PRIDE SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

When was the program established?

In June of 2004, two Phoenix LGBT nonprofit organizations, Phoenix Pride and Camelback Business and Professional Association, joined forces to create a scholarship fund for LGBT youth in the metropolitan Phoenix area. This fund became the bedrock of the Pride Scholarship Program. Funds of the Pride Scholarship Program are administered by the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF), the largest nonprofit organization in the state that is dedicated to promoting and facilitating effective philanthropy. The Pride Scholarship Program continues to be supported by contributions from Phoenix Pride and community members who are committed to expanding the educational opportunities for the LGBT community. The program is currently seeking to increase partnerships with philanthropic individuals, corporations, organizations and foundations to increase scholarship funding for LGBT students in the metropolitan Phoenix area.

Why was the program established?

The Pride Scholarship Program was established to provide scholarships for students who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender, live in the metropolitan Phoenix area, and have been accepted or are currently enrolled in a local undergraduate education program. The goal of the program is to encourage and support LGBT students in the development of the intellectual and interpersonal skills necessary to have a positive impact on our LGBT community, as well as society at large.

One of the most exciting elements of our partnership with ACF is that an individual, a business, or an organization can establish new scholarship opportunities for LGBT youth. The professional partnership with ACF allows us the flexibility to tailor scholarship programs around the goals and vision of the donor. The relationship with ACF allows the donor to be confident the program is administered in a well-managed, professional environment.

Why is it important to support education?

The program was established with the appreciation that undergraduate education is designed to prepare students for a profession, butit also enables them to maximize their potential to live constructive and satisfying personal, social and civic lives. In addition to depth of knowledge in a particular academic or professional discipline, students develop the general intellectual skills they need to continue learning throughout their lives; gain mastery of critical learning skills; investigate the traditional branches of knowledge; and develop the broad perspective that frees one to appreciate diversity and change across time, culture, and national boundaries.

The presence of Pride Scholarship scholars on campuses throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area will have a positive impact on the LGBT community at large. Pride Scholarships will enable LGBT students to contribute to building a stable future for LGBT youth and the future of the LGBT community in Arizona.