The Straits Pride Scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year is designed to support queer-identifying students and allies from the Straits of Mackinac region (Mackinac, Emmet, and Cheboygan counties) in their educational pursuits and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. To apply, students must submit a 500-word essay reflecting on their experience as a queer person or ally in the region, describing what that experience means to them. Additionally, applicants are required to complete at least 5 volunteer hours with Straits Pride by May 31, 2025, with the opportunity to earn more hours, which are valued at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee. Volunteer hours must be logged by a Straits Pride board member. The scholarship offers a $1000 award for the 2025-2026 academic year, 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 period. Proof of enrollment at a post-secondary institution for the 2025-2026 academic year 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 the deadline for applications is May 31, 2025, with the winner announced on June 4, 2025. For more information on volunteer opportunities, applicants can contact Straits Pride via travis@straitspride.org.