Jenna’s Love: A Scholarship for Fierce Youth Change Agents
The GSSC Scholarship provides a $1,000 scholarship to a LGBTQIA+ youth at or with the intent to attend a Post-Secondary Institution. The GSSC Scholarship provides a $1,000 scholarship to a queer youth, who is a resident of Georgia and is attending or will soon begin to attend a Post-Secondary Institution. Attending a college or university is one type of post high school education; however, attending a vocational program is also within the intention of these funds.
This scholarship is named after Jenna Thomas. Jenna was an amazing human being, as well as an influential community organizer, activist, and advocate. She dedicated her life to making the world a better place by confronting white supremacy, as well as advocating for queer and trans young people through leading workshops and seminars to educate others. She was known for personally mentoring her friends and family.
Jenna was a down-to-earth, authentic, and compassionate person. She had a very unique sense of humor and was deeply kind. If you ever met Jenna, your life was transformed – even in a small amount of time. Jenna helped us believe in the power of love, connection, and community! Oh and by the way, Jenna was a fierce white, young trans woman, who was nurse. She liberated herself and others along her journey. Hey Miss Jenna – We love you!
Jenna’s Love Scholarship Criteria
This scholarship of $1,000 will be awarded to a very special youth who:
An LGBTQIA+ Youth (17-24 years old);
Is a resident of Georgia
Is enrolled in or has been accepted to a post-secondary educational institution, such as a college/university or a vocational program
Has a strong commitment to activism and social justice.
Embodies the Spirit of Jenna Thomas: Has an excellent sense of humor; believes in the power of love, friendship and leadership to transform the world into a better place
Demonstrates kindness and compassion to others in meaningful ways
Willingness to participate in an acknowledgement program [attend an awards ceremony or take a picture of yourself with our certificate so that we can brag on you!]
Scholarship Application Materials
At least one (1) letter of support. This letter of support could be from a teacher, mentor, fellow activist, community member, or a friend. Among many other things, this letter could include how you know one another and/or describe your community involvement.
One (1) Personal Essay describing how you reflect the scholarship criteria, especially the spirit of Jenna Thomas. Please also describe your educational goals.
Application materials are due January 31, 2023.
* We strongly prefer for all scholarship money to be paid out directly to the qualifying institution on behalf of the student; however, if paying the institution directly has a negative impact on your other funding then we can make an exception.