Parsons Family Scholarship Fund

Name: Parsons Family Scholarship Fund for LGBTQ+ Youth and Allies

Award Amount: Approximately $2,000 (one award per year; amount may vary)

Information And Eligibility:
The Parsons Family Scholarship Fund for LGBTQ+ Youth and Allies is a dedicated scholarship administered by the Maine Community Foundation to support graduating high school seniors in Maine who identify as LGBTQ+ or are supportive allies. This award honors the legacy of Betsy Parsons, a longtime Maine educator and fierce advocate for safe, inclusive schools and equitable opportunities for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The scholarship celebrates her life’s work by encouraging and financially supporting students who reflect the values she championed.

The Parsons Family Scholarship is intended to help students overcome financial barriers to post-secondary education, enabling them to pursue degree programs at accredited two-year or four-year colleges, universities, or approved post-secondary institutions. Because the award focuses on both identity and allyship, applicants include LGBTQ+ students as well as those who have actively supported LGBTQ+ peers and communities through leadership, advocacy, volunteer service, or inclusive school involvement. Recipients are selected based on academic performance, community engagement, leadership experience, and the extent to which they embody the scholarship’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and positive social impact.

The scholarship reflects the foundation’s broader mission of investing in Maine’s communities by helping students access the education they need to thrive personally and professionally. While the award amount is modest relative to larger national LGBTQ+ scholarships, it provides focused support for Maine students whose identities or advocacy efforts align with the fund’s purpose.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a graduating high school senior residing in Maine.
• Must identify as LGBTQ+ or demonstrate meaningful allyship and support for LGBTQ+ peers and communities.
• Must plan to enroll in a post-secondary education program at an accredited institution (two-year or four-year).
• Demonstrated academic achievement and engagement in school or community activities are expected.
• Preference for applicants who have shown leadership, advocacy, or volunteer service related to LGBTQ+ inclusion and equity.

Application Requirements:

• Completed Parsons Family Scholarship Fund application through the Maine Community Foundation portal.
• Official high school transcript.
• Personal statement or essay describing academic goals and LGBTQ+ advocacy/allyship efforts.
• Letters of recommendation from educators, advisors, or community leaders familiar with the applicant’s achievements.
• Documentation of involvement in community, school, or advocacy activities supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion (if applicable).

Additional Details:

• The scholarship honors the legacy of Betsy Parsons, a Maine educator and LGBTQ+ advocate.
• Award amounts and number of awards are subject to annual funding and may vary.
• Recipients may be recognized by the Maine Community Foundation and featured in local communications or events.

Deadline: Varies (contact the Maine Community Foundation or check the annual scholarship listings for current dates)

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