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Overview

 

The Colorado LGBT Bar Foundation Summit Scholarship fosters inclusiveness in the legal profession by providing financial assistance to deserving Colorado LGBTQ identified law students who have shown strong academic promise and community engagement. Each scholarship provides supplemental funding for law students who have a demonstrated ability in and commitment to affecting change in the LGBTQ communities through their commitment to working and being educated in the legal profession.

 

By providing scholarships to LGBT law students, the Colorado LGBT Bar Foundation recognizes these students’ past achievements and provides much needed support for their future pursuits. Through these awards, we forge links between professional and emerging leaders. In doing so, the Colorado LGBT Bar Foundation helps to facilitate the growth and advancement of not only these individuals – but of our communities as well.

The Colorado LGBT Bar Foundation awards these scholarships through its own fundraising efforts. Two or more students – committed to affecting change in the LGBTQ community through their education and work in the legal profession – will be selected for the scholarships and shall be known as Summit Scholars.

Visibility
All awardees must be “out,” as members of the LGBTQ community, as well as to their non-LGBTQ peers within the educational system and profession for which they are seeking scholarship assistance. By applying for this scholarship, applicants consent to the use of their name and/or likeness in Colorado LGBT Bar Foundation publications and promotional materials.

Guidelines and Terms of Awards
Academic scholarships are the primary component of this program. This is a competitive application process. Consideration will include academic performance; honors; personal/financial hardship; and, especially, service to the LGBTQ community. All applications must strictly adhere to published application instructions and guidelines.Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered.

Scholarships are educational in nature and can be applied to tuition, books, fees, or personal expenses.

  • The scholarship funds are paid directly to the applicant. Consult your tax advisor to determine individual tax liability. If the applicant’s school requires reporting of financial awards, please report awarded funds to the appropriate department.
  • Awards are valid only for the academic year in which the application is received. Awards are distributed in one disbursement – December. The Colorado LGBT Bar Foundation reserves the right to verify enrollment and academic standing prior to disbursement of funds.
  • The Colorado LGBT Bar Foundation Summit Scholarship Fund is a onetime funding opportunity, and those selected as Summit Scholars are ineligible to reapply to the organization.
  • Colorado LGBT Bar Foundation Board of Directors and Officers, selection committee members, major donors, and the family members of these groups are ineligible.

Application FAQs and Eligibility Requirements

 

 

The Colorado LGBT Bar Association Foundation considers many factors when assessing scholarship applicants, including:

  • A proven track record of leadership and community involvement
  • Strong academic achievement
  • Working for the betterment of the LGBTQ community
  • Financial need

Eligible applicants also:

  • Must be enrolled as a rising 2L or 3L at an accredited law school based in Colorado by September 15th of the application year
  • Must be enrolled full-time for the full academic year
  • Must be “out” as a person who identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community

If selected, how much will I receive as a Summit Scholar?

The scholarship amount varies by year based on the budget of the Colorado LGBT Bar Foundation. However, scholarship winners can expect a minimum award of $5,000.

Is there an age limit to apply to become a Summit Scholar?

No, there is no age limit to be eligible to become a Summit Scholar.

If my career goals are not exclusively focused on the LGBTQ community may I still apply?

Yes, the Colorado LGBT Bar Foundation selects scholars whom it believes have made a contribution to the LGBTQ community and who will continue to do so in the future. Some scholars will choose a legal career that focuses on the LGBTQ community, and others will use their skills and influence in other ways while not working full time on LGBTQ issues. Talent and a drive to contribute to society are key characteristics of a Summit Scholar. We welcome accomplished scholars intending to practice law in all fields.

I am not sure that I qualify (or identify) as either financially disadvantaged or marginalized, but I am confident that I have many of the other strengths (history of leadership, dedication to the legal field, etc.). Should I still apply?

Yes, you may qualify and should apply. Our selection committee weighs all facets of each person’s application. The Colorado LGBT Bar Foundation supports scholars who have a variety of needs and who demonstrate a record of accomplishment and high achievement.

Does the Colorado LGBT Bar Foundation provide scholarships to undocumented students?

Yes, our application process is open to all LGBTQ Colorado law students regardless of citizenship. Undocumented students are eligible and will be reviewed as international students.

If I apply and am not selected, may I reapply?

Yes, applicants may reapply the following year. Each returning applicant should submit the most current and competitive information possible, and not recycle their previous application.

Should I send my application early?

Early scholarship applications are always appreciated and early submission also increases the likelihood of early notification of whether an applicant has advanced to the semifinalist round; allowing for more time to gather the required semifinalist supplementary materials. However, each and every scholarship application that is submitted by the deadline of 11:59 p.m. MST on the last day of eligibility (September 15th) will be evaluated equally.

How will I know if you received my scholarship application?

We will send each applicant a confirmation email when their scholarship application is received. Scholarship applicants who are selected as semifinalists will be notified by September 20th at the latest. Scholarship applicants who are not selected to move forward will not receive any further email notifications. If it is late September and you have not received any notification from us, it is safe to assume that you were not selected as a semifinalist.

How will the judging take place?

A Selection Committee made up of members of the Colorado LGBT Bar Foundation Board of Directors will review completed applications. The review of applications is strictly confidential. The decision to award scholarships is final and binding in all respects. No justifications or critique will be provided to any third-party or to applicants regarding evaluation of rejected applications. The Selection Committee may schedule telephone interviews with the finalists to discuss their applications.

 

 

APPLICANT SUBMISSION DEADLINES:

July 1:  Colorado LGBT Bar Foundation Scholarship Application opens.

September 14:  Colorado LGBT Bar Foundation Scholarship Application closes.

September 21:  Semi-Finalists are notified by e-mail and provided with additional application materials and then have until September 25 to submit additional materials.

October 5:  Scholarship winners are notified via phone call and e-mail.

October 26:  Scholarship winners will be honored at Colorado LGBT Bar Association Annual Dinner.

Summit Scholarship Application