Thank you for your interest in the GLBA Scholarship Program!

GLBA invests in future LGBT leadership by providing a scholarship program to help advance the educational goals of gay and lesbian students in Santa Barbara County. GLBA is the ONLY source of scholarships for gay and lesbian students in the County. Your support is invited through the GLBA Scholarship Fund; all donations are qualified by the IRS as tax-deductible.

While some national organizations have told our gay youth they are unwelcome, asserting that gay youth do not meet their leadership or membership standards, these grants are our way of telling our youth they EXCEED those standards and we are proud of them. We believe a little friendly support and encouragement goes a long way for students who often face personal hardship and rejection due to their sexual orientation.

GLBA currently maintains four scholarship endowment funds:

1. THE CARL JOSEPH ADELHARDT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP: This endowment was created on April 3, 2005, in memory of our dear friend and supporter. A resident of Santa Barbara for over three decades, an entrepreneur, noted decorator, and generous supporter of local causes, Carl supported equality, diversity, and GLBA’s student scholarship endeavors for many years. Carl also raised and schooled many young people. Carl’s family and friends are happy to see the Adelhardt name on a scholarship that will keep on giving in perpetuity.
2. THE RAFFIN-GATHERCOLE SCHOLARSHIP: As Claude Raffin and Jon Gathercole have provided exceptional and ongoing support for GLBA, this endowment (begun in 2003) is dedicated to helping LGBT youth succeed and achieve academically.
3. THE ROBERT L. JOHNS VOCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP: This endowment is named after Robert Johns, a prominent local cosmetologist and businessman. In 2003, this endowment was funded to ensure that vocational students have opportunities to succeed in professional goals.
4. THE STEPHEN LOGAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP: This scholarship is named for the well-known Santa Barbara contractor whose generous bequest upon his death in 2000 ensured grants would be available to help gay and lesbian youth in the future.

TO CONTRIBUTE: Donations may be directed to the GLBA general fund, any of the endowments, or individuals may perpetuate their commitment and memorialize a loved one through the GLBA Scholarship Endowment Program.

Contributions and gifts are tax deductible under IRS section 501(c)3. To make a donation or inquire about the application process, please contact GLBA by clicking here.

SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY: Scholarships are awarded based upon the potential for lasting contribution to the Santa Barbara gay and lesbian community, career goals, and financial need. Please see the cover letter from Chairman John Chufar for further information.

Past awards have gone to a broad range of recipients including graduating high school seniors entering college for the first time, continuing university students, community college students, trade school students, and those reentering the workforce or advancing their professional goals. The amount and number of scholarships awarded varies each year according to the amount of donations received.

Scholarship eligibility requires:

• Attendance at a post-secondary institution in Santa Barbara County
• Completion of an application, including statements of:
  • Community involvement;
  • Financial need
• Submission of:
  • An autobiography/personal statement;
  • A copy of current college and/or high school transcripts;
  • Two letters of recommendation: one from a community member and the other from a teacher or faculty member at your institution.
    

APPLICATION DEADLINES: All application materials must be received by GLBA no later than July 30th to qualify for the upcoming school year. Mail to: GLBA Scholarship ~ P.O. Box 90907 ~ Santa Barbara, CA 93190-0907.

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION: The GLBA scholarship application is available in both Microsoft Word and PDF format. Please right click the appropriate link and select "Save File As" to download an application. If necessary, click here to download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat.

• Letter From Scholarship Chairman, John Chufar
• GLBA Application (Microsoft Word)
• GLBA Application (PDF)