ABOVE: Photo via PFLAG Tampa.
Obtaining an education is critical and can be much harder for students belonging to the LGBTQ community to do so comfortably, PFLAG Tampa says.
That’s why the organization – which has offered LGBTQ-affirming support, education and advocacy to those in need throughout Tampa Bay for more than a decade – has created the PFLAG Tampa Achievers Scholarship to assist LGBTQ students and supportive allies.
“LGBTQ+ students face hurdles that their cis/straight counterparts would not,” the organization states in its scholarship overview. “Though acceptance in modern society has risen, bullying, harassment, and violence against LGBTQ+ youth in schools has increased within the last few years as well.”
According to the CDC’s National Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance report, in comparison to 7% of cisgender youth, 29% of transgender youth have been threatened or injured with a weapon on campus.
PFLAG Tampa recognizes that having access to educational resources is a more difficult feat for LGBTQ people, and even more so for the BIPOC within the community. Whether they’re a current student or someone looking to get their foot in the door toward getting an education, they’re working to break down one less barrier.
“PFLAG Tampa sees you, and we also see LGBTQ+ high school allies working towards providing safe and supportive environments for their LGBTQ+ families and friends,” the organization advises.
The scholarship is open to LGBTQ+ individuals or LGBTQ+ allies residing in the Tampa Bay area, in both Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. There is no high school or GRE requirement and information must be provided about the enrolling school. Applicants must be applying to, been accepted at or currently attend a two- or four-year post secondary program or institution, technical or trade school or an approved certification program.
“PFLAG has historically stood for the removal of systemic barriers, like access to education,” the chapter shares. “This scholarship is intended to address the increased economic barriers to education which many within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly LGBTQ+ BIPOC folks, face.”
Applications for the 2022-2023 academic school year can be found here and must be submitted by June 30. They will be reviewed through Aug. 1.
For more information, visit PFLAG Tampa’s website or email PFLAG.Tampa@gmail.com. Additional reporting by Ryan Williams-Jent.
