The Point Foundation, the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for LGBT students, today announced its 23 “2014 Point Foundation Scholars,” who will receive scholarships.
“Helping hardworking and bright students afford the increasing cost of a college education is an investment in a better future for everyone,” Jorge Valencia, Point’s executive director, said in a news release. “Embracing diversity in education – particularly empowering LGBTQ students – is necessary for building a more equitable and innovative society.”
According to Point, 48 percent of its 2014 scholars are people of color, 30 percent are the first generation in their family to go to college, and many are transgender or gender non-conforming.
Point Scholars agree to maintain a high level of academic performance and to complete a community service project each year, according to Point. Each scholarship recipient is matched with a mentor, and all take part in leadership development training.
The 2014 Point Scholars are: Frederick Adenuga, Miami, Fla.; Erin Armstrong, Pleasant Grove, Utah; Ishan Asokan, Orlando, Fla.; Brittney Balkcom, Humble, Texas; Morgan Cheatham, Alexandria, Va.; Win Chesson, Durham, N.C.; Bridgette Davis, Eldridge, Iowa; Gregory Davis, Detroit, Mich.; Meg Day, Redwood City, Calif.; Kale Edmiston, Dayton, Ohio; Elizabeth Ehret, Middletown, N.J.; Samy Galvez, Guatemala City; Alexa Groenke, Bloomington, Minn.; Marcus Lee, Charlotte, N.C.; Samir Luther, St. Louis, Mo.; Jez Marston, Kingston, Jamaica; Crys O’Grady, Manahawkin, N.J.; Emmett Patterson, Washington, D.C.; Kyle Ranieri, Lansing, Mich.; Jacob Rudolph, Parsippany, N.J.; AJ Singletary, Mountain Home, Ark.; Erika Sommer, Lexington, Ky.; Audrey Stewart, Houston, Texas.
