Point Foundation Guides LGBTQ Students in the Right Direction

The largest scholarship granting organization for promising LGBTQ students in America, Point Foundation provides financial support, mentoring, leadership training, and hope to a community of individuals who are often marginalized due to their sexual orientation. Founded in 2001, Point was born out of entrepreneur Bruce Lindstrom's own past experiences. Growing up in a strict, evangelical household, Lindstrom came out to his parents and was subsequently excluded from all family get-togethers for 15 years. Despite a lack of support from his family, he was determined to do well in school and eventually finished college and graduate school.

During the 1970s, Lindstrom met membership warehouse pioneer Sol Price, who later became his mentor. It was then that Lindstrom realized the importance of mentoring and leadership. These principles, along with academic excellence, would form the foundation of Lindstrom's idea of “a different kind of organization.” Following a very successful career in business, Lindstrom and longtime partner Carl Strickland started Point Foundation to give back to the community and help young LGBTQ students reach their full academic and leadership potential.

In 2002, Point successfully supported its first class of eight scholars with seed capital from Lindstrom and Strickland. Last year, the organization funded 71 scholars at some of the country's best colleges and universities in various academic fields. To date, more than 120 Point alumni have received their higher education degrees.

Point Foundation also runs a mentoring program in which scholars are matched with a mentor who is a successful professional in his or her own respective field. Point mentors provide personal support and professional career guidance, as well as oversee the completion of a required annual community service leadership project.

On September 15, Point will host a fundraising dinner and concert at The Wiltern in Los Angeles. Called Voice on Point, the event will highlight the stories and achievements of Point scholars and feature performances and appearances by Robin Thicke, Mark Ballas, Queen Latifah, and more.