The Point Foundation, the first and largest national foundation to support academic achievement in higher education among LGBT students, has opened its 2006 application season by announcing more than a dozen scholarships, including a new partnership with the Matthew Shepard Foundation.
The Point Foundation will also continue its partnership with mtvU, MTV's 24-hour college network. Reflecting the exponentially growing popularity of the program, the foundation is anticipating approximately 5,000 applicants this year.
Point Scholarships are substantial. In most cases, the cover the costs of tuition; books; supplies; room and board; transportation; and living expenses. In addition, Point Scholars are matched with mentors from the professional world who serve as positive role models and provide personal support.
This year, the Point Foundation will team with the Matthew Shepard Foundation to offer new named scholarships, awarding $10,000 to three Matthew Shepard-Point Foundation Scholars. The Matthew Shepard Foundation was founded by Dennis and Judy Shepard in memory of their 21-year-old son, Matthew, who was murdered in an anti-gay hate crime in Wyoming in 1998.
Vance Lancaster, executive director of the Point Foundation, will personally fund one of these new awards. Additionally, mtvU will, for the second consecutive year, support a named scholarship in the amount of $10,000.
The application deadline for this year's scholarships is May 1. Visit www.thepointfoundation.org/apply.html for more info.