Point Foundation: Empowering LGBTQ Students to Make a Difference in the World

Based in Los Angeles, California, Point Foundation is the largest scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) students of merit in America. Point empowers promising LGBTQ students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential to make a significant impact on society through scholarship funding, leadership development, mentorship, and community service training.

LGBTQ students applying for Point Foundation scholarships usually have inspiring and compelling stories of overcoming obstacles in pursuit of their dreams. Many applicants have been rejected by their families – some have been cut off from all financial support, while others have been forced to leave home.



Point considers several factors when assessing scholarship applicants, including personal merit, academic achievement, leadership, involvement in the LGBTQ community, financial need, marginalization, professional experiences, and personal goals. Point seeks applicants with very strong academic performance, proven leadership skills, and a desire to make a difference in the world.

Every year, Point announces its new scholar class in June during LGBTQ Pride Month. The foundation's program year begins in July with a Leadership Conference, where scholars and alumni receive training in personal development skills, leadership development, community service guidance, and LGBTQ advocacy. Through this conference, Point helps its scholars develop a clear understanding of the connection between these attributes and the LGBTQ community, its history, and its future.

Point Foundation also matches each scholar with a mentor who is a successful professional and a prominent member of the LGBTQ and ally community. Mentors help scholars with professional career decisions and assist them in completing an annual community service project required by Point.

By identifying and supporting LGBTQ students of merit, Point hopes to provide a greater level of acceptance, respect, and tolerance for all persons regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Through its programs, Point challenges attitudes contributing to prejudice and social stigma, thus creating social change.