LGBTQIA+ students, especially those in rural and underserved communities, are some of the most forgotten and discriminated students in the Central Valley. From tolerating homo/transphobic practices and sentiments in educational spaces and in the community, to the little to no resources available to Queer identifying students, to the lack of education and understanding of Queer identities by school administrators; Queer students are often undervalued, unheard, and misunderstood. 

 

The Central Valley Scholars LGBTQIA+ Scholarship aims to tackle this issue by recognizing exemplary Queer students in the Central Valley who have faced numerous obstacles in their journey to understand their Queer identity while pursuing an education. Our scholarships are created with the central belief that every student is worth investing in and aim to choose recipients based on their identity, need, and potential for growth; aspects often overlooked by other educational institutions. The LGBTQIA+ Scholarship invites vulnerability, encourages empowerment, and gives Queer students in the Central Valley the space to validate their stories and find the beauty in their struggles.​