Point Foundation Announces 2006 Scholarships

Thirty LGBT students were named 2006 Point scholars Wednesday, receiving multiyear scholarships for higher education from the San Francisco-based Point Foundation. They include the first Matthew Shepard Foundation scholars as well as the first mtvU scholar, thanks to new partnerships with both organizations. "Our newest Point scholars represent the best and brightest in our community, coming from diverse educational fields, genders and gender identities, sexual orientations, racial backgrounds, economic circumstances, and geography," Bruce Lindstrom, Point Foundation founder and chair of the board of directors, said in a statement. "Our scholars are chosen for their demonstrated leadership, scholastic achievement, involvement in the LGBT community, and financial need. This year's group of scholars far exceeded our expectations." There are 65 Point scholars currently enrolled in school, in addition to 12 alumni. This year's crop of scholars was selected from more than 1,300 applicants and students will receive average awards of $12,500, plus mentoring and leadership training. The scholars are also expected to develop and implement annual projects that will directly impact the LGBT community. (The Advocate)