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:
Award Duration:
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:
Preferred Applicants: Priority is given to students who:
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must:
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:
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.
~ Issac James
Bachelor’s in Government
University of Texas
Steve Lotterer Memorial Scholarship
~Gregory Alan
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Campbell University, North Carolina
Gamma Mu 50th Anniversary Scholarship
~ Christian Vitek
Bachelor of Political Science
University at Albany, New York
~ Myles Chapman
Bachelor of Political Science
Morehouse College, Georgia
Art Husky and Herman Phillips Memorial Scholarship
~ Clyde Engle
Juris Doctor in Law
Harvard University, Massachusetts
~ Issac James
Bachelor’s in Government
University of Texas
Steve Lotterer Memorial Scholarship
~Gregory Alan
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Campbell University, North Carolina
Gamma Mu 50th Anniversary 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.
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.
All applications must be submitted electronically and electronically postmarked by March 31 for the academic year beginning in the fall of that calendar year.
As of 2024, scholarships range in value from $2,500 to $5,000 per award, with Named Scholarships typically valued at $5,000.
Scholarship recipients are notified by May 31, and awards are paid directly to the educational institution.
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.
No, scholarships are awarded to both undergraduate and graduate students. Students attending community colleges or technical schools are also eligible.
Yes, you are eligible for a scholarship if you have 1–2 years of community college remaining and either:
Be sure to include details about your educational goals, aspirations, and any challenges or contributions you have made in your community in your application.
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.
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.
Single scholarships are awarded for a specific academic year, but you may reapply and receive additional scholarships in the future.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, women can apply through named LGBTQ+ scholarships, which offer opportunities for the broader LGBTQ+ community.
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.
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.
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