Charlotte Pride Scholarship & Internship Program

We are thrilled to announce the return of our annual scholarship and summer internship this year, made possible with support from the Principal® Foundation. The Charlotte Pride Scholarship & Internship Program, Generously Supported by the Principal® Foundation, aims to improve economic mobility for LGBTQ and ally college students from the Charlotte metro area by funding college scholarships and a summer internship opportunity. Recipients will be eligible for up to $10,000 for the 2024-2025 school year at an accredited two or four-year college.

Eligibility

Applicants must be/have:

• Map showing North Carolina and South Carolina counties in the Charlotte metro area shaded in pink, with major cities notated.
• From the Charlotte metro area (see county list below and map at right for reference) with a GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale
• An LGBTQ or ally student who has demonstrated service to the LGBTQ community or strong desire to serve the LGBTQ community.
• A demonstrated, significant unmet financial need
• Enrolled or intending to enroll at an accredited two or four-year college for the Fall term of the 2024-2025 academic year
  • Note that preference will be given to full-time students and part-time students in their junior or senior years of college; other part-time students who demonstrate the passion, willingness, and ability to complete their degree will be considered
  • Note that preference will be given to students attending college in North or South Carolina, but all applicants will be considered
• Applicants must be from one of the following counties: Mecklenburg, York, Union, Gaston, Cabarrus, Iredell, Rowan, Cleveland, Lancaster, Lincoln, Stanly, Chester, Catawba, Chesterfield, Alexander, or Anson

SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS & REQUIREMENTS

• The Charlotte Pride Scholarship Program, Generously Supported by the Principal® Foundation, is open only to undergraduate and rising undergraduate students.. While we consider your GPA and test scores, we place greater emphasis on your passion for education and demonstrated service to the LGBTQ community or a desire to serve the LGBTQ community.
• Multiple applicants will be selected; amounts for each winner are determined by the selection committee. 
• The Charlotte Pride Scholarship Program, Generously Supported by the Principal® Foundation, provides up to $10,000 and may be used to cover your tuition, fees, on-campus housing, or books at an accredited non-profit academic institution in the 2024-2025 academic year.
• The scholarship levels are as follows:
  • One (1) Champion of Pride Scholarship ($10,000 award)
  • One (1) Legacy Scholarship ($5,000 award)
  • Two (2) Empowerment Scholarships ($2,500 award)
  • Two (2) Leadership Scholarships ($1,250 award)
  • Five(5) Visionary Scholarships ($1,000 award)
• Applicants may only apply once. 
• The Application Committee will determine scholarship awards based on information provided in the application.