The Aegis Foundation Scholarships help lower income students obtain a higher education that would otherwise pose a tremendous hardship for that individual or family.
The LGBTQ scholarship awards empower promising lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential.
Aegis Scholarship Awards may be applied to tuition, books, fees or dissertation expenses.
Each person who applies for an Aegis Scholarship is evaluated on the totality of their situation. Academic achievement, personal merit, leadership, professional experiences, financial need, marginalization, personal and future goals are all taken into consideration.
Who is Eligible
+ Age 16- 23
+ Maintained a 2.0 average or better
+ High school diploma or GED
+ Entering college or university within their state of residency
+ Plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree
+ Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA/Dreamer*
+ Not an Aegis board member or a family member of a board member
Check List – Requirements
+ Completed application
+ Answer essay – see attached
+ Letters of recommendation – All students must submit two letters of recommendation
+ Graduate students, current, and incoming students must submit one academic and one work/volunteer related letter
+ High school students may have one letter from a friend or family member
+ Official sealed transcript of most recent educational enrollment
+ Current high school student: high school transcript
+ GED graduate: GED certificate
+ Trade school, college, university, or graduate student: most recent institution attended
+ All others: most recent high school, postsecondary or training program attended.
Materials sent by mail only.
Aegis Foundation
215 N. Pine Street
#2808
Charlotte, NC 28202
Application Deadline
Currently closed
Scholarship Amounts
Range from $1,000 – $10,000
Review Process
The Aegis Scholarship Program makes award decisions each year through a community review process. A committee formed of Aegis board members from across the country reviews all of the applications, discusses them and through consensus, selects scholarship recipients. Aegis Foundation Board of Directors approves the release of funds for the scholarship awards. Decisions are finalized each year no later than June 1. Scholarships checks are issued directly to the recipient’s school.
Each person who applies for an Aegis Scholarship is evaluated on the totality of their situation. Academic achievement, personal merit, leadership, professional experiences, financial need, marginalization, personal and future goals are all taken into consideration.
FAQ’s
Does Aegis encourage graduate and post-graduate students to apply?
Yes. Applicants from all levels of higher education may apply for an Aegis Scholarship Award.
If I am a senior in high school and I do not know where I will be attending college, can I still apply?
Yes, Aegis understands that many applicants will not have finalized plans for their education at the time that they apply. You neither have to be enrolled nor accepted to a particular program/university to apply to be an Aegis Scholar.
I have taken the past several years off to begin my career, but now I am looking to go back to school for a second degree. Is there an age limit to apply to become a Aegis Scholar?
Yes, there is an age limit to be eligible to become an Aegis Scholar. You may apply at any time during either your education or career as long as you plan to be enrolled full-time. The age cut off is 23. Applications are due before your 24th birthday.
If I am planning to complete my degree through an online program, am I eligible to apply for an Aegis Foundation Scholarship?
No, Aegis does not provide support for students who pursue an education or a special program solely online. You may take a combination of both traditional class-room courses and online courses. Aegis believes it is important for Aegis Scholars to be a part of an academic community and interact face-to-face with other students and faculty on a regular basis while earning a degree and representing Aegis.
Do I need to identify within the LGBTQ community to apply?
No, however, we do have a specific scholarship earmarked for LGBTQ individuals. One who receives an LGBTQ Aegis Scholarship Award is expected to be “out” as a person who identifies within the LGBTQ spectrum—lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer.
Will I be expected to reveal this identification to the public?
Yes, Aegis posts a picture and short biography of each recipient on Aegis Foundation’s website. Additionally, Aegis Scholars are expected to attend and occasionally speak about their own experience in public settings such as fundraisers and conferences.
I am not sure that I qualify (or identify) as either financially disadvantaged or marginalized, but I am confident that I have many of the other strengths (history of leadership, dedication to a field, etc.). Should I still apply?
Yes, you may qualify and should apply. Aegis’ selection committee weighs all facets of each person’s application. Academic achievement, personal merit, leadership, professional experiences, financial need, marginalization, future and personal goals are all considered. Aegis supports scholars who have a variety of needs and who demonstrate a record of accomplishment and high achievement.
Are Aegis Scholarship Awards restricted to any specific geographic regions (e.g., Minneapolis area only)?
Currently Aegis Scholarship Awards are not limited to only Minnesotans but to scholars who are enrolled within the United States of America.
Does Aegis provide scholarships to citizens of foreign countries?
The application process is open to all college students regardless of citizenship. However, the organization’s scope of support is limited to higher educational pursuits at accredited institutions that are located within the borders of the United States of America.
Does Aegis provide scholarships to undocumented students?
Yes, as stated above regarding international students, Aegis application process is open to all students regardless of citizenship. Undocumented students are eligible and will be reviewed as international students.
If I apply and am not selected as an Aegis Scholar, may I reapply?
Yes, applicants may reapply the following year. Aegis does not keep copies of semifinalist/finalist materials from previous application cycles; thus materials submitted in the past must be resubmitted for consideration.
When I reapply, may I submit my old application?
Currently, this option is not available, so it is important that each returning applicant submit the most current and competitive information possible.
