Scholarships

This page is no longer current, and has moved to: https://outtoinnovate.org/scholarships

The Out to Innovate™ Scholarships, established in 2011, are intended for LGBTQ+ undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) programs. The scholarships are designed to promote academic excellence and increased visibility of talented LGBTQ+ students in STEM careers. Scroll to the bottom of the page or follow this link to learn how to apply.

We are pleased to announce generous support from the following sponsors:

  • Berkshire Hathaway Energy Foundation has funded the BHE Foundation Scholarships. These awards provide $5000 scholarships for graduate, undergraduate, and community college students in engineering fields.
  • Motorola Solutions Foundation has funded the Out to Innovate™ Scholarships for the 2022-2023 academic year, which includes first ($5000) and second ($2500) place graduate and undergraduate scholarships.
  • The Amy A. Ross Scholarship in Bioscience. Applicants to this scholarship must demonstrate a commitment to furthering LGBTQ+ visibility, diversity, and inclusion in the biosciences. This is a $2000 scholarship

Scholarship Guidelines

The mission of scholarship program is to:

  • Award scholarships to LGBTQ+ students currently enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM).
  • Honor students who support a creative educational community that increases the visibility and the accomplishments of LGBTQ+ and supportive students.
  • Encourage students to be out in their careers and support diversity in the STEM workforce.

Award Guidelines:

  • Scholarship awards will be paid in the Fall semester/quarter only.
  • Scholarship availability depends on funding, and might not be offered every year. Some years will offer more scholarships than other years.
  • All awards must be used in support of the recipient’s education or research.

Eligibility

  • All scholarships:
    • Identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community
    • Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 on a 4-point scale
    • Be an active supporter of and participant in programs or organizations that promote LGBTQ+ inclusion and visibility
    • Successful completion of a minimum of two years of post-high school education at an accredited U.S. college or university
    • Students enrolled in a graduate-level medical program are not eligible for the scholarship unless enrolled in a research dual-degree program (e.g. MD-PhD)
    • Must be eligible for fall term registration at an accredited U.S. college or university and must not be under disciplinary sanction
  • BHE Foundation Scholarship:
    • The BHE Foundation Scholarship for engineering is limited to students with declared majors in Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent at their institution).
    • Preference will be given to students enrolled at an institution or with a place of residence within 60 miles of the following locations: Portland, OR; Salt Lake City, UT; Las Vegas, NV; Reno, NV; Omaha, NE; Des Moines, IA; Richmond, VA; Bridgeport, WV, Imperial County, CA, Lusby, MD; Minneapolis, MN
  • Out to Innovate Scholarship, funded by Motorola Solutions Foundation:
    • A declared major in an accredited STEM or STEM-related teaching field. STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
  • Amy A. Ross Scholarship in Bioscience:
    • Applicants to this scholarship must demonstrate a commitment to furthering LGBTQ+ visibility, diversity, and inclusion in the biosciences.

Past scholarship recipients:

  • 2022/2023 Academic Year:
    • Out to Innovate Scholarships: Emma Strassberg, Kevin Tu, Luis Tun, Samantha Usman; funded by Motorola Solutions Foudation (grant received 2021)
    • BHE Foundation CARES Scholarships: Sadie Atkinson, Claire Bentfield, Alice Dang, Brenardo Garcìa Martì, Phong Ha, Lauren O’Sullivan, Juniper Savchick, Tyrell Simmons, Rachel Tenney, Tylin Williams
    • Amy A. Ross Scholarship in Bioscience: Adonis Rubio


How to apply:

  • The 2022 application window closed in Jun, 2022, and we are currently evaluating applications for 2022. We are NOT ACCEPTING new applications at this time. The next application cycle will be for the 2023-2024 academic year, and will be open April 1 2023- June 2023. Applications submitted via email or outside the application cycle window will not be evaluated.
  • The application process has three sections: profile, application, and references. The profile section tells us contact information about you. The application form involves demographic, scholastic and financial information AND a 1000 word max personal statement. The reference request section asks you for contact information for three people who have agreed write a letter of recommendation for you. One of these references must be a faculty member who is familiar with your academic accomplishments; the other two references may be people who are familiar with your community/volunteer activities.
  • Incomplete or late application submissions will not be evaluated.
  • Applications submitted via email or outside the application cycle window will not be evaluated.

Questions: NOGLSTP Scholarship Program Coordinator at: scholarships at noglstp dot org