What is the OPALGA+
Student Scholarship Fund?

The OPALGA+ Student Scholarship Fund provides financial support for continuing education of local, Cook County Illinois, LGBTQ+ students and allies who have demonstrated service and advocacy to the LGBTQ+ community and/or the larger community. Scholarships are $5,000 each paid directly to the college or program you plan to attend.

APPLICATIONS FOR $5000 SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THE 2024-’25 SCHOOL YEAR WILL OPEN IN OCTOBER 2023 AND BE DUE BY JANUARY 31, 2024.  Applications for 2023-’24 scholarships closed on February 28, 2023. If you have any questions, please send an email to scholarship@opalga.org.

TO QUALIFY, STUDENTS MUST MEET THESE CRITERIA:

1. Identify as an LGBTQ+ person or be the child of an LGBTQ+ person or be an LGBTQ+ ally.
2. Be a graduating high school senior applying to a 4-year or 2-year degree program or trade school/certificate program.
3. Reside in one of the following municipalities (updated for 2024-’25 applications): Bellwood, Berkeley, Berwyn, Broadview, Brookfield, Chicago, Cicero, Elmwood Park, Forest Park, Forest View, Franklin Park, Harwood Heights, Hillside, La Grange, La Grange Highlands, La Grange Park, Lyons, Maywood, McCook, Norridge, North Riverside, Northlake, Oak Park, River Forest, River Grove, Riverside, Rosemont, Schiller Park, Stickney, Stone Park, Summit, Westchester, or Western Springs.

HIGH SCHOOL APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT BY JANUARY 31, 2024:

1. Scholarship application found at www.opalga.org/scholarship-application/
2. One essay describing your service/advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community or larger community.
3. Two or more letters of recommendation from those with knowledge of your service and character.

Scholarship recipients will be chosen based on the strength of the essays, recommendations, demonstration of dedication to service, involvement in other activities, and their unique personal circumstances.

Prior-year recipients of OPALGA+ scholarships may be eligible to receive the Jan Grillos Memorial Scholarship Award for Continuing OPALGA+ Scholars while they are still enrolled in their program. The Scholarship Committee will reach out to 2023-’24 Continuing Scholars with more details.