The Straits Pride Scholarship program is designed to support LGBTQ+ identifying students as well as allies who do not identify as LGBTQ+ from the Straits of Mackinac region (Mackinac, Emmet, and Cheboygan counties) in their educational pursuits and advocacy. To apply, students must submit a 500-word essay reflecting on their experience as a queer person or as an ally, describing what that experience means to them.

Applicants are required to complete at least five (5) volunteer hours with Straits Pride prior to submitting an application. Volunteer hours must be logged by a Straits Pride board member. To sign up to volunteer, visit the volunteer page.

The scholarship offers a $1000 award which can be used for post-secondary education, and there is no age limit for applicants. Current college students are eligible, and applicants may apply for multiple enrollment periods, but only once per academic year. Proof of enrollment at a post-secondary institution is required. Applicants must have completed at least one year of secondary education in the Straits of Mackinac region.

The scholarship is currently open to applicants, and there is no deadline. Scholarships are awarded continuously throughout the year at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee. For more information on volunteer opportunities, applicants can contact Straits Pride via travis@straitspride.org.