What is the OPALGA+
Student Scholarship Fund?

Young LGBTQIA+ people face unique challenges in high school and college. OPALGA+ is committed to providing support to the next generation of community leaders. The OPALGA+ Student Scholarship Fund provides financial support for continuing education of local LGBTQIA+ students who have demonstrated service and advocacy to the LGBTQIA+ community and/or the larger community. Scholarships are in varying amounts up to $5,000, paid directly to the college or program the student plans to attend.

TO QUALIFY, STUDENTS MUST MEET THESE CRITERIA:

1. Identify as an LGBTQIA+* person or be the child of an LGBTQIA+* person or an ally
2. Be a graduating high school senior or completing your first year in higher education and planning to enter the second year. Preference will be given to candidates graduating high school and to those who have not previously been awarded an OPALGA+ scholarship
3. Reside in one of the following suburbs:

• Berwyn
• Broadview
• Brookfield
• Cicero
• Elmwood Park
• Forest Park
• Maywood
• Melrose Park
• North Riverside
• Oak Park
• River Forest
• Riverside

OR the Chicago zip codes 60707, 60623, 60624, 60639, 60644, or 60651 (Austin, Galewood, North Lawndale, West Garfield Park, and parts of Belmont Cragin, Hermosa, Humboldt Park, and Montclare).

4. Have applied or been accepted to a 4-year or 2-year degree program or trade school/certificate program

APPLICATION MATERIALS INCLUDE:

• Scholarship application
• One essay describing the student’s service/advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community or larger community
• Two or more letters of recommendation from those with knowledge of the student’s service and character

Scholarship recipients will be chosen based on the strength of the essays, recommendations, service and other activities.