Scholarship Opportunity!
Applications open until April 23, 2021
SMYAL Youth Leadership Awards
Applications now open!
Queer and trans youth who are getting ready to start their first year of continuing education are invited to apply for the SMYAL Youth Leadership Awards! Applicants who have demonstrated leadership in their school or community and personal growth could receive up to $5,000 in financial support to help offset the cost of school.
SMYAL Virtual Youth Programs
Designed for queer and trans youth like you, our programs offer the opportunity to express yourself and build community. Our programs range from discussion groups and self-care workshops to kick back nights and study halls. For now, all programs are hosted online.
Youth Leadership Award
Are you paving the way for your fellow LGBTQ students at your school? Do you organize school initiatives? Then you’re improving the future of our community and we want you to get the support you need. As you pursue your dreams of secondary education, learn more about our award and apply today!
Join Our Youth Council
Are you a leader in your GSA or LGBTQ organization at school? Connect with like-minded students during our monthly Youth Council meetings. As you learn how to make your school safer and more inclusive, you will also have the opportunity to discuss specific issues at your school. Interested in joining? Please email youthdevelopment@smyal.org.
Activist Camp
Are you interested in how to be a leader in your community? We’ve created a four-day retreat just for you! During our Activist Camp, you’ll learn how to lead your community while championing inclusive school policies. Get the tools you need to create a safer environment for you and your LGBTQ peers.
While the Activist Camp primarily addresses high school students, it is open to all students from high school to 21, especially those advocating for LGBTQ youth at school. Sound like you? Fill out our questionnaire and apply today!
Little SMYALs
Little SMYAL’s is a group for queer and trans 6-12 year olds to provide young people a safe(r) space hang out and meet new people, access resources, and gain support from staff while connecting youth and their families to community resources and services.
Little SMYALs has gone virtual! Join us on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month for games, crafts, reading, and all-around fun!
Genders & Sexualities Alliance Network (GSA)
The Genders & Sexualities Alliance (GSA) Network empowers queer, trans, and allied youth leaders to organize and mobilize a movement that advocates for safer schools and healthier communities. By providing leadership and activist training, we support the next generation as they lead the charge for LGBTQ rights and social justice.
Our Youth Council also meets to support campus leaders as they organize initiatives to create a safer learning environment. In doing so, we bring the voices and perspectives of youth to the forefront of the LGBTQ movement while educating community members and school faculty.
Breaking Ground
Breaking Ground is a summer program for LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults that utilizes theatre arts and music to discuss complex challenges, successes, and topics. Through acting, singing, and dance workshops, the youth develop a full length musical production based on their real life stories.
Sexual Health
SMYAL works to provide inclusive sexual health education to LGBTQ youth. Knowledge is power and helps to encourage healthy behaviors.
Join SMYAL in our efforts to make sexual health more inclusive and accessible by becoming a Peer Health Fellow. The Peer Health Fellowships are paid 6-month positions.
Youth Resources
If you are looking for connections to housing in DC, please visit SMYAL.org/housing.
If you are looking for resources around mental & physical health, community & family support, or guides about identity, visit our resources page.
