These scholarships are intended to help offset the cost of continuing education and are awarded directly to recipients entering their first year of post-secondary education, which may include technical or trade school, as well as two- and four-year colleges. Funds are paid directly to the student and may be used for everything from tuition and housing, books and technology, school travel costs, or materials for your program.
There are two scholarship funds, both with the same application process and deadline! All applicants will automatically be considered for both awards.
Founded in 2015, SMYAL’s LGBT Youth Leadership Awards (YLA) provide a total of up to $25,000 to 5-8 student leaders each year. YLA winners receive up to $5,000 each for their extraordinary leadership and impact in their communities. Learn more about past YLA winners here.
Named in honor of Sophie Magerl, Sophie’s Live Out Loud Award (LOLA) will provide a $5,000 scholarship for one student leader who embodies Sophie’s values of self-expression, creative arts, empowerment, resilience, and dedication to community. Sophie was an inspiring 17-year-old who lived out loud and fought for others to be able to express themselves freely. Learn more about Sophie here.
*The DC Metro Area includes Washington D.C. and the surrounding areas in Maryland and Virginia. If you live in the DC Metro area but attended high school out of the area, you may still be eligible.
Email [email protected] if you have questions about your eligibility.
We know that not every leader is the loudest voice in the room.
Leadership can be, but is not limited to:
Applicants should also demonstrate personal growth and the desire to make a difference in the world.
To apply for the Youth Leadership Awards and Sophie’s Live Out Loud Award, you will need:
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