LGBTQA Scholarship Opportunities
LGBTQA Services is pleased to announce four scholarship opportunities for students:
1. The Bayard Rustin Book Scholarship (1-$500 award)
Given to a student who has demonstrated a commitment to diversity, civility, and the inclusion/ advocacy of
LGBTQA concerns in their curricular and/or co-curricular lives.
2. The Baker Family Scholarships
a) Beth O. Baker ’77 Award (1- $250 Award) – Given to a student who has served as an LGBTQA Ally, has
advocated for the LGBTQA community, or has contributed to research or teaching about the importance of
LGBTQA Allies. This student must be an active member of his or her student community and an exemplary role
model for equality amongst their peers.
b) Dorothy Gilson Baker ’47 Award (1- $250 Award) – Given to a student who has served as a role model for
gender identity and expression issues, is self-identified transgender, or has advocated in the community for
the inclusion of gender identity in policies and practices.
c) Bob Baker Award (1- $250 Award) – Given to the outgoing President, or another student leader on the
LGBTQA Student Group Executive Board, who has demonstrated leadership and a desire to make a difference
in the world.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION
1. You can apply yourself or nominate someone for the scholarship. To nominate someone for one of the
scholarships, please email their name and email address to Aneesah Smith (asmith4@wcupa.edu). If you
nominate someone, we will forward them this information with a note that you have nominated them.
2. Complete and return the application by Friday, April 10, 2015 by 4:00 p.m.
3. You must have a GPA of 2.75 or above, 15 completed credits, and are in good standing with the university.
You must demonstrate support of the LGBTQA community.
4. You can turn in a hard copy of the completed application to:
Aneesah Smith
238 Sykes Union
5. Any questions, please contact Aneesah Smith by email, asmith4@wcupa.edu or phone, 610-436-3147.
6. The scholarships will be announced at the LGBTQA Awards ceremony on Friday May 1, 2015 at 4:30pm in
Sykes Room 10A. Recipients will be informed of their award prior to May 1st.
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SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM
Name: _____________________________________________________________________________
Student ID #: ________________________ Email Address: _____________________________
Cumulative GPA: __________________ # of credits completed: ___________________ (We will check in My WCU)
Major: _____________________________ Minor: ____________________________________
Check each scholarship for which you wish to apply.
____Bayard Rustin Book Scholarship ____Beth O. Baker ’77 LGBTQA Ally Award
____Dorothy Gilson Baker ’47 Award ____Bob Baker Award
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APPLICATION QUESTIONS
1. After reading the descriptions on the first page, please write a paragraph for each scholarship telling us why
you are a good candidate for the award. (example: if you check two categories above, please write one
paragraph for each).
2. Please list any activities or organizations you’re involved with on or off campus and tell us how they relate
to LGBTQA issues and diversity.
3. Please explain your financial need. Are there any extenuating circumstances that will impact your ability to
pay for school?
4. Describe the challenges you have encountered in your home, school, or community because of you LGBTQA
identity and/or action as a LGBTQA leader. How have these challenges affected you? How have you chosen to
face these difficulties?
5. Please indicate your intended academic major at West Chester University. Why are you choosing this
particular area of study? If you are unsure, please describe what interests you plan to explore and why.
6. Please describe your most important activities and achievements, including academic honors, community
service, and other volunteer opportunities, extracurricular activities, and work experience.
7. Select a quote that is meaningful to you. Describe how it inspires you to work to achieve social justice and
support for LGBTQA issues.
8. Please list two personal references and their email addresses who we can contact to learn more about your
character.
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LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
1. Students must submit two letters of recommendation that attest to their leadership, courage, &
commitment to LGBTQA issues from academic and/or organization professionals (teachers, directors,
advisors, etc).
a. Please ask your recommenders to send letters directly to:
i. LGBTQA Student Services, c/o Aneesah Smith 238 Sykes Student Union West
Chester University West Chester, PA 19383 TESTIMONIAL
2. In a statement of no more than 1,000 words on a separate sheet of paper, please provide
a testimonial that demonstrates your participation in and support of the LGBTQA
Community, as well as the positive influence it’s had on your life.
3. Example topics may include, but are not limited to:
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How have you distinguished yourself as a member in the LGBTQA community?
How has your experience at West Chester University helped to develop your identity?
Describe a challenge you came up against and how you persevered.
Describe a situation or project you initiated that impacted the LGBTQA community.
Should you be awarded a scholarship,
Do we have permission to publicize your testimony?_____ Yes _____ No
Do we have permission to publicize your photograph? _____ Yes _____ No
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