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    SMYAL LGBT Youth Leadership Awards

    Offered by SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders)

    Lisa Freedland Reviewed by Lisa FreedlandLast updated Jul 18, 2024
    Multiple awards worth up to

    $5,000

    Grade level

    High School Seniors & College Freshmen

    Expected deadline:

    This scholarship might not currently be accepting applications. Most scholarship programs only accept applications a few months ahead of their annual deadline. We’ve estimated this deadline based on last year’s deadline in order to help you plan out your scholarship applications.

    May 2025

    Scholarship Overview

    Are you a college-bound high school senior or graduate under the age of 24 who is part of the LGBTQ+ community and from the Washington DC Metro Area? If so, the SMYAL LGBT Youth Leadership Awards may be a great opportunity for you! Each year, the awards grants up to $5,000 to 5-8 LGBTQ+ students from the DC Metro Area who have demonstrated impressive leadership either in their schools or local communities. Leadership may include, but is not limited to, participating in/leading a student club, supporting their community or friends through the pandemic, working in the community to increase education and awareness, involvement in social movements like BLM, climate action, gun control, etc., hosting conversations at a religious or community-based organization, involvement in political advocacy, or arts activism. If you’re an LGBTQ+ student leader under the age of 24 who will be starting their undergraduate journey in the Fall, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.

    About SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders)

    The SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders) supports and empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in the Washington, DC, metropolitan region. Through youth leadership, SMYAL creates opportunities for LGBTQ youth to build self-confidence, develop critical life skills, and engage their peers and community through service and advocacy. Committed to social change, SMYAL builds, sustains, and advocates for programs, policies, and services that LGBTQ youth need as they grow into adulthood.

    Eligibility information

    This scholarship is open to students meeting the below eligibility criteria.

    Grade Level

    High School Seniors & College Freshmen

    Maximum Age

    24 years old

    Other Category

    LGBTQ+

    County

    District of Columbia, Arlington County, Clarke County, Fauquier County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Spotsylvania County, Stafford County, Warren County, Alexandria city, Falls Church city, Fredericksburg city, Manassas city, Manassas Park city, Calvert County, Charles County, Frederick County, Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Jefferson County

    Application information

    In addition to the below application materials, interested students must submit "a list of programs where they have submitted active applications and any acceptance letters they've received."

    1,500-word essay

    Two letters of recommendation

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    Scholarship FAQ

    Who should I contact with any questions about this scholarship?

    For any questions regarding this scholarship application, please contact SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders) at [email protected].

    Where can I find help writing my scholarship essay?

    For help writing the essay component of this scholarship application, check out our guides How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay and How to Start a Scholarship Essay (With Examples).

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