GCEF Scholarship Fund accepting student applicants
Scholarship funds available for LGBTQ+ and allied students throughout Greater Akron
The GCEF Scholarship Fund of Akron Community Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications from LGBTQ+ and allied students who make a meaningful difference in the community.
Established by the Gay Community Endowment Fund in 2012, the GCEF Scholarship Fund awards postsecondary academic scholarships to LGBTQ+ and allied students who live or study in Summit, Medina, Portage, Stark and Wayne counties. Since its founding, the fund has awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships to area students.
"Whether they're a part of the LGBTQ+ community or an allied activist, these student changemakers will shape our futures," said the Honorable Carol Dezso, who is chairing the scholarship selection committee for a second year. "The GCEF Scholarship Fund is committed to helping alleviate the financial burden of higher education so students can pursue their academic passions and unlock their potential."
Scholarship applications are due by April 30. A link to the online application and instructions for applying are available at akroncf.org/students. Priority is given to students who participate in organizations or initiatives that make a positive impact in the LGBTQ+ community. Applicants must reapply annually by submitting a new application.
For more information about the GCEF Scholarship Fund and how to apply, contact Diane Schumaker, Akron Community Foundation's scholarships and grants administrator, at 330-436-5615 or dschumaker@akroncf.org. Community members can also invest in the next generation of LGBTQ+ students and allies by donating to the GCEF Scholarship Fund at akroncf.org/give/GCEFScholarship.
About the GCEF Scholarship Fund
The Gay Community Endowment Fund of Akron Community Foundation established the GCEF Scholarship Fund in 2012 to provide scholarships for LGBTQ+ and allied students who live or attend school in the geographic area served by the fund, including Summit, Medina, Portage, Stark and Wayne counties. To date, the fund has awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships to students across Greater Akron. For more information about the scholarship fund, including eligibility and renewal requirements, visit akroncf.org/students.
About the Gay Community Endowment Fund
Founded in 2001, the Gay Community Endowment Fund is a permanent philanthropic endowment of Akron Community Foundation. The fund advances a lived equality for all LGBTQ+ people in Greater Akron by investing in strategic and responsive grantmaking that empowers the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Since its inception, the fund has grown to more than $2.2 million while reinvesting nearly $840,000 into the community. Contributions of any amount are welcome and support future grantmaking. Checks should be sent to Akron Community Foundation, 345 W. Cedar St., Akron, OH 44307, with Gay Community Endowment Fund in the memo line. Donations may also be designated for the GCEF Scholarship Fund. For more information, or to contribute, call 330-376-8522 or visit gaycommunityfund.org.