Help Be the Change
We have big plans for the future and to start creating change and helping our community we have started an LGBQT+ scholarship fund. Eligible LGBTQ+ students and allies can compete in an essay contest to be awarded a scholarship. See details below.
The Plan
GOAL, OBJECTIVE, FOCUS:
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To support LBGTQ+ and ally students’ success in higher education by offering a scholarship to lake area students from the independent school districts of Eustace, Kemp, Malakoff, Mabank, and Trinidad. This identification should be verified through each student’s high school counselor or otherwise knowledgeable professional. The application form will be registered with each high school counselor for Senior students.
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The applying students should have been accepted to attend a community college, full four year university, or vocational school in the United States that has accredited programs. The student must be enrolled in taking at least half-time (6 credits). The student must submit an application, including as essay. The finalists for the scholarship must be interviewed in person or by facetime.
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Selection criteria: personal history & background, recommendation letter(s) from school counselors or equivalent, academic history & future plans, estimate of financial cost and support, community involvement and work experience, experience in leadership or leadership potential, and should demonstrate a commitment to advancing justice & the well-being of their LGBTQ+ communities.
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The scholarship money will be sent directly to the registrar of the accredited school of higher education.
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We are planning on three scholarships this first year. We hope to give between $2500-$5000/scholarship. Our goal for the first year is to have $15,000 by April 1, 2025.
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Why not simply give to a lake area organization that is here to help the LGBTQ+ community? We found none. Even the local colleges do not have LGBTQ+ liaisons or Gay Straight Alliances.
FINANCIAL:
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Cedar Creek lake Pride is planning to apply and have a 501c3 non profit status during this year. Until these are set up, Celebration on the Lake Church, which has 501c3 status is setting up a separate and restricted account for this scholarship fund. COTL will issue donation receipts. Bradley Scott (COTL board member), Fritz Ford (COTL treasurer), Jerry Scott or Jamye Montgomery (Pride organizers) will be the signatures on this account which must be used ONLY for these scholarships. Checks may be made out to Scholarship Fund: COTL.