Scholarship

Scholarships will be provided for young LGBT who desire to undertake full-time or part-time education at a public or private secondary school or public institution of higher education in Australia. It will be for the purpose of gaining an educational or vocational qualification in any profession, trade or the arts. The grant will sit alongside and complement other government funding rather than duplicate it.

The Scholarship will cover such vital needs as the cost of tuition fees or dues to an approved educational institution, laptop, textbooks and uniforms.

The Scholarship is not designed to support expenses such as pocket money, travel to and from educational establishment or other personal expenses not directly related to their studies.

Scholarships will be granted for a period of one year. However, an existing Scholarship holder is entitled to reapply for the Scholarship should they comply with goals enshrined in The Pinnacle Foundation (Criteria and Process) Policy 2008.

Importantly, payments will be made directly to educational institutions and other suppliers of goods and services. This is so recipients can get on with learning and not get bogged down in paying bills. Plus, as a charity, we might be able to do some good deals with suppliers.

Selection Criteria

The Scholarship is open to anyone who…

  • Is an Australian citizen of at least 16 years of age;
  • Is a permanent resident of Australia;
  • Identifies as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer or Transgender and, as because of this
  • Has personal or social circumstances which provide significant challenges to the person completing their education; or
  • Has been marginalised due to sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression; and
  • In the opinion of the Selection Committee:
    • Takes their studies seriously and has shown academic achievement during their years at school; and
    • Can demonstrate their commitment to completing Year 12 , a tertiary degree or vocational training;
    • Demonstrates leadership skills, has good academic results and wants to make a difference in the world; and
    • Is proud to stand up for the LGBT rights and is dedicated to the LGBT community.

Beneficiary Prospectus

In making a decision for awarding the Scholarship, Pinnacle has a Selection Committee that can choose a Scholarship recipient who…

  • Demonstrates the potential to have a positive social impact as a result of being awarded the Scholarship;
  • Has an active interest in extra-curricular activities including, but not limited to, LGBT causes, sport, music, a trade and/or the arts;
  • Demonstrates social and political awareness;
  • Is able to demonstrate a character of resilience, independence, courage and determination;
  • Is able to focus on a goal and show a tenacious attitude in achieving that goal;
  • Has a capacity for problem-solving;
  • Shows leadership qualities and an optimistic, enterprising attitude.

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