendance at Garden Party is not required to receive the award. Awards are checks made out to the recipient to be applied towards their academic expenses.

Garden Party details to come.

PLEASE DIRECT QUESTIONS TO:

Olin Winn-Ritzenberg
Youth Leadership & Education Manager
646.358.1742
oritz@gaycenter.org

Or

Natasha Jones
Director of Community Advancement
646.358.1740
njones@gaycenter.org