The Rise Up Scholarship - In Honor of Marja V. Kudej, funded by the Casa BruMar Foundation, aims to support LGBTQIA+, nonbinary youth, and their straight and cis allies in their educational pursuits. It provides financial aid to students under 25 residing in Virginia who are attending or planning to attend a four-year college or university. This scholarship recognizes the socioeconomic and health disadvantages faced by the LGBTQIA+ community and seeks to promote inclusive advocacy and community service.
Scholarship Details
- Designed for LGBTQIA+, nonbinary youth, and allies
- For students attending or planning to attend a four-year college or university
- Financial aid for tuition, room and board, or books and supplies
- Primary recipient receives up to $1,000 per year, for a maximum of 4 years
- Additional one-time awards possible, based on funding availability
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to LGBTQIA+, nonbinary youth, and straight and cis allies
- Aged 25 or under
- Residency in Virginia at the time of application
- Enrollment or plans to enroll in a four-year college or university
Application Process
- Submit an essay (up to 1000 words) or a video (max 3 minutes) explaining your role in the LGBTQIA+ community
- Essay/Video should demonstrate how the scholarship will benefit your education and future impact
- Include a sponsor's contact information who can attest to your advocacy (non-relative adult)
- Provide an unofficial transcript to confirm GPA upon selection
- Recipients over 18 to provide legal name, under 18 to provide guardian's contact info
