Scholarships

The Gamma Mu Foundation Scholarship Program supports gay men pursuing higher education at colleges, universities, or vocational and professional training programs. Since 2016, the program has expanded to offer two additional scholarships—The Folisi & Goodwin Scholarship in Memory of Ray Williams and The Phil Papel Memorial Scholarship—which are open to students from the broader LGBTQ+ community. These scholarships provide financial assistance for various educational paths, including vocational and technical training, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate programs.


Scholarships are awarded exclusively for full-time study at accredited institutions or programs chosen by the student. Please note that the Foundation does not provide funding for online degree programs. To be considered for a scholarship, interested applicants must complete and submit the online application by March 31.


The Gamma Mu Foundation is committed to empowering LGBTQ+ individuals by easing financial barriers and encouraging academic and professional advancement.

My husband and I owe much of our career success to the opportunity for a quality education. During college, we received financial support that made a meaningful difference in our lives. That's why we've established a named scholarship through Gamma Mu's program to support rural and underserved LGBTQ+ youth. These young individuals face unique challenges, including greater discrimination, isolation, limited support systems, and sometimes a lack of family acceptance. We are dedicated to helping them access the education they aspire to achieve.

~Stephen Crocker and Donald Jolly

Named Scholarship and Founder Level Donors

Payment of Scholarship Awards

As of 2024, Gamma Mu Foundation scholarship recipients receive awards ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to support their academic year of undergraduate, postgraduate, or vocational study.


Payment Process:

  • Payments are made in one installment after July 15th for colleges and universities.
  • For vocational and professional training programs, payments follow specific program requirements.
  • Checks are issued directly to the institution for the benefit of the recipient.

Award Duration:

  • Scholarships are awarded for one year only.
  • Recipients must reapply each year for funding consideration.
  • The Foundation does not offer multi-year scholarships.

Eligibility

The Gamma Mu Foundation empowers the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders by providing financial support for academic or vocational training. Our scholarships are designed for individuals under 35 who demonstrate financial need, resilience, community service and a commitment to furthering their education.


Who Can Apply? Scholarships are open to:

  • Gay men under 35.
  • Members of the broader LGBTQ+ community can apply through the Folisi & Goodwin Scholarship In Memory of Ray Williams and the Phil Papel Memorial Scholarship.
  • U.S. citizens who have graduated from high school or earned a GED by June of the application year.

Preferred Applicants: Priority is given to students who:

  • Exhibit leadership qualities and work towards the advancement of the LGBTQ+ community.
  • Have overcome discrimination or marginalization.
  • Face financial hardship beyond tuition (e.g., housing or food insecurity).
  • Maintain strong academic performance.
  • Are first-generation college students.
  • Are pursuing careers that benefit the LGBTQ+ community (e.g., social work, public health, education, law).

Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must:

  • Submit the online application by March 31.
  • Complete high school or earn a GED by June of the application year.
  • Be admitted to or enrolled in an accredited college, university, or vocational institution for the fall or spring of the following year.
  • Identify as a gay male (or LGBTQ+ student for the specific scholarships listed) under 35 at the time of application.
  • Be a U.S. citizen.

Addressing the Age Limit: We understand that discrimination and marginalization can delay access to higher education for many individuals. Our scholarship program is designed to prioritize young people who are just starting their academic journey and may lack work experience or financial resources. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are driven to further your education and contribute to LGBTQ+ leadership, we encourage you to apply.



Use of Scholarship

Scholarships may be used to cover tuition, books, fees, and other college-related expenses at accredited colleges, universities, vocational, or professional schools. All scholarship funds are disbursed directly to the institution and must be applied to the fall or spring term following the award. The scholarship is a one-time grant, and continued financial support beyond the initial award is not implied. Please see FAQ section. 


Scholarships are awarded exclusively for full-time study at accredited institutions or programs chosen by the student. Please note that the Foundation does not provide funding for online degree programs. To be considered for a scholarship, interested applicants must complete and submit the online application by March 31.

Application

To be considered for a scholarship, interested applicants must complete and submit the online application by March 31. Online applications are accepted from March 1 through March 31. Applications for the Folisi and Papel Scholarship are accepted from March 15 through March 31. 


Applicants will receive email confirmation upon submission. Incomplete applications will not be evaluated, so please ensure all sections are thoroughly completed. All submitted information is confidential and becomes the property of the Gamma Mu Foundation.


Applications are assessed based on the following criteria:


  • Financial need
  • Experience overcoming discrimination or marginalization
  • Leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion
  • Demonstrated LGBTQ+ community involvement
  • Educational and career goals
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Academic and professional achievements

The Gamma Mu Foundation is committed to empowering LGBTQ+ individuals by easing financial barriers and encouraging academic and professional advancement.

Selection of Recipients

The Gamma Mu Foundation Board of Directors, guided by its Scholarships Committee composed of Foundation Fellows from across the country, is responsible for reviewing and evaluating scholarship applications. Based on the committee’s recommendations, the Board of Directors selects and approves the final recipients. All applicants agree to accept the Foundation's decision as final, and notifications regarding the outcome will be sent by May 31.

Obligations and Revisions

Scholarship recipients have no obligation to the Gamma Mu Foundation. They are, however, required to supply the Gamma Mu Foundation with complete transcripts when requested and to notify the Foundation of any changes of address, school enrollment, or other relevant information. If awarded a scholarship, we request that the student supply us with a photo to publish in our Annual Report and agree to have their name listed in Foundation communication materials .


For additional information please contact the Scholarships Committee Chair by email at: scholarships@gammamufoundation.org.

As a queer kid growing up in Texas, entering university with the financial support of the Gamma Mu Foundation Scholarship allowed me to fully embrace the potential of my college experience with confidence and empowerment. It was this freedom, and the support of my LGBTQ+ community, that encouraged me to become an advocate for my queer and trans peers at the university, city, and state level while a student at UT Austin.

~ Issac James

Bachelor’s in Government

University of Texas

Steve Lotterer Memorial Scholarship



I strongly believe in uplifting the gay community in every way possible, and I am incredibly optimistic about Gamma Mu's future in doing just that.

~Gregory Alan

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

Campbell University, North Carolina

Gamma Mu 50th Anniversary Scholarship

The Gamma Mu Foundation's commitment to uplifting underserved LGBTQ+ youth strengthened my path of becoming a first-generation college graduate. As a young, rural, and out high school student, I saw the Foundation's work and leadership as a testament to the strength, tenacity, and success of the LGBTQ+ community.

~ Christian Vitek

Bachelor of Political Science

University at Albany, New York



I am deeply grateful to the Gamma Mu Foundation. Attending a prestigious institution like Morehouse College, a historically Black college (HBCU) in Atlanta, is an incredible opportunity. This support has uplifted me as a gay person of color, especially since my community is often underrepresented.

~ Myles Chapman

Bachelor of Political Science

Morehouse College, Georgia

Art Husky and Herman Phillips Memorial Scholarship



The Gamma Mu Foundation's scholarship made a tremendous difference in my ability to afford to attend law school. Their dedication to empowering and elevating young LGBTQ+ voices has been a source of inspiration for me. I am deeply thankful to everyone at the Foundation and their generous donors and supporters for bringing my dreams to fruition.

~ Clyde Engle

Juris Doctor in Law

Harvard University, Massachusetts



As a queer kid growing up in Texas, entering university with the financial support of the Gamma Mu Foundation Scholarship allowed me to fully embrace the potential of my college experience with confidence and empowerment. It was this freedom, and the support of my LGBTQ+ community, that encouraged me to become an advocate for my queer and trans peers at the university, city, and state level while a student at UT Austin.

~ Issac James

Bachelor’s in Government

University of Texas

Steve Lotterer Memorial Scholarship



I strongly believe in uplifting the gay community in every way possible, and I am incredibly optimistic about Gamma Mu's future in doing just that.

~Gregory Alan

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

Campbell University, North Carolina

Gamma Mu 50th Anniversary Scholarship

Scholarship Application FAQs

  • Who is eligible to apply for a scholarship?

    Men under the age of 35 who identify as gay, along with other LGBTQ+ community members, are eligible to apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have graduated from high school or obtained a GED certificate by June of the application year.


    Students planning to attend community college or technical training programs are highly encouraged to apply. 

  • How do I apply?

    All scholarship applications must be submitted through our online application process. Be sure to carefully read all instructions and answer each question thoroughly and thoughtfully to ensure your application is complete.

    Apply Here
  • When is the deadline?

    All applications must be submitted electronically and electronically postmarked by March 31 for the academic year beginning in the fall of that calendar year.

  • What is the value of the scholarships?

    As of 2024, scholarships range in value from $2,500 to $5,000 per award, with Named Scholarships typically valued at $5,000. 

  • When will I be notified if I receive a scholarship?

    Scholarship recipients are notified by May 31, and awards are paid directly to the educational institution.

  • Do I need to be accepted into an educational institution before applying for the scholarship?

    No, you do not need to be accepted into an educational institution before applying. In your essay, make sure to explain the institutions you are applying to and when you expect to be notified of your acceptance. 


    Scholarship awards are made payable directly to the educational institution. If you are selected for a scholarship, we will notify you by May 31 and you can confirm the name and address of the institution you will be attending at that time.

  • Are the scholarships only for undergraduate study?

    No, scholarships are awarded to both undergraduate and graduate students. Students attending community colleges or technical schools are also eligible.

  • I am currently enrolled or plan to enroll at a community college. Am I eligible for an award?

    Yes, you are eligible for a scholarship if you have 1–2 years of community college remaining and either:  


    1. Intend to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program at a four-year institution, or  
    2. Plan to graduate with an associate degree. 

    Be sure to include details about your educational goals, aspirations, and any challenges or contributions you have made in your community in your application.

  • Can I apply for a scholarship if I am attending a trade/technical school or other professional training program? How about on-line study programs?

    Yes, we welcome applications from students enrolled in verifiable post-secondary trade or technical programs, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. The Foundation does not provide scholarships for online programs. 

  • My tuition is covered by other scholarships. Can I use the award for other expenses?

    Scholarship checks are made payable to and sent directly to the educational institution. The full amount is combined with your financial aid package to cover tuition, books, and fees associated with your program of study.

  • Can I win an award for more than one year?

    Single scholarships are awarded for a specific academic year, but you may reapply and receive additional scholarships in the future.

  • My grades and/or test scores aren’t the best. Will that disqualify me?

    Not at all. The core of the application process is the essay question on page three. If you have faced significant challenges in life, this is your opportunity to share them. We seek students who are motivated to improve themselves and build a better future.

  • I don’t know yet what I will major in at school. Will that hurt my chances?

    No, we support students in all types of academic fields, trade, and professional programs. If you are just starting college, we understand that you may not have chosen a specific academic major or profession yet.

  • Do I have to be a full-time student?

    Ideally, yes. However, we understand that financial circumstances, even with other scholarships and student loans, may make full-time enrollment difficult. Be sure to explain your personal situation in your essay. Keep in mind that the entire scholarship award is paid directly to the educational institution to cover related expenses. 

  • What is your focus on students from “rural” areas?

    The Gamma Mu Foundation is dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals in rural and underserved areas of America, where the gay community often faces significant challenges and limited resources. Many students from these regions experience discrimination or marginalization from their families and communities.


    As the Foundation evolves to meet the changing needs of the LGBTQ+ community, it remains committed to addressing the unique obstacles faced by community members from diverse backgrounds and underserved areas, ensuring greater access to educational and personal development opportunities.

  • If I am from a city, or going to school in a large metro area, am I disqualified?

    You are not disqualified. The Gamma Mu Foundation recognize the significant challenges faced by gay men in metropolitan settings. Students in urban areas often encounter financial obstacles, discrimination, or other barriers, even in environments that may seem more accepting. At the same time, many students in cities have opportunities to engage in programs or clubs that promote diversity and tolerance—efforts that we value greatly.  


    Be sure to highlight your personal experiences, challenges, and contributions in your essay. Whether you’ve faced financial hardship or worked to promote acceptance and visibility in your community, we seek to support students striving to make a positive impact, regardless of where they are from.

  • I am from a really rural area where there are no gay support groups, clubs, or organizations. Will that count against me?

    Not at all. Many of the leaders and donors of our Foundation come from rural areas and understand the unique challenges faced by gay students in these communities. Your experiences and resilience are valued and appreciated in the application process.

  • Do religion or ethnicity matter in the application process?

    No, the Gamma Mu Foundation does not consider religion or ethnicity in the application process. Our scholarship program is dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. While you are not required to provide information about religion or ethnicity, you are encouraged to share any aspects of your background or life experiences that have shaped who you are, as they may help provide a fuller picture of your story.  


  • Are women eligible for a Gamma Mu Foundation scholarship?

    Yes, women can apply through named LGBTQ+ scholarships, which offer opportunities for the broader LGBTQ+ community.

  • Who administers the selection process?

    The Gamma Mu Board of Directors has a Scholarships Committee composed of Foundation Fellows from across the country who review and evaluate applications. The Scholarships Committee then makes recommendations to the Foundation’s Board of Directors, which approves the final recipients.

  • I have some other questions. How can I contact you?

    If you have questions or need more information, we’re here to help!


    Email us at scholarships@gammamufoundation.org


    We’ll get back to you with answers as soon as possible! Feel free to reach out—we’re happy to assist.

In addition to the Gamma Mu Foundation, the list below provides a starting point for exploring additional scholarship opportunites available to LGBTQ+ students in various fields and locations. Check each organization's website for specific eligibility criteria and application deadlines.

Point Foundation - Offers scholarships for LGBTQ+ students across all academic fields. 


Better Brothers of LA - Supports Black LGBTQ+ students pursuing higher education. 


oSTEM (Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Provides scholarships for LGBTQ+ students pursuing STEM-related degrees. 


Out for Education - A Houston-based scholarship fund for LGBTQ+ students. 

 

Out to Innovate - Supports LGBTQ+ students in science, technology, engineering, and math. 

 

Bread & Roses Community Fund: Jonathan Lax Scholarship Fund for Gay Men - Provides financial aid to gay men pursuing post-secondary education. 


eQuality Scholarship Collaborative - Awards scholarships to LGBTQ+ students and allies in Northern California. 

 

Dermatology Foundation Diversity Research Supplement Award - Supports underrepresented researchers, including LGBTQ+ individuals, in dermatology. 

LEAGUE Foundation Provides financial support to LGBTQ+ students who demonstrate leadership and involvement in their communities. 


American Psychological Association LGBTQ+ Scholarships - Offers various funding opportunities for LGBTQ+ students in psychology. 


PFLAG National and Local Chapters - Offers a variety of scholarships for LGBTQ+ students and allies. 


The Pride Foundation - Serves the Northwest U.S., offering scholarships to LGBTQ+ students across a variety of disciplines. 


Live Out Loud - Focuses on empowering LGBTQ+ youth through educational scholarships. 


Stonewall Community Foundation Scholarship Fund - Grants financial aid to LGBTQ+ students in New York City and beyond.


Stonewall Foundation of Greater Sacramento - Provides funding for students at CSUS who are actively working towards increasing LGBTQ equity and representation in civic affairs.


COLAGE Scholarship Fund - Supports youth with LGBTQ+ parents pursuing higher education. 


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