Young Trailblazers Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Live Out Loud
Scholarship Overview
Description: The LIVE OUT LOUD Young Trailblazers Scholarship provides financial support to LGBTQIA+ youth with financial need. Funds may be used for education-related expenses while pursuing a degree or other eligible program at an accredited institution. Award Value: This year, LIVE OUT LOUD will award scholarships of $5,000.
- For LGBTQIA+ youth with financial need.
- Provides $5,000 for eligible education-related expenses.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
Eligibility: Applicants must be part of the LGBTQIA+ community and reside in New York State. They must plan to continue their education after high school through a college or university, vocational or trade school, or certification-based or licensing program. Applicants must submit a completed application, the required essay or other formatted responses, and two letters of recommendation; awards are subject to Scholarship Committee approval.
- Eligible programs include college, university, vocational, trade, certification, and licensing programs.
- Submit the completed application, required written responses, and two recommendation letters.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application and Selection Timeline
Application Timeline: Applications must be submitted digitally and are due in January 2027. Finalists must participate in an individual virtual interview scheduled for February or March 2027, and winners will be notified in the spring. Awards will be presented at LIVE OUT LOUD’s 26th Young Trailblazers Gala on May 24, 2027.
- Applications are due in January 2027.
- Finalist interviews will take place in February and March 2027.
- Winners will be notified in the spring, with awards presented on May 24, 2027.
Letters of Recommendation
Applicants must submit two letters from academic or organizational professionals. The letters should describe the applicant’s prior commitment to LGBTQIA+ issues or potential to become a courageous leader. Recommenders should email their letters directly to LIVE OUT LOUD’s Senior Manager of Programs, Cody Freeman, at [email protected].
- Letters must come from academic or organizational professionals.
- Recommenders should email letters directly to Cody Freeman.
Award Disbursement and Questions
Awards will be distributed only after LIVE OUT LOUD receives all required documentation. This includes a copy of the student’s acceptance letter and verification of attendance from the relevant admissions office. Payment will be made directly to the educational institution after attendance is verified; questions may be directed to Cody Freeman at [email protected].
- Submit an acceptance letter and provide verification of attendance.
- Funds are paid directly to the educational institution after attendance is verified.
- Direct questions to Cody Freeman at [email protected].