The GSBA
Scholarship & Education Fund
Since 1991, The GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund has supported rising LGBTQ+ and allied leaders in Washington State allowing them to focus on their academic journeys without the weight of financial stress. Applications for 2026-27 will open on October 11!
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Your Future Starts Here!
The GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund does more than pay for school. When you receive one of our scholarships, you join a family that gets you, the whole you.
Whether you’re headed to college for the first time, registering in trade school, or working toward finishing your degree, we’ve got your back with more than just tuition help. You’ll be connected with opportunities that push you forward while making lifelong connections with fellow LGBTQ+, gender-expansive, and allied students who share your passion for equality and progress.
Ready to get started? We can’t wait to meet you!
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Do I qualify?
To qualify for the GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund, you must be a Washington State resident. But, you can pursue your education at any accredited college, university, or trade school across the United States—so go ahead and dream big!
You’re considered a Washington resident if:
- You’ve lived in Washington for at least three months before the application deadline.
- You’ve lived here for one year at any time in the past five years.
- You’ve lived in Washington for over a year and have been continuously enrolled in an accredited academic institution for the last five years.
While all students are encouraged to apply, we give preference to:
- LGBTQ+ students
- Members of LGBTQ+ families
- Cisgender/straight allies who have actively supported the LGBTQ+ community
Applicants must be pursuing a certificate program or undergraduate degree – Associate’s or Bachelor’s. We also offer a limited number of awards for Graduate Degrees.
How Does GSBA Choose Scholars??
Each year, the scholarship application opens on October 11th (National Coming Out Day) and must be submitted by January 10th by 5:00 pm PST. To stay up to date with scholarship news outside of that timeframe, please Join The Interest List .
Applicants chosen will interview with the selection committee annually on the first Saturday in April. A dedicated team of interviewers will then determine who will be honored with a GSBA Scholarship, and the whole cohort will be celebrated at GSBA’s annual Scholars Celebration.
GSBA Uses the following criteria to select scholars:
Academic & Career Goals
Does the applicant show clear academic strengths and passion for their studies?
What We Look For:
Academic aptitude and enthusiasm for educational goals.
Community Participation
Has the applicant engaged in their communities— LGBTQ+, and other racial, religious, or social groups?
What We Look For:
Active involvement in communities or clear aspirations if limited by circumstances.
Challenges
Has the applicant demonstrated an understanding of important issues in the LGBTQ+ community? How do they want to
actively contribute to combating it?
What We Look For:
Resilience in the face of challenges and personal growth.
Additional Barriers
Does the applicant identify as part of other marginalized communities, such as economically or racially disenfranchised groups, that may compound the barriers they face?
What We Look For:
Awareness and navigation of additional barriers due to multiple marginalized identities.
What's it like being a GSBA Scholar?
They’re More Than Rising LGBTQ+ Leaders
They’re diving into water science to become hydrologic technicians, training to soar as pilots, healing patients as future doctors and nurses, producing the next hit TV shows, and keeping the lights on as electricians.
No matter their age, gender, sexual orientation, race, or area of study, recipients of the Scholarship & Education Fund reflect the diverse careers that sustain and enrich our communities. Your support—through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word—brings them one step closer to changing the world.
Meet The Current Cohort
Donate Here
Wrap-around Services and Support
Community Engagement
GSBA offers scholars year-round opportunities to engage with the LGBTQ+ community. Scholars will have the chance to attend GSBA networking events, volunteer at community focused activations, and learn from peer mentors.
Professional Readiness
GSBA scholars have access to several leadership development workshops and scholar community building events. These range from large scale gatherings - Immersion Weekend - to smaller hands-on workshops led by GSBA members.
Emergency Support Fund
GSBA offers emergency financial aid to scholars in need. We'll help with surprise and emergency situations to keep you focused on academia.
GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund Impact
Over0
million invested in LGBTQ+ and allied students since 1991.
0
scholars since 1991
0%
of GSBA Scholars have graduated (compared to 62% nationally)
0%
of Washington counties have GSBA scholar representation
0%
are first generation college students.
0%
are BIPOC in addition to LGBTQ+ identity
GSBA Scholarship and Education Fund Sponsors
Partners and Resources
In addition to applying for the GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund, take a moment to review the following resources:
Pride Foundation’s Scholarship – Apply Here
About Pride Foundation
Pride Foundation fuels transformational movements to advance equity and justice for LGBTQ+ people in all communities across the Northwest. Their work is grounded in the simple, yet revolutionary belief every person should be able to live safely, openly, and genuinely in all the places we call home. Pride Foundation was founded in 1985, in the midst of the HIV & AIDS crisis, by a small but courageous group of people who came together to create a source of light and hope during a period of profound darkness. Pride Foundation is the only LGBTQ+ community foundation serving the Northwest region of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington and has invested more than $70 million in transformative community change in pursuit of this vision.
Our Mission
To invest in the education of a diverse group of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and allied students who have the capacity and vision to be the next generation of leaders working to create a better world for all.
DONATE HERE
Other ways to get involved
When we unite our efforts, we can help the next generation of LGBTQ+ scholars and professionals chase their dreams. Dive in and discover how you can support GSBA’s Scholarship & Education Fund and Workforce Development Fund.
Learn More
Know Your Rights
Check out the GSBA Applicant Bill of Rights
View Here
Questions?
For any questions not covered here, you can reach out to scholarship@thegsba.org.
You can also find the FAQ PDF HERE
The GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund is a 501(c)(3) EIN: 94-3138514
You can find The GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund’s Current 990 Here.