Young Trailblazers Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Live Out Loud
Overview
The LIVE OUT LOUD Young Trailblazers Scholarship supports LGBTQAI+ young people with demonstrated financial need who are preparing to continue their education. Awards are intended to help cover education-related costs for attendance at an accredited college, university, technical, vocational, or certification/licensing program. This year, Live Out Loud will grant scholarships of $5,000.00 each.
Key deadlines and timeline
- Application deadline: Monday, January 19th, 2026.
- Virtual interviews for selected finalists: scheduled during February and March 2026.
- Winners will be notified in the spring.
- Awards will be presented at Live Out Loud’s 25th Young Trailblazers Gala on May 18, 2026.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Identify as part of the LGBTQAI+ community.
- Reside in New York State.
- Be planning to continue education after high school graduation (this includes undergraduate study, vocational/trade schools, and certification or licensing programs such as esthetician/cosmetology, medical assistant, X‑ray technician, performing arts programs, etc.).
- Demonstrate financial need.
Required application materials
All three of the following must be submitted for an application to be considered complete:
1. The completed application form.
2. The required essay and any other formatted responses requested on the application.
3. Two letters of recommendation.
Finalist interviews
Applicants chosen as finalists are required to take part in a one-on-one virtual interview that will be arranged during February and March 2026.
Letters of recommendation
- Two recommendations must be provided by academic or organizational professionals who can speak to the applicant’s past commitment to LGBTQAI+ issues or their potential to be a courageous leader.
- Recommenders should email their letters directly to Live Out Loud’s Educational Program Coordinator, Nicholas Hastings, at nicholas@liveoutloud.org.
Submission guidelines
- All application materials must be submitted electronically.
- Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Award distribution and conditions
- Awards will not be released until Live Out Loud has received all required documentation, including a copy of the acceptance letter from the institution the recipient will attend and confirmation of enrollment from the institution’s admissions office.
- Scholarship funds will be paid directly to the educational institution only, and only after attendance has been verified.
- Final award decisions are made by the Scholarship Committee based on the eligibility and criteria described in this announcement and the application.
Questions
Direct any questions to Nicholas Hastings, Educational Program Coordinator, at nicholas@liveoutloud.org.